Suara Merdeka: Kisah Usahawan Kita
Voice of Independence: The Story of Our Entrepreneurs
The Heartbeat of Merdeka: More Than Flags and Parades
Every Merdeka Day, Malaysia transforms. Streets blossom with Jalur Gemilang, families gather, and the air tingles with pride. But independence, Merdeka, is not merely the unfurling of flags or dazzling fireworks. It’s the dignity of choosing your own path; it’s the freedom woven deep into the soul of our nation. On this day, we celebrate not only Malaysia’s remarkable journey to nationhood but also the quiet, powerful battles waged by ordinary Malaysians to carve out independence in their own lives.
The Unsung Struggle: Independence in Everyday Life
Just as our forefathers fought bravely to liberate our homeland from colonial rule, every Malaysian faces their own challenges, invisible battles against financial instability, emotional doubts, and social limitations. Every dream for a better life, every push against adversity, echoes the Merdeka spirit. This year, Merdeka Day 2025 is a call to reflect: How can we translate our national pride into personal growth, empowerment, and true freedom for all Malaysians?
Our nation’s story is a tapestry of hope, courage, and unity. But woven into that tapestry are countless individual stories, stories like that of Uncle Chew, whose journey embodies the Merdeka spirit at its deepest.
Uncle Chew’s Journey: From Adversity to Empowerment
Let’s step into the world of Chew Boon Loong, fondly known as Uncle Chew.
Before Independence: Struggles in the Shadows
Let’s step into the world of Chew Boon Loong, fondly known as Uncle Chew. At 48, Uncle Chew’s life took an unexpected turn. A traumatic accident led to the amputation of his right leg, leaving him a wheelchair user. He shouldered the responsibilities of a devoted father and husband, supporting three young children and his elderly mother.
Life wasn’t easy. Financial challenges mounted as his grocery business faltered amid fierce competition and low sales. Depression, isolation, and a sense of losing his place in the world began to haunt him. Even daily tasks, things most of us take for granted, became hurdles to overcome.
Uncle Chew describes it candidly:
“I felt pressured. Then there were many challenges. Like many things that I needed to learn. For example, riding a wheelchair, going out, everything needed to be changed. Needed to be learned from before and after the amputation. So, after that, after learning, there are many challenges that need to be overcome too…”
But somewhere in that darkness, the Merdeka spirit lingered, a quiet hope for not just survival, but for the chance to thrive.
The Turning Point: Finding Community and Strength
When Uncle Chew joined People Systems Consultancy’s R.I.S.E. Programme, backed by Maybank Foundation, everything began to shift. Connecting online at first, his first tentative steps back into community life, he found both the courage and the knowledge to rebuild.
He recalls:
“The RISE programme… opened me up to return to the social stage. In the past, I was depressed, then became pessimistic… After joining the RISE program online, I could meet with others in the community. I learned a lot of things, my previous experience was obsolete”.
No longer was he alone in his struggle; knowledge, support, and the shared stories of others reignited his drive.
The Transformation: Embodying Merdeka on a Personal Level
Through R.I.S.E., Uncle Chew learned practical strategies in business profiling, financial management, and customer analysis. These weren’t just lessons in entrepreneurship, they were steps towards personal freedom.
- He transformed his hobby, crafting handmade souvenirs from recycled materials, into a profitable venture.
- By analysing customer trends within his grocery shop, Uncle Chew innovated his offerings, boosting sales and creating consistent demand.
- With financial literacy and planning, he set aside savings every month, brought his wife on a long-awaited vacation to Vietnam, and even began regularly donating to an old folks’ home.
His income soared by 275% in just one year after joining the programme. Today, his determination and new skills have lifted that figure to around RM12,000 per month, a remarkable leap that reflects more than financial growth, but also restored dignity and independence. More importantly, he experienced a rebirth of confidence, stability, and agency in his life.
As he says:
“For me, personal independence is… building without the help of others. These are the challenges Persons with Disabilities (PWD) needs to face. After RISE, I got so much inspiration.”
How People Systems Consultancy Inspires Real Independence
Across Malaysia, People Systems Consultancy is quietly empowering individuals like Uncle Chew. Their Merdeka spirit isn’t just about patriotic celebration; it’s about igniting self-belief, providing tools, and fostering a community where economic empowerment and social inclusion are realities for everyone.
Through tailored programmes like R.I.S.E., individuals gain:
- Practical business skills for entrepreneurship and upskilling.
- Emotional support, breaking the chains of depression and isolation.
- Financial empowerment, turning dreams into sustainable livelihoods.
These are not abstract concepts, they are the very real building blocks of personal independence.
Merdeka Is a Mindset: Claim Your Own Independence
As the sun rises on Merdeka Day 2025, remember: true independence goes far beyond the boundaries of nations. It lives inside every individual who dares to dream bigger, break free from limitations, and step boldly into their own future.
Uncle Chew’s story is not just inspiration but it’s a roadmap. With steadfast support, practical training, and the right community, you too can turn challenges into opportunities. Empowerment, personal growth, and financial freedom are within your reach.
This Merdeka, let’s celebrate not just our nation, but the triumphs of all Malaysians who strive for independence, financial, emotional, and social.
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