Dr Hui Xuan Ng

It gave me a global network that now allows me to tap into local insights of a country. My network and those insights are invaluable in verifying and strengthening my recommendations to clients.

Few people can claim that their university days were truly life altering, but for Malaysian Dr Hui Xuan Ng, who studied a PhD in biomedical science specialising in Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne, the statement is genuine.

While learning from a world-leading neuroscientist who had made a breakthrough discovery in developmental neuroscience, Hui’s area of particular interest, she experienced a medical emergency herself and got an unexpected insight into the Australian healthcare system.

“I’m a diabetes patient and was unfortunate to experience a life-threatening episode related to hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level) in my first week in Melbourne. I could have died.

“Instead, I was lucky to survive, thanks to the impeccable Australian healthcare system. I was revived by a talented team of paramedics, doctors and nurses, and the experience of their care and professionalism became a driver for what is now my personal mission to improve healthcare in South East Asia,” tells Hui.

She made a full recovery and now works as a consultant for McKinsey & Co, solving business problems and improving performance within the healthcare, pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

Her goal, driven by her personal experience, is to improve access to life-changing medical products and affordability of healthcare services in South East Asia and she uses the global network created during her time in Melbourne to do just that.

“Victoria, and Melbourne in particular, is a melting pot of communities. I got to meet and interact with students and professionals from around the world. It gave me a global network that now allows me to tap into local insights of a country. My network and those insights are invaluable in verifying and strengthening my recommendations to clients.

“Student graduates from Melbourne as global citizens because of the multicultural property of the city. It is not far-off to say that Melbourne is a mini representation of the world. It is a valuable opportunity to be metaphorically in-reach of the whole world just by living in one city,” Hui explains.

Her time wasn’t only spent studying. She enjoyed living in a city filled with opportunities to experience art, music, great food and, within a short drive, incredible nature. She made an effort to meet people outside the Asian community in Melbourne.

“Because Melbourne is so global, it’s easy to surround yourself with people that are similar. I made conscious decision that I wouldn’t do that. I wanted to be around people who were different. Doing so has made me more open-minded, embracing and compassionate. I learnt so much outside the lab and lectures during my time in Melbourne.”

Hui acknowledges that the decision to move to Australia, and specifically chose Victoria, can be overwhelming. With so many options, how do you choose the ideal place to study? For her, it came down to two things: Melbourne’s reputation as one of the best cities to live in and the abundance of top talents that allows students to learn from the best.

“I was really focused on making sure I would get the learning and development opportunities that would set me up for a successful career. I also wanted to live in a place that was vibrant and fun, so the choice of Melbourne wasn’t difficult in the end. What would I say to someone considering to study in Melbourne? Go for it, it is a no-regret move! If in doubt, try taking a short trip to experience the life in Melbourne, or speak to friends who are currently studying in Melbourne.”