KUCHING: Twenty-five-year-old Johnson Fung took a leap of faith to broaden his horizons and to experience life, crossing boundaries of cultures and residing in three countries in just under two years.
Fung graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in 2021 with a Degree in International Relations and thereafter helped his father in the construction business for a couple of months before a seemingly too good to be true job offer landed in front of his doorsteps.
A relative in Singapore, offered Fung to work in Singapore in the food and beverage industry, which he readily accepted and headed off to Singapore, not knowing what was ahead.
‘You Only Live Once’, as a life motto
Fung who believes in the ‘You Only Live Once’ statement, says he never saw himself working abroad but was eager to experience what it was like to leave home and take the audacious move to a new country.
“I felt very much like a child being thrown into the ocean of adult obligations and I realised that this was definitely a necessary precursor to being responsible for the decisions that I make for myself.
“It seems weird to say, but it’s the process of knowing and planning your future with God in mind,” he said.
After much advice from friends and family, Fung worked in a fine-dining restaurant despite not having any experience in the hospitality industry.
Fung lived in Singapore for a year and two months, during which time he worked long hours and rarely saw the sun.
Despite the intense workload, Fung enjoyed his time in Singapore which enabled him to meet people from all walks of life, both locally and internationally.
“I miss the transportation system in Singapore, it is so accessible, you can walk around the city and it feels safe too.
“Singapore is a wonderful city, I would often walk around the city during my off days. It is very walkable, each place has its own character, the coffee shops and the architecture of the buildings,” he said.
As for what he missed the most about the island he said it has to be its diverse fast food options which are currently lacking in Sarawak.
Fung also said that Singapore, which is widely acclaimed for its multiculturalism, drips with convenience, thanks to advancement in digitalisation.
“The place is high tech, so convenient, no cash besides coffee shops, you don’t need to carry your wallet around, you only need your phone, and you can scan them everywhere.
“I also had the opportunity to witness Formula 1. That was cool, the cars were really loud, an experience I will remember,” he said.
A journey of faith
After working there for more than a year, Fung was asked by church friends if he wanted to join a Bible college in Wales as an additional step to grow in his Christian faith.
He consulted friends and family members and felt it was appropriate to pursue such endeavours.
“I felt that my time in the food and beverage industry was nearly approaching its end, but I wasn’t sure of what to do next, until a friend introduced me to Bible college.”
Fung left his job, and a few weeks later flew halfway across the globe for the first time in his life.
Upon arrival, Fung who had been also battling depression for seven years saw that the three-month programme was of immense help to him personally.
“From what seemed like a childish directionless “yes!” to Singapore and wondering why I was working in a field unrelated to my expertise and a sense of hopelessness, this all clicked in the end.
“Having to leave a home in Kuching was scary, but I thanked God for meeting people in Bible college in Wales, it was a bittersweet experience in the most beautiful way possible,” he said.
Although Fung misses the moments he had abroad, he cherishes them dearly.
“I can’t remember the last time I felt so much joy and peace, I never felt more alive since then,” he said.
Fung described Wales as ‘drizzly’ most of the time, and added that the people were friendly.
“What impressed me is that they have this ‘pay forward’ system, if people cannot afford food, people would go around and feed homeless people.
“Cafes usually have food for beggars and they do it out of their own initiative,” he said.
Fung also said that he misses the ‘Sunday roast’, a traditional meal of British origin, which consists of roasted meat, roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes and a wide range of vegetables.
“The bread is amazing and the food is so good,” he said.
Home calling, for now ..
Upon completion of his three- month programme in Bible college in Wales, Fung decided it’s time to head back home.
“Where I am feels like a stepping stone to whatever is next. It’s like a pitstop in identifying what are the steps I should be taking; and to take a break and spend time with my family and friends here (in Kuching) before another pilgrimage.
“Currently I am applying for Postgraduate Law studies in Singapore and if it is not meant to be, well, off to the next adventure,” he said.
Fung hopes in the future, he would be able to further his studies in law, coupled with his degree in international relations and with his input and experience in theology, he plans to help the local communities in Sarawak.
He said family is something he has learned to appreciate more especially during his time away from home.
“From friends reminiscing on the immediate physical availability of family members, being homesick or stuck due to the pandemic, having colleagues with a wife and children waiting for them in Malaysia as they labour in a foreign land, or couples dearly missing their significant other during the three- month course of Bible college in Wales, you truly learn to see how family is in itself a blessing and gift from God,” he added.
Fung appreciates being in Kuching more now than ever, but is open to another opportunity abroad.
“Kuching food is the best. I miss a lot of things, but nothing can beat a good bowl of laksa and kolo mee,” he said.
While awaiting his acceptance at law school in Singapore, Fung helps in his local church here as well as his mother in taking care of the needy.
