Growing up in flats shaped my life today, says actor Syafiq Kyle

Malaysian actor Syafiq Kyle views his upbringing in public housing flats not as a symbol of hardship, but as a formative experience that grounds him in reality and fosters a connection with middle and lower-income communities. For 20 years, he lived in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, an environment he describes as exposing him to diverse life experiences and the opportunity to make his own decisions.

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I grew up in flats and in an ordinary community for 20 years. If people now categorize it as B40, that might have been the atmosphere.

"I grew up in flats and in an ordinary community for 20 years. If people now categorize it as B40, that might have been the atmosphere," Syafiq shared. He noted that living in the capital city offered varied perspectives on life, with different neighborhoods presenting distinct atmospheres. This exposure, he believes, allowed him to learn and make independent choices about his life's direction.

Kyle, who will soon portray a character reflecting his past in the film "HAK: Tuntut atau Tunduk," expressed gratitude for his parents' guidance, which enabled him to make informed life choices. He asserts that one's place of residence should not be the sole determinant of success. "I don't think we can completely blame the place where we grew up. If I remained in hardship or chose a certain path, that would also be my own decision," he stated.

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I don't think we can completely blame the place where we grew up. If I remained in hardship or chose a certain path, that would also be my own decision.

The 34-year-old actor argues against judging an individual's success based merely on their background. He believes personal choices and effort are paramount. "We cannot keep blaming the environment. Where you live is not the basis for someone's life success. Perhaps the life I live today is what I prayed for before," he added, referencing the Quranic teaching to strive for improvement.

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We cannot keep blaming the environment. Where you live is not the basis for someone's life success. Perhaps the life I live today is what I prayed for before.

Kyle also pointed out that his friends who still live in similar environments have found their own forms of success and happiness. He emphasized that everyone has unique dreams and paths to fulfillment. "The important thing is the effort to get out of hardship if we want to," he concluded, urging against using one's upbringing as an absolute measure of achievement.

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The important thing is the effort to get out of hardship if we want to.