GROWING UP IN Penang, my early exposure to Hollywood movies and TV sitcoms painted an idealistic portrait of first-world living—independence, glamorous jobs, nice houses in upscale neighbourhoods and the freedom to pursue anything without constraints. They epitomised the essence of the American Dream; and I yearned for the day I could finally leave this small town and lead a big life. Yet, as reality set in, I chose Australia as the destination to pursue my tertiary education because of its proximity to Malaysia and its more affordable tuition fees (and the lovely weather).
Beyond Borders: A Personal Perspective on Brain Drain
by
Cheng Vern Vern
You might also like
The Ebb and Flow of Crabs and Art
6 min read
MY FIRST VISIT to Pulau Ketam was during the Pulau Ketam International Art Festival in 2016. I was in charge…
Women! Let’s Rush to the Gym and Embrace Strength Training
5 min read
GROWING UP, I often heard adults in my family complain about their inevitable decline in strength and increasing frailty, resulting in higher dependence on othe...
Finally a Trip to Beijing: A Personal Cross-Cultural Connection
5 min read
MY FASCINATION WITH Chinese culture started at age nine, when I transferred to a Chinese vernacular school. While other children watched cartoons on weekends, I...
.jpg)