SHAH ALAM - Singer-songwriter As'ad Motawh describes everything that he did in school as ‘a waste of time’ compared to the career he is pursuing now.
The 22-year-old said what he was doing now had nothing much to do with what he had learnt at school.
"For me, when I was younger I think in terms of everything I am doing right now, most of the time I had in school was just a waste of time.
"I’ll be honest, what I am doing now has nothing to do with (what I learnt at) school much. Like learning science all the way to the very advanced Bunsen burner and all these weird things, to me there isn’t a need for that.
"But I also respect other people’s opinions and views (on the matter),” he said in a podcast with social media influencers Azri Walter and Yousaf.
He also said that the current education system in the country has always been the same and that it should be changed, considering the ever-evolving modern world.
Quoting American industrialist and philanthropist John D Rockefeller, As’ad said schools were created to create a generation of workers, adding that he was not really a fan of school.
"It depends on what you want to do in life. Not everyone can become successful, but for me, I wasn’t really a fan of school,” he said.
Despite his lack of interest in school, As'ad encouraged other students who were still in school to not quit.
He said when he quit school and opted for homeschooling, he already had a plan to build his career in singing.
"When I decided to quit school, I started homeschooling because I had already built something else.
"I already have 300,000 followers on Instagram. I know how to monetise it which is (by) singing.
"I could choose whether to continue my study full time or part time at home while I build my career. So, I had a choice to make money already (but) not everyone can do the same. It depends on you,” he added.
His statement received a fair share of comments on social media with some saying that school was a centre space for learning, a place that helped children develop communication skills as they interacted with people on a daily basis, as well as an important place to teach etiquette.
A social media user commented that he was grateful to learn and study in school, which led him to have a successful life.
"I took the engineering course. Alhamdulillah, God has given me the opportunity to start an engineering business.
"Similarly, for doctors, they need to study medicine to open a clinic," he said.
Another social user said "School helps to develop character and make you disciplined" while another wrote: "School is not a waste of time, it is equally important."