Navigating a successful career and motherhood in a new country

From buying a one-way ticket to Australia to becoming a leader in business, Christina is inspiring others in Australia and beyond.

With only $2000 AUD in her savings and a very limited network, Christina Chia bought a one-way ticket from Malaysia to Australia with a strong determination to start a new life for herself and her kids.

Over twenty years later, Christina is the Chief Operating Officer at a leading tuition college and one of the foremost authorities in advocating for multiculturalism, inclusivity, diversity and female empowerment in communities and businesses in Australia.

We caught up with Christina to talk about her experience of studying her Bachelor of Business in Marketing and Human Resources Management, now known as the Bachelor of Business, to learn how it transformed her into who she is today.

“RMIT transformed me and showed me how to develop a skilled hand and cultivated mind. My association with RMIT continues to inspire me and fills me with a determination to lead with kindness, work with passion, and embrace diversity!” Christina said.

What attracted you to study at RMIT in Melbourne?

Australia has been a top-of-mind destination to study. I heard positive feedback from friends who studied in Australia. Melbourne is a vibrant city [and] it is not too far from Malaysia.

How was your RMIT experience and how did it support you in your career?

My experience was positive. RMIT encouraged ‘collaborative learning’ amongst my peers and there were also participation scores for my subjects. Initially, I struggled as I was very shy and not confident in the English language compared to Australians. It is through this area that I developed public speaking skills which made me realise the importance of speaking up.

I also liked the supervised professional practice year where we completed full-time work in the third year. RMIT introduced us to potential employers and helped us with résumés and interviews. I was very grateful to score full-time work as a Marketing Assistant at the Melbourne College of Textiles. It gave me insights into the Australian business culture whilst gaining [work] experience.

RMIT transformed me and showed me how to develop a skilled hand and cultivated mind. My association with RMIT continues to inspire me and fills me with a determination to lead with kindness, work with passion, and embrace diversity!

Photo credit: Christina Chia

What do you miss the most about your time studying at RMIT in Melbourne?

Lecturers – it was always so inspiring and empowering to hear them lecture and interact with them. Many lecturers came from industry experiences and the courses were industry related and practical.

Friends from all over the world – I am still connected with them. We had a vibrant Malaysian students association, and they helped me fit in with Australian culture and society.

What would be your top advice or tips to RMIT international students who are studying in Australia?

Embrace the culture and society here. Be part of it and get involved. It’s not easy but you will have fun and you will grow exponentially in your views of life, culture and community.
The power of networking and connections and building a trust economy and your personal brand.
RMIT has great resources and incredible facilities to help you live your very best life.
Two words students should keep in mind:
Grit, the power of passion, perseverance and consistency
[The acronym] TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

Although the accomplishments and highlights matter, the process and journey have been equally important to me. I enjoyed the experience and growth and the impact I have in my team, my people, the community and the planet.

What are you currently working on? What's next for you?

It will be another incredible year of collaboration and connection as we resume life back to the positive vibrant environment we’ve always thrived in. I will continue my strong community involvement in various NFPs (not-for-profit organisations) to motivate and support young people and champion diversity and gender equality.

[I will] lead and serve with the ‘Circle of Abundance’ to make a positive impact on those around [me] and create a positive mindset to live my very best life!

Interested in advancing your career in business? Discover a range of industry-led business courses that are available at RMIT.

Story: Gavin Gan

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Acknowledgement of Country

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