By Brendon Jiang, Vice-Chair of RPS England Board

East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month provides a unique opportunity to celebrate, acknowledge and learn about the unique heritage and culture of ESEA communities, and highlight the incredible ways in which they have helped shape the UK. In sharing our experiences and successes we can also reflect on the importance of visibility and representation across the profession. 

Reflecting on my heritage and sense of belonging

When I reflect on my own upbringing, I recognise the complex relationship I have with my heritage. My father is Malaysian Chinese, my mother is English and I was born in New Zealand. We travelled widely because of my father’s job as a diplomat, which exposed me to a rich melting pot of lots of different cultures. A lot of my personality traits and adaptability are down to my heritage and the values that are important to my cultures.

However, living in lots of different countries also sometimes left me grappling with a sense of belonging. Whilst it provided me with amazingly rich experiences, it could also be isolating. Over time, I came to understand that these challenges could be a source of strength and I learned resilience from that.  It’s heightened my awareness of the importance of cultural identity and representation.

Influence of East and Southeast Asian cultural values

For those of us from ESEA backgrounds, there are certain cultural values that remain deeply ingrained, such as respect for elders. This reverence for seniority often extends into professional environments, where challenging leadership can feel daunting. Yet, I’ve learned that while understanding where others come from is important, standing your ground and challenging respectfully when necessary is equally vital.

Representation within pharmacy

In the field of pharmacy, there has been a growing emphasis on representation, and I’m proud of the work RPS has done in this area. However, there is still much progress to be made. Representation, particularly in senior leadership positions, is not just about having a seat at the table; it’s about ensuring diverse voices are heard, respected, and valued.

The journey towards achieving this will not be easy, nor will it happen overnight, but the intention is there, and that is encouraging. One philosophy I hold close is the idea of "lifting as we climb." As we advance in our careers, it’s important to bring others along with us, creating pathways for the next generation. Systemic change is difficult to achieve quickly, but every small step counts. It’s essential that we continue to foster an environment where individuals from ESEA backgrounds feel a true sense of belonging. So don’t be afraid to reach out and take advantage of the opportunities!

As we celebrate this month, let us continue to share our stories, celebrate our successes, and work together to overcome the challenges that remain. In doing so, we can build a profession that reflects the diversity of its people and create a lasting sense of belonging for all.

You can hear more from Brendon and other speakers with East and South East Asian heritage by catching up with our special ABCD meeting celebrating ESEA month.

Find out more about how we're celebrating East and Southeast Asian Heritage Month.

Read more RPS blogs.