Michelle Yeoh delivers an inspiring speech at Harvard Law School's 2023 Class Day. Photo: Harvard Law School/YouTube
Malaysia’s pride Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh delivered her keynote address at Harvard Law School’s 2023 Class Day yesterday (May 24).
In her speech, Yeoh offered the graduating class some valuable tips to achieve success.
Her first piece of advice was to “stay loose” in the midst of hardship.
“When falling, the tendency is to tighten up, to brace for impact. But in truth, the safest thing one can do is remain calm, even curious, about the shifting world around you,” the 60-year-old said.
The Oscar winner then reflected on one of her lowest moments in life, which was when her dreams to dance got crushed after suffering from a spinal injury.
“I credit the principal of my school for giving me the encouragement that ultimately led me to a career beyond my imagination. It was she who encouraged me to stay loose about my future,” she said.
After graduating with a degree in creative arts in Britain, Yeoh returned home to Malaysia, more open to other possibilities other than dancing.
“This opened the door to doing a commercial in Hong Kong, then to acting roles and the start of my life in film,” she continued.
This led to her second piece of advice which is to know your limits.
Yeoh said that while it’s essential to understand what you can do, understanding what you can’t do is just as important.
“This works on two levels: both internally and externally.
“Internally, knowing your limits keeps you humble, motivated, and focused on a goal to point your finger toward.
“Externally, knowing the limits that are set for you by others gives you a place to point a different finger.
“Limitations set by yourself give you boundaries to respect, but limitations set by others give you boundaries to bust through,” she reasoned.
Michelle Yeoh has made Malaysians proud after winning the Academy Award for Best Actress. Photo: AP
Using her past experiences as an example, the Ipoh-born actress shared that she was offered one stereotypical demure female role after another when she first started in the industry.
Knowing that her dance training would allow her to pull off the “highly choreographed” fight sequences that were “reserved exclusively for men”, the Yes Madam star then went to her producer, asking for an action role.
When the opportunity finally came, Yeoh quickly seized it.
Before she knew it, she was running on rooftops, riding motorcycles onto moving trains and more.
“There is nothing like a challenge to keep you working, striving, and pushing.
“For every demeaning role I was offered, every rejection I was handed, every time someone underestimated me, I found energy and renewed motivation,” she said.
Michelle Yeoh with her mum Datin Janet Yeoh. Photo: Filepic
For her final piece of advice, Yeoh emphasised that it was important to “find your people.”
“For every winner, there doesn’t have to be a loser,” she told the graduates. “In fact, most success stories are less about competition and more about collaboration.”
In her speech, the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon star made it clear that she could not have achieved the success she has today without the support of her family, friends and those she has worked with.
“My achievements are the results of those around me who offered, and continue to offer, support and belief.
“There are times where, as much as I don’t want to let myself down, I don’t want to let them down even more.
“I stand on the shoulders of those who have come before me, and I am energised and inspired by those who come after me,” she said.
