PETALING JAYA: Celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail calls on young Malays in Malaysia to change if they want to enjoy a slice of the cake in the country.

"If we are lazy, shy to make any effort, and not willing to accept the challenges in life from Allah, we will never be successful in life," said Redzuawan, who is fondly known as Chef Wan.

Redzuawan noted that he never expected too much out of life, except to work hard to find rezeki halal (legal earnings) and to be true to himself.

"I am not pretentious either but just a happy soul trying every day to take moments of my beautiful life (and share it with others)," he said, adding that love and kindness triumphs over all.

He also noted that Allah sees everything as well as our inner desires.

"In this life, we need to make sacrifices for ourselves, our family and relatives, as well as others.

"When you put a smile on so many faces, Allah will bless you with so much more," he said this in an Instagram post on Monday (July 8).

Redzuawan also said that his friends have commented that he seems to be a jack of all trades, and has "tremendous energy, which is contagious"

"I laughed at my friends' remarks about me and said maybe I loved this life too much and have a lot of gratitude with what Allah has blessed upon me," he wrote.

Redzuawan reminded people to remind humble despite making all achievements and getting endless blessings.

On Sunday, Redzuawan was announced as the 'Ikon Anak Felda' at Felda’s Hari Peneroka Kebangsaan (Settlers’ Day), at Felda Selancar 3 in Rompin, Pahang.

The award was presented to him by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

He noted that being given the award has pushed him to spend more time to work with Felda settlers, especially in the field of culinary, hospitality and food processing to ensure their success in the future.

"I always think how can we motivate all this young generation to get up, be inspire and self-driven to excel in life.

"Oh, there is a lot of work (to be done ) but I think I am ready to assist some of them for a start," he added.