KUCHING: Not all career paths follow the mainstream as one young Sarawakian is blending knowledge and heart to make a difference in elderly care.
While many graduates chase popular careers, 25-year-old Noor Fazlina Dadan is proving that empathy and hands-on service can have a real impact on Sarawak’s ageing population.
For Noor Fazlina, her role requires a sincere heart to care for the elderly patiently, attentive ears to listen, and a compassionate soul willing to nurture those in the twilight of life.
A native of Debak, Betong, now residing in Kuching, she admits that her career choice is not a mainstream path for graduates her age.
But for her, it was not a last resort; rather, it is a form of blessing she gratefully embraced.
“Even in school, I was interested in humanitarian activities, but I never had the opportunity to serve for certain reasons,” she told Sarawak Tribune when contacted.
The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly became a turning point.
While fear and isolation affected the world, her desire to serve grew stronger.
As the world was engulfed in fear and isolation, her interest in humanitarian work grew stronger, and caring for the elderly gave her a space to serve in the most sincere way.
“I entered this field before continuing my studies at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development with Honours.
“At that time, the industry was in great need of workers. So I took the opportunity to help the elderly and gradually fell in love with this career,” she recounted.
Although her academic field differs, Noor Fazlina sees her knowledge as never wasted, acknowledging that every lesson learned can be applied in various situations or fields.
“Discipline from human resource studies has trained me to manage emotions, build interpersonal relationships, apply counselling skills, and understand personal development—elements that now form the core of my profession.
“All of this helps the elderly maintain their quality of life and stay motivated despite ageing, which will also benefit our own parents one day,” she added.
Facing misconceptions
However, Noor Fazlina’s journey has not been without skepticism, as some question her qualifications, viewing her career as less worthy of a university degree.
“The hardest challenge is the perception of some people who look down on me, as if I didn’t study at a higher level.
“Some teammates even questioned why I didn’t choose a job aligned with my studies.
“Others indirectly set very high expectations just because I am a university graduate,” she said.
She added that confusion remains about the scope of an elderly caregiver’s duties, and many do not yet recognise the professional role in patient care.
“However, I now see that public perception is gradually becoming positive as they realise the role of elderly caregivers, especially with certification courses offered at CENTEXS (Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak,” she added.
Despite various challenges, Fazlina remains steadfast in her dedication.
“I put all that aside. I know the value I build today is more important because it shapes who I am and how I provide service,” she said calmly.
Kuching, like many cities in Sarawak, is experiencing demographic shifts with more residents reaching retirement age.
This trend has increased the demand for trained caregivers, highlighting the important role the younger generation can play.
Due to that, caring for the elderly is not merely a routine job, it is a mental training that instils patience, nurtures empathy, and teaches people to appreciate the value of life.
“For me, caring for the elderly is not just a profession but a contribution to society, especially since they need attention and emotional support.
“Although many other careers are more popular among graduates, I am confident that the satisfaction from working in this field gives me great meaning,” she emphasised.
At the same time, she acknowledged the limited opportunities in fields aligned with her academic studies.
“I am sure I am not the only one facing this challenge; many graduates out there feel the same.
“However, I choose to see it positively, exploring a new field while applying skills like communication and emotional support,” she said.
Since university, Noor Fazlina has been used to spending her free time working part-time caring for the elderly.
“So far, I have had no trouble adjusting to daily routines. I have never felt awkward with the daily tasks of this work.
“Indeed, it has made me more disciplined and able to work according to schedules that may differ from other jobs,” she added.
Life lessons in compassion
Since stepping into the caregiving world, she has experienced various moments, some even bringing her to tears.
She recalls moments that deeply moved her, such as sitting with a terminal colon cancer patient in palliative care.
“Usually, patients in palliative care have no hope of recovery (terminal illness), and our focus is to provide emotional support, relieve pain, and increase their comfort.
“I remember that day, an elderly man had just been informed of his condition by the oncologist, and I sat by his side, listening to his life story.
“He was depressed but still strong enough to share stories about his life,” she sadly shared.
At that moment, Noor Fazlina put herself in the patient’s shoes, imagining the fear and fading hope.
“It truly touched my heart, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. Moments like this teach me to be stronger so I can continue supporting them,” she said.
Career growth and advice
Besides emotional experiences, Fazlina also had the opportunity to enhance her skills by performing certain medical procedures under the supervision of medical officers or trained nurses.
“I took courses at Meditel Sarawak General Hospital to obtain certificates to reassure patients’ families that I am competent.
“Skills I learned included inserting nasogastric tubes, cleaning stoma bags, and dressing wounds like pressure ulcers (bedsores).
“It was a valuable experience because I once aspired to enter the medical field but never had the chance,” she added.
When asked about her career future, Noor Fazlina is aware that her current role may not be permanent, but she values the opportunity to serve society.
“I am still looking for opportunities in fields related to my studies, but if it doesn’t work out, I will continue serving in this field. What matters is that whatever path I choose benefits society,” she said.
Fazlina also shared advice for graduates seeking direction.
“Don’t be too selective with jobs and miss out on opportunities to gain experience because every job has knowledge and lessons that help us mature. No matter the profession, do it sincerely and responsibly.
“As the proverb goes, a good seed that falls into the sea becomes an island. It means that wherever we are placed, our personal qualities will still shine,” she advised.
Her experience in this field has also changed her perspective on life.
“Fatigue, disappointment, misunderstandings, all seem small when we realise that life is short and fragile.
“It makes me appreciate time with my family even more, especially as I see their age advancing,” she said.
