Re-upload from the PDF Podcast for archival purposes. Find out more about PDF here: https://professionaldevelopmentforum.org/
Episode Themes
- Losing a job during the GFC and pivoting careers. Advice for others in similar situations.
- Diversity and racism in Australia.
- The Australia-China relationship.
- The lack of understanding about Asia.
- The journalism industry in Australia, HK and advice for young journalists.
- Pushing your comfort zone and being curious.
From Accounting to Journalism
Born in Malaysia, Su-Lin came to Australia in her early teens. After losing her finance job during the 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Su-Lin embarked on a journey to pursue meaning over money. Over 2 years, Su-Lin sampled a variety of potential careers such as law, child-care, chemistry, and at one point, wanted to be a concert pianist. Eventually, she settled on journalism and hasn’t looked back.
Timestamps
- 1:20 – Su-Lin’s introduction, life in Malaysia, moving to Australia.
- 3:45 – Why she chose accounting as a career.
- 4:40 – Losing her job during the 2008 Financial Crisis. How and why she pursued journalism.
- 7:40 – Advice for others who may be affected by COVID-19 and in similar positions as Su-Lin was.
- 10:25 – how she got her break in journalism.
- 11:30 – her time at the Australian Financial Review.
- 13:00 – the bamboo ceiling in Australia, how her Asian background was an advantage in the newsroom.
- 14:25 – thoughts on the lack of diversity in journalism.
- 17:20 – how she got stories, what was her favourite piece?
- 20:25 – why she moved to the SCMP. Differences between journalism in HK and Australia.
- 22:15 – about her stories on racism in Australia.
- 27:20 – thoughts on the Aus-China relationship.
- 35:00 – Australia and its relationship with Asia. Lack of grassroots education about Asia in Australia.
- 38:25 – is Australia multicultural or multi-cultures?
- 39:50 – how do we build better relations between countries and within our own societies? Be curious, be uncomfortable, explore the world.
- 43:35 – thoughts on journalism in Australia, revenue models, the impact of social media, South China Morning Post & Alibaba.
- 50:20 – advice for young journalists.
- 51:50 – biggest challenges in Su-Lin’s career. How she pushed on.54:30 – closing thoughts.