Students rethink career and homebuying pressure under Rehda Institute Youth Initiative
University students in Malaysia are rethinking the pressure to land the perfect first job and buy a home, after mentorship sessions under the Rehda Institute Youth Initiative (RIYI) 2026. Industry leaders advised gaining broad experience in their twenties, building financial discipline, and avoiding
University students in Malaysia are rethinking the pressure to secure the perfect first job and buy a home, after mentorship sessions under the Rehda Institute Youth Initiative (RIYI) 2026. The programme, which pairs students with corporate leaders, highlighted how career choices, financial habits and housing plans are connected.
Way En Qi, an international business student at HELP University, said seeing peers secure management trainee positions on LinkedIn made her feel she was falling behind. Choy Kin Mann, director of Masteron and Federal International Holdings Bhd, advised that the first year of working life does not determine an entire career. En Qi now plans to take a month to pause before committing to a role, rather than rushing into a prestigious job title.
Pesona Metro Holdings Bhd chief operating officer Wie Jay Sern encouraged young people to gain broad experience in their twenties before specialising. He described the early working years as a time to learn skills, explore different roles and understand personal strengths and tolerance for risk. As careers move into the thirties, he said, management, delegation and industry relationships become more important, and he recommended How to Win Friends and Influence People for developing interpersonal skills.
Avaland Bhd chief operating officer Aw Sei Cheh addressed the expectation that young professionals should buy a primary residence soon after receiving their first salary. He urged students to weigh a housing commitment against cash reserves and other investments, and stressed financial discipline, including limiting lifestyle inflation as income grows. He also pointed to upcoming transit connections and market conditions as factors to examine when considering property.
Students echoed these lessons. Way En Qi, an international business student at HELP University, said the first year of working life does not determine an entire career, citing advice from Masteron and Federal International Holdings director Choy Kin Mann. Fatihah Faridil Atras @ Nor Zuraidi, a business economics student at Universiti Teknologi MARA’s Puncak Alam campus, said saving for a home down payment can feel distant against everyday university expenses, but recognised that financial habits can begin before a substantial salary. Mohammad Harith Irfan, an international business student at Universiti Malaysia Perlis, said FAR Capital CEO Faizul Ridzuan reminded him that social media shows a selected picture of people’s lives, and that he should measure progress against his own goals.
The Rehda Institute Youth Initiative (RIYI) provides selected university students with mentorship, industry exposure and practical workplace insights from corporate leaders and industry practitioners, helping bridge the gap between academia and Malaysia’s real estate, housing and built environment sectors. EdgeProp Malaysia is a media partner for the event.
