More than 2 months in Perth

It has been more than two months now since I arrived in Perth, Australia. Time really flies. Working with Education Malaysia Australia (EMA) has really made me see myself in a different light. Honestly, I did not expect this experience to be just about learning the culture here in Perth, but I also got the chance to travel to other places. I have been to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, and every place had its own story and lessons.

What is really surprising is how much I have been able to push myself. I have stepped out of my comfort zone in so many ways. Socially, I have been able to connect with people naturally, deliver messages confidently, and just be present. These are things I was not so sure I could do before, but now they feel almost second nature.

One of the best parts of this journey has been working with students directly. In Perth, I have had the chance to guide and support Malaysian students here. But what is even more exciting is when I travelled to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne—I got to meet student leaders and students from other states as well. It is interesting to see how they grow in their own unique environments. The great thing is, no matter where they are, they carry that strong sense of being Malaysian. They thrive in multicultural and multireligious settings, and it is inspiring to witness.

Another incredible experience was visiting universities—not just in Western Australia but in other states too. These visits opened my eyes to how the higher education system works here. It is important because when you want to support and connect with students, you also need to understand the system they are navigating. By learning more about these institutions, I feel more equipped to help and guide the students better.

What is even more exciting is the vision of my director—to create programs that bring students together across states and even across the country. Whether it is playing sports, having leadership workshops, or just connecting through shared experiences, I believe it can really open their minds. It helps them step out of rigid perspectives and embrace new ideas.

It has been a journey of growth—not just for the students but for me too. And I am excited to see what is next because this is just the beginning.

PS: Detect; Protect = Perfect