Today is International Migrants Day—a day to reflect on the immense contributions of migrants and the challenges they face as they build new lives in unfamiliar places.
As of June 2023, Australia’s estimated population was 26.6 million, including 8.2 million people born overseas, representing about 30% of the population. Earlier this year, the Australian government announced plans to increase migration, recognising its vital role in shaping the nation’s future. But what drives individuals and families to uproot their lives, leave behind friends, family, and familiarity, and move thousands of miles away?
Why Do People Migrate?
People migrate for various reasons, including:
- Education
- Escaping persecution and seeking safety
- Adventure or a change of scenery
- The hope of a better or different life
- Job or work opportunities
- Love and relationships
A Personal Reflection on Migration
As a child of first-generation migrants, I’ve experienced the sacrifices, resilience, and determination it takes to build a life in a new country. Growing up in suburban Melbourne in the 1970s, my brother and I often stood out. Few children looked like us, and the experience of being “different” came with its own challenges.
The school was not always a welcoming place. Racism—whether overt or unconscious—was common. Even now, decades later, prejudice and discrimination still linger, though Australia’s multicultural fabric has grown stronger and more visible.
As a parent now, I look back on my parents’ journey with admiration. They came to Australia for education, intending to return to Malaysia. But life took a different course—they met, fell in love, and decided to build their lives here.
Lessons My Parents Taught Me
My parents’ story is one of resilience, hard work, and selflessness. Here are some of the lessons they instilled in me:
- Self-sufficiency: With limited support, no extended family, and few government resources, they learned to rely on themselves and each other.
- Ask for what you want: My father’s mantra was simple—“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” This taught me the value of initiative and persistence.
- Work ethic: “Don’t work, don’t eat” was a common saying in my house, shaping my approach to hard work and perseverance.
- Commitment to learning: Every day was a learning experience for my parents, from adapting to new cultures and ways of working to learning a second language.
- The importance of family: They sponsored many relatives to help them build lives in Australia. Their focus on family remains central to my life today.
Australia has given us much. It is a land of beauty, opportunity, and progress, though not without its flaws. For my family, every sacrifice was worth it. I see myself as Australian through and through, with a “yeah, nah” firmly embedded in my vocabulary.
A Leadership Perspective on Migration
Migrants bring a wealth of experiences and skills that make them exceptional leaders. Their diverse cultural perspectives enhance problem-solving and decision-making. Migrants are natural change agents, adept at navigating challenges, making difficult decisions, and staying focused on executing plans.
Take a Moment to Reflect
On this International Migrants Day, take the time to reflect on the stories of your colleagues, friends, and neighbours. Consider the sacrifices and challenges they’ve faced to be where they are today.
As leaders, let’s acknowledge and celebrate the resilience, contributions, and diversity that migrants bring to our workplaces and communities. Embrace their differences and. perhaps, even learn from their alternative point of view, values and experiences. Migration has made Australia stronger and today is a reminder to honour the journeys and achievements of migrants everywhere.
