Why we are "poor" and How you can make a change

The world has changed rapidly after the industrial revolution in the 19th century. Since then, people are no more working for themselves but for others. Instead of working day and night toiling the land or some other works, the economics of the industrial revolution dictated that people should work on things that they are best at, for others and get a paycheck at the end of the month. The money then should be used to buy food, clothing and some form of entertainment or if there's some more left, it's in the bank (if they got a bank).

SOME HISTORY
This happened about 100 years ago in Europe. While our forefathers (the Asians) were still in the field, kais pagi makan pagi, kais petang makan petang. The Europeans came to South East Asia, bringing along their "laissez-faire" economics and Walah! They changed the region, especially Malaya (modern day West Malaysia).

The British reorganised the Malayan economy to serve the economic needs of the British Empire. First they placed British-style administration in Malay states and the Malays were the first choice to fill the bureaucracy. Secondly, they opened up new tin mines, and allowed Chinese from China to migrate to Malaya to work for these tin mines. Thirdly, they opened up new roads and railways to connect these tin mines with the seaports, whereby the Brits culled some South Indians to built them.

After a few years, the Malayan socio-economic were dogmatised, the Malays "must" work in the kampongs or work as "British government servants"; the Chinese "must" work in tin mines or live in the city to sell things or whatever; while the Indians "must" stay and work in the estates, in case the His-Highness Government needs some roads to somewhere in the jungle.

THE AFTER EFFECTS
Somehow, when the British left Malaya in 1957 and East Malaysia in 1963, the economic thoughts that they brought along did not. This peculiar economic thought is that we must work for someone such as a government, a company or someone. One not supposed to be a "Boss" or a "Taukeh" or whatever. This create "dependency" of government/company aids and at the same time created a comfort zone for the group of people which subscribed to this economic thought.
What happened when one stay too long in a comfort zone? They become zombies.

These zombies are relatively poor due their low paychecks. Most of them have high hopes at earlier stage of their "career" and hoping that they will drive nice cars and live in huge houses if they work hard. They believed totally that a university education can save them from the clutches of poverty. Oh boy, they are just damned wrong. Totally wrong.

After 40 years of working, punch-in & punch out as they say, they still living in a meager state and on later years they depended solely on the EPF and some savings that they have made. This group of people paid the most in taxes and still they live just above the poverty line. And who are these zombies anyway? It's you my friend.

My answer: Our education today is not tailored to the new world but instead based on the 19th century model. This must change and don't wait for the government to change it for you. Change now.Take care of your financial education and it will set you free.