The ability to speak many languages is advantageous, says Muar-born Australian MP
MASTERING many languages is a desirable trait that will get one far in life, especially in an increasingly borderless world.
Just look at Johor-born Australian Member of Parliament Sam Lim.
He speaks English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Bahasa Indonesia, a handful of Chinese dialects – and possibly even dolphin.
The former dolphin trainer and decorated police officer said having a diverse language skill will open up a world of opportunities.
“Language is such an important tool for communication. If you’re able to speak the language with another person, you’re also able to learn their culture and understand them better,” Lim, 62, told StarEdu.
The man became an MP from the Labor Party after winning the Tangney seat in Perth in Australia’s general election in May last year.
Lim, who was in town at the invitation of his friends, was speaking in a personal capacity at a special talk on Dec 28 at the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long campus.
Among those present were UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, his wife Toh Puan Ena Ling, and UTAR Education Foundation board of trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum.
Lim’s wife Wong Chew Yong was present too.
Calling on graduates to be proactive in seeking opportunities, Lim said being bilingual or multilingual can also translate to brighter career prospects.
World of opportunities: Lim said being bilingual or multilingual can lead to brighter career prospects. – LOW LAY PHON/The Star
Malaysians particularly are poised to tap into the global job market due to the ability to speak at least two languages, he added.
“For some other nationalities, being able to speak many languages is a big ability. But to Malaysians, it’s kacang putih,” he said, alluding to the Malay colloquial term that denotes something is easy.
Much like a typical conversation one might overhear in a kopitiam, Lim navigated this particular interview with a mix of at least three languages and Hokkien dialect thrown in between.
If anything, it harkened back to his inaugural speech in Australia’s Parliament which was partly delivered in Bahasa Malaysia and Mandarin.
In his speech, Lim thanked Australians and Malaysians who had supported him throughout the electoral process.
That particular speech even caught the attention of then Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who took to Twitter to say he felt proud when Lim spoke Malay.
Recalling that moment, Lim said it was important for him to pay homage to his Malaysian roots.“Without gratitude, we cannot go far in life. It was important for me to let the public know where I came from,” he said.
Lim added that he wants to see the country advance to greater heights under capable and talented people.On that note, he urged young graduates to stay back and contribute to the country after they complete their studies.
“Make Malaysia your home, develop and build it to be an advanced country,” he said.
Dare to go further
Hailing from Muar, Johor, Lim achieved his dream of becoming a policeman when he joined the Royal Malaysia Police in the 1980s.
He left the police force after two years for a higher pay to better support his family.The eldest of eight siblings then went on to work as a dolphin trainer in a safari park in Johor.
Lim, who described his dolphin training stint as “the best job ever”, said there’s much that humans can learn from the animal.
“Dolphins are such genuine creatures. They can feel you. If you’re sad, they will comfort you and when you’re angry, they will swim away from you. Through them, I learnt to be more sincere,” he said.
Lim emigrated to Australia in 2005 with his wife and three children. He went back to his passion by joining the Western Australian Police Academy in 2006.
In the Australian police force, Lim was handed the responsibility of assisting the multicultural Asian groups. He was awarded police officer of the year for his work with multicultural communities during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.
On his illustrious career path, Lim said it was vital that youths chase after their passions.
“Your job must make you happy. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, you won’t have any desire to do better or advance yourself,” he said.
Lim added that youths have more time on their side. Thus, they should be bold and try new things – whether it’s a new career path or life motivations.
“Treat every day like it’s your last day. Work hard, have a positive attitude and make sure you achieve your goals in life,” he concluded.
