KUALA LUMPUR: Mat Kilau star Datuk Adi Putra has reminded graduating students that their real education begins when they start working.
Addressing some 182 students of the International College of Management and Sports (ICMS) at their graduation ceremony last Saturday, the Singapore-born action hero said that the "real world" was fraught with challenges and they had to be resilient to achieve their dreams.
"When I first became an actor back in the 2000s, I received stinging criticism from various film directors. They told me that I could not act," he said.
"My career path was not easy, and besides facing harsh criticism from filmmakers I worked with, I was also dismissed as 'untalented' by moviegoers.
"But challenges such as these taught me an important lesson - success is not just about talent, but also resilience, determination and the willingness to keep moving forward."
The actor, who was appointed ICMS ambassador during the event, reminded the graduates that when they started doubting their efforts, they had to remember that there was "no mountain too high to climb."
"Nothing is impossible for those who don't stop trying. Success is not a destination but a journey," he said.
Adi advised graduates to seek out mentors who could guide them.
"No one achieves success alone. No matter what field you choose to pursue, put your heart and soul into it, and work with the right people," he said.