About

Hi, I’m Mabel.

I’m a writer, blogger and more.

On this blog you’ll find my thoughts about multiculturalism, cultural habits and what it means to be Asian in Australia. This blog is also a space where I share my passion for writing.

I was born in Melbourne, Australia, to Chinese-Malaysian migrant parents. For a decade, I lived in Malaysia and Singapore, finishing school in Asia and then moving back to Melbourne.

Quite often, I find myself transitioning between a persona favouring Chinese values and a persona taking on the Australian / Western mindset.

Having lived in different countries, I’ve learnt to appreciate differences around us. Different cultures make the world interesting. Meeting and interacting with people from different backgrounds, you see things from different perspectives.

I’ve always believed it takes an open mind to facilitate conversations with people of different cultures and ethnicities. We all have different opinions, have different roles and are unique in our own ways. None of us has the all the answers to every question. In fact, the world and cultures are constantly changing. The least we can do is listen and learn from others.

My interests include: Asian cultures, diasporas, social sciences and media relations – topics which I also blog about. In the past I worked in journalism and community radio, and was keen on a career in the media. These days, I’ve decided that’s not a career for me.

Birrarung Marr, Yarra River. Melbourne, Victoria. Australia.

Birrarung Marr, Yarra River. Melbourne, Victoria. Australia.

Outside of this blog, I work a 9-5 office job and take on freelance writing work. I’m also writing my first book about being Asian Australian and the challenges of being a creative artist. Aside from that, these are some things I do in my spare time.

  • Play video games.
  • Listen to music.
  • Read.
  • Watch EPL.
  • Photography.

Thanks for reading.

345 thoughts on “About”

  1. First, thanks for the follow. Second, I like you!!! We have several things in common so that explains my three “!” before this sentence 🙂 Plus, I’ve always liked the way you engage in discussions over at Lani’s blog. I know it’s safe to say you are much younger than me, judging by looks alone, but I feel quite a maturity in you. Good luck on your book 😀

    Liked by 1 person

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  12. Your blog is quite refreshing!
    I love to read about your perspective as an Asian Australian, as I believe that not many people are aware about that.
    I have a question if I may ask. How come you spent overseas in Malaysia and Singapore for school?
    It honestly sounds amazing, and I do quite envy you!
    I wish I was raised for a significant time either in Burma or Thailand.
    Did you accent changed a lot when you came back to Oz?

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    • Thank you so much, Suaylia. You are very kind and thank you so much for reading 🙂

      My family was the “parachute” kind of family, with my dad traveling a lot of for work. So, my family got to live in Singapore and Malaysia when I was a kid, and even when we moved around within these countries quite a bit.

      As for my accent, it has always been evolving. These days, in some situations I sound more Australian than Malaysian and vice-versa in other situations. But when I think in my head, it’s mostly Malaysian.

      Your background sounds very interesting and unique, and you must have your own unique story to tell 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. Hi Mabel
    Thanks for dropping by my blog and taking the time to leave a comment, appreciated. I noticed the alignment of the stars when framing the shot, so tried to include as much of the sky without cropping too much of the road. Considered using a wider angle lens, but thought it would reduce the scale of the mountain, so stayed with the 24mm instead :-):-).

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Hello,AmazingBlog You have,very happy to be here,hey please if you have some time take a look on my site and tell me what You think about my photos,i appreciate ,not much people visit me because my photos is weak ? i want to know Your opinion ,if You can tell somebody , tell friends about me about me i do not want to die in silence of art , Take care good soul

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        • I am not one for lies and believe honesty takes us far. I have followed your blog for a while and love your close ups and nature photography. It is evident you put a lot of work and more importantly passion into your art. Personally, I believe success lies not in our popularity and views but by what we choose to do that makes us happy.

          Liked by 2 people

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  16. Enjoying reading some of your posts, Mabel! As an Asian (Sri Lankan) living abroad as well, I share a lot of your experiences. Thanks for commenting on my blog, and I’m looking forward to following yours and reading more! 🙂

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  19. Hey Mabel, thought I would say hi and encourage you with a thank you. I’ve been reading a few of your posts and they have been a blessing to me. You speak well and I quoted you in one of my own blog posts! Your experiences helped clear up mine as a Chinese-American, and I didn’t realize that Asians in Australia face similar issues. Keep on writing!

    Moire

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    • Thank you so much for the kind words, Moire. I really loved the ‘…why are you white?’ post that you wrote. It has so many thoughts on being Chinese-American, and you also voiced some of my feelings which I haven’t been able to describe in words. Personality vs values is such an important concept to think about and you have made me look at it in a different way. Once again, thank you so much and it is so lovely to have connected 🙂

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  21. Hello! I just discovered your blog – I am a Malaysian migrated to Sydney after studying and falling in love with this beautiful country. However, there are some darker sides to life in the lucky country and some of your posts really strike a chord on what being ‘Asian Australian’ is. Keep up the good work!

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    • Thank you so much for stopping by, Sue-Wen. It is so true there is a darker side to life in Australia – it’s a fact and something all of us should talk more about. Stay safe and take care.

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  24. HI Mabel! It’s great to meet you & find your blog! As someone who is still struggling to find that perfect compromise between Chinese values and Western mindsets, I completely understand the transition you make in everyday situations. I look forward to reading posts on your blog and engaging in discussions on multiculturalism and diversity 🙂

    ~Jade

    P.S. I’m also Chinese-Malaysian!

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    • It really is so hard to find a compromise between Chinese and Western values… I guess people will talk and judge but at the end of the day, our lives is ours to live. Amazing you are Chinese-Malaysian too! So glad to have connected with you 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

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  25. Hi Mabel! So lovely to meet you! Thanks again for visiting my blog earlier today. 🙂 What a fun photo you have of Link trying to pick up a fight with you. 😉 I look forward discovering and reading your blog! We seem to have a lot in common, apart from all things art – and here I include writing as well – I´m also very interested in multiculturalism. Have a happy weekend! 🙂 ❤

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  27. Lovely to meet you! I appreciate your openness to different cultures, what a demonstration of loving and courage to deeply listen. ❤ And, congratulations on writing your first book! Blessings to you — Debbie

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  28. I love the charming drawing on your banner and pleased that you commented on my blog yesterday. Now, I’m commenting on yours.

    There is much to admire here, including the fact that you embrace diversity. Again, thank you, Mabel!

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    • Thank you very much, Marian. The header was designed by a wonderful artist called Anna/Pinodesk 🙂 So lovely of you to stop by here, Marian. You are very kind and hope you have a wonderful day!

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