Haha! Usually, the application would take about 15-20 months and mine was approved, I kid you not, under 7 months. I guess I have a strong case? With 15-20 months in mind, I thought I could take it slow.
Sorry, secretariat for business association. Well, I guess in another term it is an administrator or a secretariat administration?

>1. How did you prepare yourself?

You got PR just like that, with no preparation?

>2. What is the job market like? I am in the 20s and a secretariat, I am honestly afraid on not able to find a job; white collar.

You got a job without knowing the job market?

>3. What are the advantages as a born raised Malaysian in Australia? I am a trilingual but couldn't write and read chinese.

No advantage, you need to adapt. To their culture, and their accent.

>4. How did you adapt to the society and culture? Though I am married to one but I am not sure if my SO defines every Australian.

You are either adaptable, or you are not. People who migrate and can't adapt have been known to move back.

>5. I understand that the cost of living in Australia is proportional to the wages, but how is living standard compared to a RM45k - RM51k annual earner in Malaysia?

No direct comparison.

You are migrating, and yet you are asking such basic questions?

if it is not because of IELTS exam , i might be already in Aussie .

I did an online application, didn't go through any agents. I applied for 309/100 and it was approved under 7 months, way quicker that I expected as it mentioned on their site about 15-20 months.
I understand that Degree is the requirement in Australia likewise in Malaysia, but based on my experience so far, working experience could "balance" it out. Not the same in Australia?

yes . because i'm just a diploma holder . sad but true

IELTS is a walk in the park if you're using English on a daily basis. I'm a frequent IELTS taker, because in the past, I kept letting my PR status lapse and had to reapply 3 times (this time, with my business investments in Australia, DIBP have been generous and they've allowed a continued yearly renewal of the RRV - subject to business performance/turnover/revenue (aka amount of taxes paid) and continued proof of employment of Australian workers).

I've never gotten anything lower than a CEFR C2 level. QED.

The first and second times, I applied for the (if I recall correctly) 175 Visa, which was granted, but I wasn't keen to go. The RRV was rejected because I simply didn't stay enough days in Australia. This was my own fault. Having a brother in Australia wasn't any help - at the end of the day, DIBP was simply looking at how many days I stayed Down Under, and I failed miserably on both occasions.

The third time, I applied for the Business Owner (provisional) Visa. This is not the golden (mainly targetting loaded PRC) $15 million Premium Investor visa, but the less expensive one. I just had to demonstrate a commitment into putting at least A$5,000,000 into a designated business, and if I kept that commitment for at least 4 years (again, if I recall correctly), I get to convert my 188 into either an 888 (permanent) or 890 (permanent) visa. I am now on the permanent visa. It's a pretty good visa, because I only need to be in Australia for at least 40 days every year, as opposed to the old 175 Visa, where I had to be there for 2 out of 5 years!

I've not had my RRV rejected for the 888 yet - it's not due to renewal... I'll update you in due time (a few years more)

Ya, partner visa. I am surprised that the entire thing was fast, the fact that I received my PR status; not complaining but surprised! My SO is a local and we have been together for 7 years & married for 3, so I think we have a strong case?

No worries mate. The internet and these forums are a wonderful medium to keep diaspora connected. Good luck with your 189! Don't waste it like how I wasted my 175 (twice)! - I reckon it'll only get harder and harder to migrate going forward, what with Brexit, the rise of morons like the Donald and the general anti-foreigner, anti-immigrant feeling worldwide.

eh, since TS has a PR, doesn't that mean he would be entitled to unemployment benefits??

if that's the case, then no need to worry too much.

2 businesses actually. I run a small boutique property development business - we mainly buy old houses or land and either rebuild/modernize an old house or develop houses on new land. Six months ago, my brother who lives in Sydney and I, together with some partners, started another venture. We are buying commercial properties to turn into medical centres.

Hope that helps.

Honestly, when one migrates over to a new country, supposedly a better country, for a better life, why would one need to scrimp and save and scrounge and scout for near expired food?

Shouldn't one migrate to enjoy a better quality of life? How is eating closed to expiry stuff considered a better quality of life compared to what can be had back home?

When I finally decide to take the plunge (honestly, undecided yet - because truth be told and in all humility, Singapore is a very pleasant, safe and secure environment for people with money to stay in) to Australia, I will do it on my terms, on my liking, and for a better quality of life and living, not for anything else.

Just my 2 cents worth.