According to a survey by Boston Consulting Group and The Network in 2021, the top five destinations for international remote employment are the United States of America (USA), Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom (UK). In an article by JobStreet published in 2022, the top countries where Singaporeans are seeking jobs are Australia, China, and the USA. On top of factors such as safety and language, many Singaporeans choose to migrate to these countries due to better career opportunities and easy assimilation into their respective culture.
However, what happens if you decide to take the unconventional route? For Mirza Anuar AB Malek, he managed to find his second home in Tanzania where he is pursuing a career as a field service representative in the aviation industry.
To him, working in the aviation industry is synonymous with travelling. As a self-professed wanderer, he jumped at the unique chance to move to Tanzania when offered, despite it being an uncommon destination for Singaporeans. Mirza shares with the Karyawan team his experience as a Singaporean Muslim there.
Q: Can you tell us more about yourself and your family?
Mirza: I enjoy travelling and being outdoors. So, it is no coincidence that I am in the aviation industry. Currently, my job requires me to travel 75% of the year and that suits me very well.
My family is wonderful. Due to school and work commitments, they cannot join me on assignments. My son is in secondary school and the MUM (My Ultimate Manager) is a research centre manager.
They keep me grounded. Being away for most of the time, the whole family provides stability in my life, especially on the home front. Thus, I am grateful for them.
Q: What does your job entail?
Mirza: I am with a multinational corporation that manufactures and services commercial aeroplanes. As part of the Field Service team, I work with the airline to improve their operations and practices.
This is accomplished through sharing technical knowledge and developing procedures to enhance safety and reliability. I am Singapore-based but the job requires a lot of travelling. An assignment may last up to 6 months if required.
Q: How did you enter this line of work? Could you share your educational background?
Mirza: I graduated from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with an Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE) Degree. I have always loved aviation so when there was a job opportunity to be a Licensed Aircra Engineer, I jumped on it. Nothing beats working on an aircraft. That’s the best way of understanding how the aircraft system works, by being hands-on. I got that privilege while working in Base and Line Maintenance.
Subsequently, with the invaluable experience gained, I took the challenge of being in a Maintenance Operations Control Centre and Fleet Management. You know, being in aviation enables you to explore the many different facets of the industry. The industry can offer many possible career paths. In addition to Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), Airlines, the aviation industry includes Aircra Manufacturers, Researchers and Air Safety Specialists.
Q: How long have you been working for? Have you always worked in Tanzania?
Mirza: I have been in this industry for 17 years. This is my first time in Tanzania. First time in Africa, in fact. I have been deployed to Guangzhou, New Delhi and Mumbai before this.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career as an aviation specialist in Tanzania? What are some of your career highlights?
Mirza: Being part of the Field Service team enables me to interact with people from different parts of the world. Not only with the customers but within the team also. The team comprises individuals from different countries, backgrounds and ages. Working with them is a privilege as I learn a lot from them concerning industry knowledge and invaluable life lessons. These are experiences that cannot be bought.
Q: What aspects and characteristics of Tanzania appealed to you (for your career and to live there)?
Mirza: I love the outdoors. When I heard I was being assigned to Tanzania, I was excited. Tanzania offers incredible cultural experiences, beautiful beaches and amazing wildlife encounters. You are not far away from the tallest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, and trekking there and the nearby Mount Meru is enjoyable and scenic. There are islands like Zanzibar where the waters are perfect for snorkelling and diving. National parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are the best places to see wildlife in Africa. Isn’t it fantastic to have these in your backyard?
Q: How does working in Tanzania compare to working in Singapore? How did you adapt to the changes?
Mirza: I feel it takes additional time to commute to work. When there is bad weather, jams will happen. A journey to work can take 2 hours and it is only in the city. Preparations have to be made to leave early when bad weather is expected. I have been so pampered by the good road infrastructure and public transportation system we have in Singapore. It is so efficient.
Q: What should those who wish to work in Tanzania consider before settling down and working there?
Mirza: Driving is not for the faint of heart. That was a culture shock for me. You have to be mindful of the motorbikes (Boda Boda) and Tuk Tuk (Poa) squeezing next to and in front of you. You just have to be extra careful while on the roads.
Q: Where else have you worked and which country was the most challenging? How did you overcome the challenges?
Mirza: I have worked in Guangzhou, China, New Delhi and Mumbai in India. Usually, the language barrier will be the initial obstacle when relocating to a new country. I only speak English and Malay so communication while overseas can be challenging. What I’ll do is get a book of basic and useful phrases for travellers and develop a daily learning routine to put it into practice with people you meet. You may butcher the language initially and raise a few strangers’ eyebrows but they will understand that you are trying your best. Practice makes perfect.
Q: What are some cultural differences between Singapore and Tanzania?
Mirza: The Tanzanians are friendly and welcoming. Just walking along the streets people will greet each other naturally. Hello / Mambo (How are you?). Poa (I’m good). Exchanging pleasantries are important. Handshakes are a must when you meet someone for the first time and interestingly, they often hold your hand and do not release it throughout the entire conversation.
Q: How do you spend your free time?
Mirza: There are two golf courses there in the city of Dar Es Salaam. I spend the weekends playing with friends and colleagues. In addition, there are many islands around. I take boat trips to Bongoyo and Mbudya to chill out at the beach and snorkel in the clear waters.
Q: As a Muslim working in Tanzania, are there any particular challenges you have faced? How did you overcome them?
Mirza: I am fortunate that 35% of the population in Dar Es Salaam are Muslims. Halal food and mosques are easy to find. All the people of different races and religions interact freely in Tanzania. Within my team, my colleagues know I am a Muslim and they are respectful of my dietary restrictions and religious commitments. I will attend Friday prayers together with my Tanzanian counterparts at work.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
Mirza: To be a Permanent Base Representative. They serve as the single point of contact for the Airlines should they require support. I hope to be assigned to a specific base on a long-term basis, in hopefully an exotic location, and this time, with my family.
Q: Do you have any advice for Muslims in Singapore who are interested in pursuing a career overseas?
Mirza: Be open-minded. Take time to learn the customs and culture of that country. It can be difficult and you may experience some culture shock. Allow yourself to explore and connect to your new environment. It means a lot to the locals when you try to speak their language and engage in their customs. It is a great sign of respect.
It is a unique opportunity for individual and spiritual growth. You will learn a lot about yourself, your faith and your life in general. Hakuna Matata (No worries)!
Nurul Mardhiah Bte Omar is a Republic Polytechnic graduate with a Diploma in Mass Communications. She enjoys writing and creating content.
