Woven Spotlight: Janette Cheng
Finding Strength in Authenticity
Janette Cheng's Journey from Fitting In to Belonging
Sometimes the greatest journey isn't about crossing oceans—it's about coming home to yourself
Janette Cheng was twelve when her family moved from Malaysia to Perth, and like many young immigrants, she spent years trying to reshape herself to fit into Western culture. "I tried hard to fit into western culture, often by not being true to myself—just so I could belong," she reflects. But fifteen years later, now living in Melbourne, Janette has discovered something far more valuable than acceptance: the courage to be authentically herself.
Her story isn't just about adapting to life in Australia—it's about the profound realisation that true belonging comes not from changing who you are, but from embracing it. "I'm finally at a point where I'm comfortable being myself—and that's enough," she says, her voice carrying the quiet confidence of someone who has learned to trust her own worth.
The Courage to Choose Your Own Path
When Janette decided to move from Perth to Melbourne for her career, the reactions from those around her revealed an uncomfortable truth about human nature. While her family supported the opportunity, some friends were less encouraging. "Some friends were quite negative. They saw Melbourne as just a bigger, more expensive city with a higher cost of living. A few even said things like, 'You'll be back in a few months.'"
That experience became a turning point in understanding the complex dynamics of personal growth. "Not everyone is genuinely happy for you when you try to level up in life," Janette observes. "Some people aren't threatened by your failure—they're threatened by your success, because it makes them question their own choices."
This insight taught her one of life's most essential lessons: "What truly matters is you—what you want in life, what path you choose, and how committed you are to your own growth. At the end of the day, you don't need everyone's approval—just your own."
Redefining Home and Identity
Living in Australia for fifteen years has given Janette an unexpected gift: a deeper appreciation for her Malaysian roots. "The funny thing about living in Australia for the past 15 years is that it's actually made me appreciate my home country more," she admits. "Before moving here, I was very 'Westernised' in my thinking. I believed the grass was greener on the other side."
But distance and experience have taught her a more nuanced truth. While she acknowledges Australia's strengths—"stronger human rights, higher salaries, better work-life balance"—she's also learned that "every country has its pros and cons. It really comes down to where you feel most comfortable—where you can truly call home."
This perspective has freed her from the exhausting pursuit of cultural perfection. "I no longer feel the need to impress others or change who I am to be accepted," she explains. "Parts of me have naturally adapted to the Aussie way of life," but the key difference now is choice rather than compulsion.
The Wisdom of Self-Discovery
Perhaps the most profound transformation in Janette's journey has been learning to appreciate her own company. "When I was younger, I used to think that if I wasn't out with friends or surrounded by people, it meant I was lonely. But as I've grown older, I've really come to appreciate those quiet moments with myself."
Her favourite place for reflection is C.Y. O'Connor Beach in Perth, where she would spend hours reading, thinking, or simply watching the ocean. "No matter how I felt when I arrived, I always left feeling lighter and more rejuvenated," she shares. The beach became more than just recreation—it was "a space of comfort and healing" that helped her through difficult moments.
This connection to nature has evolved with her moves. In Melbourne, where beaches are less accessible, she's discovered hiking after climbing Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia. These outdoor pursuits reflect a broader change: "I used to be more of an indoor person—anything outdoors, especially under the sun, would drain me. But in recent years, I've really started to enjoy the sunshine."
Discovering Inner Strength
The most surprising discovery of Janette's journey abroad? "You are stronger and more capable than you think. When we're surrounded by family and friends, it's easy to rely on them, and sometimes we don't realise our own full potential. But when you move to a new place and have to manage everything on your own, that's when you truly discover your strength."
This strength isn't just practical—it's emotional and psychological resilience that comes from navigating challenges independently. When facing difficulties, Janette has developed a two-step approach: first, rest and clear your mind, then "talk to the right people—those who have been through similar situations and come out stronger."
She's learned the importance of choosing her support network carefully: "It's important not to share your struggles with everyone, especially not with people who might make the situation feel more negative."
The Gift of Perspective
Living in Australia's multicultural environment has fundamentally shifted how Janette sees the world. "It really makes you appreciate things better and helps you see both sides of a story. You begin to understand that there isn't always one clear answer to an issue—there are often many grey areas."
Meeting people from diverse backgrounds has made her "more laid-back and open-minded" and taught her that cultural exchange doesn't require textbooks: "You get to learn about other cultures and backgrounds firsthand, without needing to Google or study them in school. It's like a free crash course in history and culture, shared through real-life friendships."
Perhaps most profoundly, these connections have given her a deeper appreciation for life itself: "The biggest thing I've learned is that you will never truly live until you accept the fact that one day, you will die. This realization comes from meeting friends and people from all sorts of backgrounds... At the end of the day, life is short and fragile, so it's important to live it to the fullest."
Embracing the Journey
Today, Janette's advice to other women considering life abroad reflects her hard-won wisdom: "Don't be afraid—even if you end up not liking the place you moved to, or feel like you made the wrong decision or wasted time. Life is often about making the wrong decisions so you can eventually make the right ones."
She understands that growth often comes disguised as mistakes: "Every experience, good or bad, teaches you something and shapes you into someone wiser and more profound than those who never took that leap."
Her final message carries the gentle authority of someone who has learned to trust herself: "Listen to yourself. Surround yourself with people who support you, and trust the journey of life as it unfolds. Don't let others' opinions define your path. Most importantly, always remember to love yourself—through the mistakes, the uncertainty, and the growth. That self-love will carry you further than anything else."
Janette's journey reminds us that the goal of living abroad isn't to become someone else—it's to discover who you truly are when stripped of familiar surroundings and expectations. Sometimes the longest journey is the one that brings us home to ourselves.
Janette Cheng moved from Malaysia to Australia at age 12 and now lives in Melbourne, where she works in architecture. She recently started her own podcast sharing everyday life stories that inspire others facing similar challenges.
Connect with Janette:
LinkedIn: Janette Cheng
Instagram: @ettenajane
Listen to her Podcast: Just say it now!
For practical insights on building connections and finding community in Australia, read Janette's Resource Guide - coming soon!
The Woven Spotlight Series features women who have created meaningful lives abroad, sharing their unique perspectives on cultural adaptation, professional reinvention, and personal growth across borders.