Shyaal, 20
Born in Suva, Fiji
Came to Australia in July 2002
What is your occupation?
I work as a laboratory analyst in the pharmaceutical industry. It’s very systematic and we don’t go much into theory. However, I am very inquisitive and want to know the cause behind everything; therefore, it doesn’t really satisfy my curiosity. I understand that the main point of my current role is just gaining valuable work experience. I am actively looking for a position at the moment.
Right now, I am aiming for a hospital scientist role in either micro or molecular biology. My long term goal is to become a scientist studying infectious diseases and cancer.
I studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biological Science at the Queensland University of Technology. I moved to Sydney in December 2021 in order for a change of scenery; I wanted something new and something to move out of my comfort zone.
Why did you come to Australia?
I moved with my family when Mum secured a skilled migration visa. She is a high school teacher specialising in business management, accounting and economics.
Fiji itself doesn’t have many opportunities and there is a lack of social mobility. My paternal uncles had already moved here previously so it was definitely influenced by the fact that we had a support network in Australia.
What do you like about Sydney?
It is a happening city. Things are happening all the time and there is a lot of energy and culture. There are events happening all the time, compared to the more tranquil nature of Brisbane and Fiji.
The nightlife I feel is quite vibrant. I loved the Vivid Light Festival in winter. My friend took me to a paint and sip class recently; there’s just a lot more variety.
Usually, when I visit my family, it’s in November and December which happens to be peak cyclone season. A lot of my family is from Nausori, and I have frequently experienced power outages and sometimes the water systems are turned off. The internet access is also unreliable; it would take an hour just to load up a webpage. In Australia, we take all these amenities for granted.
What don’t you like about Sydney?
Sydney in my opinion is overpopulated, especially in terms of the traffic. The drivers are crazy - a lot of people don’t even give way! The number of potholes is comparable to that of Fiji.
I have also experienced several culture shocks. Everyone’s self-centred and not really open; Brisbane locals are much more friendly and open to having a conversation with you. Everyone’s struggling to a certain extent because the cost of living is so high; they’re focused on themselves just trying to get by.
We’re in a technological era and the need for instant gratification stems from the constant need for everyone to get whatever they want wherever they want. This is amplified in Sydney because of the frenetic nature of the city.
Train strikes are also a frequent occurrence lately! The network of buses isn’t great and is quite fragmented.
What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?
Focus on the present rather than chasing the future. The future will take care of itself if you focus on the present.
What languages do you speak?
English, Fiji Hindi
Fiji Hindi is heavily influenced by Fijian, English and is different from standard Hindi spoken in India in terms of phonetics and vocabulary.
I understand a bit of Urdu because there’s a lot of intertwining between Hindi and Urdu.
I definitely want to learn Punjabi because a lot of my ancestors are from Punjab. A lot of my closest friends are from southern India so I would like to learn one of Telugu, Malayalam or Tamil.
Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.
Ram Ram - Hello
Ram is a god in Hinduism and Ram Ram translates to “Blessings of Ram be upon you.”
Aap kaise hai - How are you?
Konchi karta - What are you doing?
What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?
There’s a lot of togetherness. There’s a lot of respect for one another.
There are three main religions in Fiji; Christianity, Hinduism and Islam. There’s a great sense of community and Fiji is just a happy country. People are very friendly, open and inviting.
There’s a phrase in Fiji called “Fiji Time” where people tend to be leisurely and are not rigorous about scheduling.
I would recommend visiting Nadi, volunteering in villages teaching English and attending festivals like Diwali, South Indian Fire Walking Festival and the Hibiscus Festival.
Who is the most famous person in your native country?
He’s been the Prime Minister of Fiji since 2014. I would say he’s a good prime minister who is respectful of all cultures however he favours Fijians for sure. For example, a lot of Australian aid money to assist in Fiji’s cyclone relief efforts went straight to the Fijian villages, where only Fijians live.
Roy Krishna
He plays as a forward for the Fijian national team and now plays for an Indian Super League club in Bengaluru. I feel like he’s one of the few Fijian soccer players who is known overseas.
What is the best dish in your native country?
I love Fijian food that is infused with Indian flavours.
Chicken chop suey
Chicken chop suey Fiji style is one that has a thick gravy base and is full of fresh vegetables. It is my favourite dish and I try to have it as often as I can.
Lovo
It refers to an underground oven that cooks a feast.
The term 'lovo' also refers to the underground oven that is used to cook the feast. The lovo is often reserved for special occasions in Fijian villages and is a core part of the local culinary arts.
This traditional technique involves digging a pit into the ground and placing hot coals inside. Various ingredients, from meat to vegetables and palusami (taro leaves filled with corned beef, onions and coconut cream) are then wrapped up and placed over the coals. Everything from fish to chicken and pork can be cooked in a lovo and will also sometimes also be bundled up in banana leaves to retain their moisture.
Once the food is inside, the pit is covered in banana leaves, soil or potato sacks and left to slow cook for several hours. Once time is up, the pit is unearthed to reveal deliciously cooked, tender food.
Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.
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