:: From Brunei Darussalam to Coffs Harbour - Vui Shin Chong

Vui Shin Chong grew up in Brunei and went to England to study pharmacy. After completing his degree he undertook his pre-registration year of work at Pinderfields General Hospital, before returning to his home country of Brunei Darussalam where he worked in the hospital in RIPAS for five and a half years. In 2003 he returned to the United Kingdom and successfully attained his Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy.

During that time Vuishin was looking for a position where he could work in his chosen field and live in an environment that would be great for his two young children to grow up in. After seeing a recruitment site offering work at the new North Coast Cancer Institiute, he sought more information. He 'Googled' Coffs Harbour and read widely on the internet about what the area offered. Chong thought it was an atrractive place and he especially liked the sound of the warm climate after finding the very cold winters in England hard to take.

In February this year he arrived ahead of his family to start work and get things ready for their arrival later in the year. He found that the place lived up to his expectations especially in regard to the climate and the natural beauty of the coastline and the mountains. Vuishin's hobby is photography and he spends his leasure time taking photo's of the beautiful scenery in his new home. He develops his own photo's and is working towardes an exhibiton of his work. The relaxed lifestyle and the ease of getting to and from work give him plenty of time to enjoy his hobby, and the environment gives him plenty of inspiration.

Vuishin feels that the time constraints at the Coffs Harbour Hospital are much less difficult than in in the busy hospitals he worked in in England. Here he can spend more time with patients which allows him to derive much more satisfaction from his caring role. He is also excited at the prospect at being part of setting up a brand new service right from the beginning.

Overall Vuishin says "I'm happy I moved here, it's good for family life."