Dr. Tan Tek Seng

DAILY REFLECTION

“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
Proverbs‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭

Diligence is a quiet force that transforms dreams into reality. The diligent person is focused, dependable, and hardworking. Their unwavering commitment often leads to remarkable outcomes over time, even when the journey is long and challenging.

Lee Thiam Wah is the founder and CEO of 99 Speedmart, one of Malaysia’s largest convenience store chains. From humble beginnings, his life unfolds like a masterclass in perseverance and purpose. After contracting polio as a child and receiving just six years of formal education, he could have allowed limitation to dictate his path. Instead, he chose to rise. From selling snacks at his porch, he built a retail empire of over 2,800 outlets nationwide. When 99 Speedmart went public on Bursa Malaysia in 2024, Lee’s success catapulted him into the ranks of Malaysia’s top 10 richest individuals, with a net worth of RM17.6 billion. His journey reminds us that true strength is not measured by physical ability, but by the tenacity of one’s spirit. He didn’t allow his wheelchair to define his fate. Instead, he pursued every opportunity with vision, grit, and heart. His story is a testament to the power of unwavering determination, perseverance and hard work in overcoming adversity.

Proverbs 10:4 urges believers to reject laziness and embrace diligence as the path to a fruitful and fulfilling life - physically, financially and spiritually.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence."