Datuk Seri Kelvin Kiew, the outspoken chairman and president of Mini-Circuits Technologies Malaysia speaks to PEM about his humble beginnings and the formidable woman he credits for his success.
On his early days…
"I grew up and was educated in Penang, I went to Chung Ling. I came from a poor family and was the youngest of five kids. I understand what it means to be really poor and I never saw a toy or lantern and never celebrated a birthday when I was growing up. This made me who I am. A person is shaped though adversities not through success, this is very important to remember.
Despite my poor academic record, my headmaster saw something in me. He was a really kind man and would sometimes send me home in his car. For a poor boy, I felt so privileged! When I finished high school my headmaster asked me to become a temporary teacher to fill in for teachers on leave. I thought I was doing a good job but after six month he summoned me to his room and started scolding me, 'You are a useless guy! You never think of yourself. You think RM200 a month is a career. You never think of doing anything else but to stay here for the rest of your life. I think you're better than that.' I straight away cried in front of him!
