"Believe in yourself and you can achieve great things. I am confident that one day you will become managers, ministers, and other esteemed members of society," Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh told the students at SK Methodist (ACS) Ipoh, Perak, 25 years ago.
The message still resonates with the school's former headmaster, Lai Kum Ming, who described it as profound.
When Yeoh won Best Actress at the 95th Academy Awards for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, she reiterated her message, telling young viewers to dream big and have faith in hope and possibilities.
Lai recalls Yeoh's visit to the school in 1998 when she donated a full computer set and urged the students to set goals and be self-confident, determined, and hardworking.
She emphasized the need to keep up with the latest technological developments in computers and information technology, and Lai notes that the visit coincided with the school's preparation for the government's Smart School initiative.
Michelle Yeoh has been a great role model and inspiration to Lai's pupils, who were proud to have her visit their school.
Lai believes that technology can enhance engagement, prepare students for the workforce, and teach them to be responsible online.
He encourages students to choose a career that makes a difference and not to be afraid to take a new path.