yes it's very true. it is extremely hard for people to breakthrough and make it these days. only a few who are lucky and "ming sui" (in cantonese) very good.
I have seen some people who worked so hard and yet gotten no where.... they poured in blood, sweat & tears, and yet their businesses still fails multiple times. Whereas some individuals came in at the right timing and under favorable economical situations and influential cables, they can prosper and the rest is history.

For example, some anak penoreh getah (rubber tapper children) can work extremely hard but no matter what, he or she will never outearn Nazri Aziz's son or Nicky liow or Larry Sng.

Rich gets richer, poor gets poorer