Behind the wheel: Jessica also works with a team to develop one of Malaysia’s first hydrogen-powered cars.
Two young professionals defy stereotypes to pursue their dream careers
PETALING JAYA: In defying stereotypes, these young professionals are not just carving out their own paths; they are proving that passion in a chosen career field knows no gender.
Bryan Chong, an operating theatre nurse, boldly champions nursing as a profession that deserves respect and appreciation, regardless of gender, ethnicity or religion.
At just 22, he is one of the few male nurses in his hospital and views nursing as a dynamic career equal to any other.
“Most are surprised to learn I am a nurse and often ask why I did not choose medicine or pharmacy,” Chong shared.
At your side: Bryan hopes more men will enter nursing to reshape outdated perceptions.He recognises that such questions stem from outdated stereotypes that paint nursing as a female-only profession.
“This misconception needs to change. Nursing is certainly not just a woman’s job,” he asserted.
Chong highlighted the vast and varied landscape of nursing, which encompasses departments like medical and surgical units, emergency care, intensive care, endoscopy, radiology and many more.
It is a demanding profession, often requiring nurses to juggle shift work and on-call responsibilities that can disrupt work-life balance.
“We must cultivate a strong mentality and adapt to changes to thrive in this challenging environment,” he emphasised.
While Chong faces the same challenges as his colleagues, being a male nurse sometimes complicates his interactions with female patients who may prefer a female caregiver.
He hopes more men will enter nursing and help reshape perceptions around male nurses.
The work can also be fulfilling, especially when Chong receives heartfelt appreciation from grateful patients.
“Most surprisingly, some of them have even given me tokens of appreciation, which really touched me,” he said.
Automotive mechanic Jessica Isabella Nurilahi Gallyot, 26, is also breaking barriers in the automotive industry with her aspirations to specialise in electric vehicles.
Previously, she worked on major repairs, including suspension, interior and hybrid systems for BMW and Mini Cooper vehicles, and is currently employed by a motorcycle company while pursuing a degree in mechatronics.
“My interest in cars began with a love for classic models,” she explained.
Despite coming from a girls’ school and having no family background in automotive work, Jessica bravely pursued a diploma in the field.
As a mechanic, she was the only woman in her service centre at the time, but it did not deter her.
Some people see Jessica as an inspiration, but some sceptics also question her unconventional career choice, considering it a low-paying job, she said.
Yet Jessica is determined to prove them wrong, as her hands-on experience has only fuelled her passion further and expanded her understanding of cars, especially hybrid vehicles.
She is also working with a team to develop one of Malaysia’s first locally made hydrogen-powered cars in collaboration with NanoMalaysia.
“The only reason people are surprised that I am in this industry is that there are not enough women.
“I hope more women will join the industry. If there are more of us, it will become more common,” she said.
