“Even though I only studied up to STPM, I’m far more well-off than people with degrees, master’s or even PhDs. Some of my own staff have degrees and work for me.”
A Malaysian netizen recently took to Threads to share that despite being only an STPM graduate, he earns far more than those who hold bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and PhDs.
“Even though I only studied up to STPM, I’m far more well-off than people with degrees, master’s or even PhDs,” he wrote.
“Some of my own staff have degrees and work for me.”
Reflecting on his school days, the man said he was never a high achiever, scoring just 53% in exams, while one of his friends consistently scored as high as 90%.
He went on to compare his current lifestyle with that of the friend, claiming that while the friend could only afford a Proton Persona, he himself drives a Toyota Corolla Altis.
“But now, my car is more expensive than his. His 90% results didn’t take him far — he can only afford a Proton Persona, while I, the one with 53%, am driving an Altis,” he added.
The man argued that students should not obsess over achieving straight A’s in SPM, stressing that academic excellence does not guarantee financial comfort later in life.
“God decides our sustenance, not your degree,” he said.
However, his take has since sparked a flurry of reactions from Malaysian netizens, many of whom criticised his views.
“Education isn’t just about money. It shapes how you think, write, reason, and respect others. Your post proves exactly why education still matters,” commented one netizen.
Another wrote: “Your definition of success is painfully shallow. Comparing bank accounts doesn’t make a point, it just shows insecurity. Education was never meant to be a guarantee of wealth, and wealth was never meant to be the only metric of a meaningful life. Some people use degrees to build knowledge, impact & long-term contribution, not to compete over who drives what. ‘My car is more expensive than yours’ is exactly why this argument falls flat. Money can come and go. Class, depth, and purpose don’t.”
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