Nothing is impossible

by James Kong Shi Hao
School of Pharmacy

Stepping foot into New York City (the Big Apple) was a life-changing moment for me! Being immersed in the Spirit of New York, including its people and culture, has transformed me in ways I couldn’t have possibly anticipated!

I am grateful to have connected with NewYork-based Monash alums with diverse backgrounds and expertise. This has irrevocably broadened my horizon, including new career perspectives and down-to-the-earth insights.

Throughout the Global Discovery Program, we were introduced to aspiring New York-based Monash alumni who showcased their businesses and shared their invaluable insights, particularly on their transition from Australia to New York and how their businesses have pivoted over the years. Surprisingly, some of these so-called “detours” have led to one of their company’s greatest milestones!

Some of my highlights include marching in Pride March, visiting the United Nations Headquarters, the Hewlett-Packard Company (HP), and introducing fascinating start-ups. We sampled the city's delights on our tour to Times Square, Wall Street, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, the 911 museum, the Empire State Building and more!

One thing that deeply resonates with me is to “be empowered to be different or unconventional”. No matter our field of study, it’s perfectly normal to branch out to other fields as long as we have a passion for it. I often felt reserved when articulating my entrepreneurial spirit and how I wish to incorporate business into pharmacy. However, I was enlightened by some of the alums who hold a science degree (e.g. pharmacology) but went down a different path by starting their own businesses that are still flourishing up to this day. “It’s not about the degree but the skills acquired from it,” they said. For instance, a science-based degree fosters analytical and investigative skills that can be utilised when setting up a business. Critical analysis of pain points from different perspectives by tapping on the skills that we learnt (regardless of what degree we pursue) is a case in point.

Another fascinating thing I learned is “do not be afraid to ask questions”. Have you felt reserved or reluctant when voicing your questions? I don’t know if you do, but I sure do! I often get consumed by fear when asking questions as I am terrified of being judged, patronised or denigrated, which indirectly cripples my ability to construct sentences and subsequently disrupts my thought process. I’ve struggled with this for some time but I am flabbergasted that this “boundary” has been gradually torn down throughout this program.

Being surrounded by talented individuals from Monash University, their boldness and assertiveness in asking thought-provoking questions have inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and speak my mind, regardless of how I perceive the quality of my questions. Honestly, I started enjoying asking questions! Questions clear doubts, enabling us to develop empathy towards a problem that is inextricably intertwined with brainstorming viable and practical solutions. Therefore, never underestimate the power of asking questions. It undoubtedly brought upon brand new insights and perspectives that are paramount in problem-solving.

In a nutshell, the takeaways from this program are to always strive to do something unorthodox rather than having your wings clipped; be bold to ask thought-provoking questions; follow your passion and see where it takes you and always remember that there are many pathways (not just one) to success!

I hope my testimony can inspire more students to sign up for this program as they are in for loads of fun and adventure! Even now, I still can't fathom the depths of knowledge and insights I've gained from this program. I firmly believe that this "NYC seed" that is planted in me will grow exponentially on whichever path I choose.

Visit the Global Discovery Program for more information.