How about all of them. I was like you, graduated with a master of engineering. Right after i completed the master, everyone around me is telling me to progress into PhD. But at that time, i was really curious about job life, i ended up ignore all of them, even had an argument with my parents, i found a job, and i worked for a year

Now that i realised, working in Malaysia isn't really what i want (even though i'm transferred to Australia later), and master will not get me any further than a bachelor. I dont want an endless and repetitive life working on something i have no passion in a consultant firm. I decided to quit my job on 30th April. Now i am on a holiday, and preparing myself for the PhD, working or researching on a title/ topic that i liked.

So.. yeah. Basically everything you wrote, self-satisfaction, job-prospects, easy PR, family pressure.

Your friends are correct in the sense that a M.ENG does not make you more attractive than a B.ENG in the context of Malaysia industry.

1) Overall I think when you are going for PhD, you opening the option for academia. If you have 10 years job experience and a PhD, I think many universities would want to hire you. Even better if you are an IR already
2) Quote from a lecturer that I know : "Getting a PhD will not make you rich"
3) Being a lecturer provided me with flexi hour and alot of time for myself and family. Some people may opt for more work to improve career prospect and publications. At the end of the day, it depends on what you want.
4) Not really, my parents and family always come first
5) I m a mentor in heart. =)

I did my phD in Biotechnology  Sometimes I also wonder why I opted to further my studies, but to me its definitely worth it
1. As mentioned by less1234, doing a phD will likely and eventually land you a job in academia. No doubt competition is getting stiff nowadays but its not really difficult if you have a good resume and (more importantly) good connections.

2. I admit salary was an important factor for me when I decided to pursue my phD. The pay is considered as above average but if you are really into money, doing business is a much better option.

3. Not everyone is capable of getting a phD, so being able to obtain the "Dr." title would mean alot to some. I myself never think much of the title; the experiences gained during the period were way, way more important.

4. I think that Malaysia is a good place to be in since the bright and brilliant has already left the country Its so easy to shine here  Plus I will miss Nasi Lemak and Teh Ice if I ever leave haha

5. I'm very interested in research but as a lecturer I find very little time to do research, which is a shame (not sure how I'm going to fulfill my grants lol). Although I enjoy teaching I think its quite sad that not many appreciate what they're being taught 

I am always learning and I hope some day I will be able to commercialize my research, and hopefully learn a bit more about the business side of things, rather than always looking at Science 

I'm afraid connection has a lot to do with everything. Even publications are so much easier when people know you in your field Initially I wanted to "prove myself" and achieve my goals "on my own" and it turned out to be quite a disaster As for the "more intelligent the more you will be selected" part, it only applies if you are a genius haha

Yeah, you are right, academicians (especially primary/secondary school teachers) are often misunderstood by the general mass, which is sadly the result when people put dollars and cents as a priority in life 

From the industry, I switched to academia many years ago.

So, the best way to climb up in academia is by having a PhD. I can say the pay rise is quite sizeable between those with and without a PhD.

Besides that, I also have an interest on doing a research in organisational behaviour.

The Dr title is not my major concern at all. For me, it is not even a reason to do it.

To sum up, my reasons are career development, salary factor, and interest.