Knowledge Is the Real Wealth: Prof. Mike Chan Inspires Sabah University Students to Think Bigger

“You learn as much as you can, and you work as hard as you can,” Prof. Chan said. “Take advantage of what you have today—because this is your best period.”

KOTA KINABALU, 29 July 2026 — Knowledge, independence, and a clearly defined vision are more valuable than material success, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mike Chan told university students during a motivational address at the European Wellness Academy auditorium in Kota Kinabalu.

Speaking at the “Wealth & Health of Tomorrow: Sabah Youth Program,” the Chairman and Founder of European Wellness Biomedical Group shared lessons drawn from his personal journey—from a financially difficult childhood to building an international organization in regenerative medicine, healthcare, and professional education.

The program, organised by European Wellness Academy, brought together students from TAR UMT Sabah Branch, Cyberjaya College Kota Kinabalu, MAHSA College Sabah Campus, and North Borneo University College.

Rather than delivering a conventional scientific lecture, Prof. Mike Chan spoke candidly about hardship, education, entrepreneurship, confidence, health, and the choices that shape a person’s future.

Event theme: The Sabah Youth Program organised by European Wellness Academy, highlighted the role of education, research, and global collaboration in shaping the future of bio-regenerative sciences.

Education As Lifelong Wealth

At the center of his message was a principle that has guided his life: education does not end when a person graduates.

“I believe life is a learning process until the day you die, and education is your wealth,” he said. “Knowledge is the real wealth.”

Prof. Chan said genuine confidence is built upon preparation and a strong command of one’s subject—not status, appearance, or possessions.

“You will never be confident without the knowledge in you,” he told the students. “Knowledge is power. It brings confidence, and it can also bring wealth.”

He encouraged the students to take full advantage of their university years, describing youth as one of the most valuable periods for learning, exploration, and personal development.

“You are at your peak. This is the best time because you will never have this time again,” he said. “Spend your time learning as much as possible.”

Despite spending more than four decades in education, medicine, and scientific research, Prof. Chan said he continues to study and read regularly. His travels, lectures, and meetings with professionals worldwide have reinforced his belief that learning must remain a lifelong discipline.

From Hardship to Independence

Prof. Chan also spoke about being raised by a single mother and learning to become self-reliant at an early age.

He recalled attending school without food because he did not want to add to his mother’s financial burden. Later, while studying, he worked as a stock clerk in a shopping centre to pay his college fees.

Out of a monthly salary of RM140, RM90 went towards his education, leaving him RM50 for the rest of the month.

Although the experience was difficult, he said it taught him the importance of responsibility, resourcefulness, and independence.

“Being independent is more important than anything else,” he said.

His earliest lessons in entrepreneurship also began during childhood. After noticing that patients at a hospital needed containers to collect liquid medicine, he organized friends to collect, clean, and sell discarded glass bottles.

The small venture showed him how careful observation could reveal an unmet need—and how an idea could be turned into an opportunity.

“You have to be innovative,” he told the students. “The idea came from observing what was happening around me.”

That curiosity stayed with him. As a child, he used money he had earned to buy a microscope and projector, reflecting an early interest in science and discovery.

Learn from the Right People

Prof. Chan advised the students to surround themselves with people who encourage constructive thinking and progress.

He described learning from mentors as absorbing their best knowledge and habits while avoiding their weaknesses.

“Take all the good things and learn from them,” he said. “The community of friends around you is very important. If you stay with the right people, you move in the right direction.”

He encouraged the audience to study successful innovators and leaders—not merely to imitate their achievements but to understand the qualities behind them.

The same principle guided him when he traveled to Switzerland with his wife, Prof. Dr. Michelle Wong. They began with limited resources, at one point sharing one meal a day while dedicating themselves to study and professional development.

That experience, he said, demanded perseverance and a willingness to place long-term learning ahead of immediate comfort.

A Sabahan Story with Global Reach

Prof. Mike Chan described his international journey as fundamentally a Sabahan story.

From its base in Sabah, European Wellness has expanded its activities internationally while developing healthcare, research, education, and bioregenerative medicine initiatives. The organization also operates laboratories and employs scientists, biotechnology graduates, doctors, and other professionals.

He highlighted the opportunities available to young graduates, including those from Sabah’s universities, provided they are prepared to develop strong skills and a professional attitude.

“As long as you are good, I think there is a place for you,” he said.

He reminded students not to underestimate what can be achieved from Sabah.

“Everything is coming from Sabah,” he said. “What I am trying to tell you is that this is a Sabahan story.”

Prof. Chan also shared his experience of delivering lectures internationally and working with doctors, scientists, and institutions from different countries. He said these opportunities were built gradually through knowledge, persistence, and the trust of others.

Success Requires More Than Money

While acknowledging that money is necessary in everyday life, Prof. Chan cautioned the students against treating it as the sole measure of achievement.

Motivational message: Prof. Mike Chan encourages students to regard knowledge, lifelong learning, and self-confidence as foundations for future success.

“Money is important, but money is not everything,” he said.

True success, he explained, should also include contentment, meaningful work, and the respect one earns from other people.

“The most important thing in life is happiness—that means self-contentment,” he said. “The most important thing to be proud of is the respect of the people around you.”

That respect, however, must be mutual.

“If you want others to respect you, you must also show respect to others,” he added.

Prof. Chan urged the students to pursue fields that genuinely interest them. Passion, he said, makes it easier to sustain the effort required to overcome setbacks and build meaningful expertise.

Accept That Life is Not Always Equal

Another major theme of the address was resilience.

“Life is never equal,” Prof. Chan said. “You win some and you lose some. You will never have everything.”

Instead of becoming discouraged when circumstances appear unfair, he advised the students to concentrate on what they can control: their effort, attitude, knowledge, and response to adversity.

“You have to glide along,” he said. “Losing sometimes is okay. Working more is nothing.”

He stressed that lasting success requires more than intelligence or qualifications.

“If you want to be successful, you must be hardworking, persistent, and have a good attitude in life,” he said.

Build a Vision for the Future

Prof. Chan concluded by challenging the students to think beyond graduation and decide where they want to be in five, 10, and 15 years.

“You must have your vision,” he said. “Where are you five years from now? Ten years from now? Fifteen years from now? You must plan.”

A plan does not have to be perfect, he explained. Its purpose is to provide direction and encourage deliberate action.

“It doesn’t matter if the plan changes. Set a plan and go towards that goal,” he said.

He also reminded the audience that health must remain part of that future. Achievement becomes harder to enjoy when physical well-being has been neglected, making a healthy lifestyle an important foundation for a productive life.

His final message brought the program’s themes of wealth and health together: learn continuously, protect one’s well-being, work with purpose, and use knowledge to create opportunities.