Nurturing a Nursing Career and Family Abroad with Mohammad Fadhil

According to a 2016 study by the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), nearly one in five Singaporeans aged 19 to 30 wish to emigrate, with the same study showing nearly 60 per cent of respondents agreeing that an increase in emigration is inevitable as Singapore becomes more stressful and competitive[1]. A number of reasons have contributed to this trend, including Singaporeans being well- equipped by our education system which has enabled them to seek better opportunities overseas for professional or personal reasons. There is also a greater inclination towards working and living abroad among younger people, however, it may not necessarily be with the aim of migrating permanently[2].

The 2016 IPS study also unveiled Australia as the preferred emigration destination for Singaporeans. For Singaporean Malay Muslims in particular, emigrating to Australia is appealing as it meets their criteria to have a balanced Muslim life: social security; familial happiness and faith time[3]. The state agencies in Australia provide extensive social security to migrants upon their arrival and in the first few years of their stay. Australia is also known to have relatively better work-life balance, which allows more time to be spent on leisure with family and friends. Additionally, there are opportunities to spend more time seeking religious knowledge and being involved in mosque-related activities.

To Muhammad Fadhil, a Registered Nurse based in Melbourne, there is something intriguing about healthcare systems in other countries. Thus, when his wife was offered a scholarship to study in Australia this year, he saw the golden opportunity to move there and pursue his dream of exploring healthcare systems outside of Singapore. Fadhil shares his story of living in Australia with the Karyawan team.

Q: Can you tell us about yourself and your family?

Fadhil: I am a Registered Nurse, specialising in Cardiology and Emergency Department in a public hospital here in Melbourne. My wife is a full-time PhD student at Monash University. We have a 2-year-old son who has been with us since we moved here.

Q: Could you describe the responsibilities and tasks that your job involves?

Fadhil: My job involves handling medical emergencies on a daily basis, where I collaborate closely with doctors to work out the best treatment plans. I serve all ages, from children to the elderly.

Q: What inspired your decision to pursue a nursing career in Australia?

Fadhil: Prior to this, I have had offers to work in cities like Jeddah and Abu Dhabi. Though I have always wanted to explore different healthcare systems across the world, the timing was unfortunately unfavourable. Ultimately, my wife inspired and encouraged me to pursue my dreams when this opportunity came at the right time.

Q: Is there a big difference between a nursing career in Singapore and one in Australia?

Fadhil: There is a huge difference in terms of opportunities at work. Back when I was working in Singapore, I had difficulty moving laterally across different departments as it was all subject to the approval or recommendation from my Head of Department. Unfortunately, my Head of Department then was reluctant to let me go because she wanted me to continue serving in our department. Here in Australia, I am given more opportunities at work.

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