Asian Star- Manish Shah

Native Village/Country parent’s background

I hail from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. 

My father was a Government servant working in the State Government Gujarat Electricity Board (GEB)

My mother was say home mom.

Your Early Education & profession

I did my Bachelors in Chemistry and also Medical Lab Technology from Gujarat University.

I also obtained the Certificate in Bio-medical Waste and Environmental Studies.

I was owner of modern Pathology Laboratory in Ahmedabad, successfully run it for 20+ years.

When & Why You came to Canada

I immigrated in 2013 as a Permanent Resident. Like other immigrants, better future of kids persuaded me to immigrate.

Your career advancement initiatives, volunteer work and present occupation

After landing at Fort McMurray, Canada, I’ve taken several steps to build and advance my career. I initially began working at Walmart, then transitioned into Healthcare by joining Dynalife as a Laboratory Assistant. Later, I gained valuable experience in the Industrial Sector as an Electrical QC and As-Built Coordinator with Laird Electric, followed by a role as a Laboratory Technologist at Syncrude Laboratory.

Eventually, I relocated to Edmonton, where I worked as a Lab Assistant at Misericordia Hospital and the University of Alberta. With continued effort and support, I successfully challenged the CSMLS exam and became a licensed Medical Laboratory Technologist in Canada. I’m currently working with Alberta Precision Labs.

In addition to my Healthcare career, I pursued my interest in Real Estate and became a licensed Residential Realtor since 2022. Since then, I’ve been gradually growing in this field and especially enjoy helping and

educating First-time Homebuyers for purchasing or selling their homes.

Volunteerism and community service are also very important to me. 

I’ve been actively involved with the Jain Society of Alberta for the past 10 years and currently serve as the Vice President. Since 2019, I’ve also been a Board Member of the Interfaith Society of Alberta. 

Furthermore, I’ve been actively engaged with the Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA) since 2020, have served on several committees, and currently hold the elected position of Steward for the Edmonton Zone.

All of these experiences reflect my commitment to professional growth, community service, and making a meaningful impact both inside and outside of the workplace.

Your Regret in Life

I generally make decisions after carefully evaluating all possible options and considering different perspectives. However, as human beings, not every decision turns out to be perfect. I believe in learning from my mistakes and using those lessons to grow, rather than dwelling on the past or feeling prolonged regret.

That being said, one decision I do look back on with some regret is related to my early days in Canada. After receiving my Permanent Residency in 2013, I arrived in January of that year but ended up going back and forth several times. This was mainly due to homesickness and the emotional and mental challenges of adjusting to a new environment—challenges I hadn’t fully anticipated or prepared for at the time.

In hindsight, I believe that period was a crucial incubation phase that could have been better utilized to establish myself earlier in Canada. Nevertheless, I’ve taken those experiences as valuable lessons, and they’ve shaped my resilience and determination in building a successful life and career here.

Pick Any One of Your Best Achievements

One of my proudest achievements is successfully passing the CSMLS (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science) exam on my first attempt. It was a significant milestone in my professional journey, and it required a lot of dedication, preparation, and perseverance.

I’m especially grateful to my colleagues, supervisors, and my wife, who continuously motivated me and believed in my capabilities. Their support played a crucial role in helping me stay focused and confident throughout the process. Achieving this certification not only validated my skills but also opened the door for me to contribute more effectively in the Canadian Healthcare System.

Did you face discrimination?

I personally have not faced direct discrimination, but I believe that sometimes what we perceive as discrimination may actually be a result of misunderstandings, often caused by language barriers or cultural differences. Canada is a beautiful country, and I have found Canadians to be very friendly, helpful, and cooperative.

As someone who practices Jainism, I follow the principle of absolute non-violence—not just in actions, but also in thoughts and words. This principle guides me to treat everyone with kindness and respect. I understand that we all make mistakes at times, and when I realize that my words or actions may have unintentionally hurt someone, I always try to apologize and make amends.

In a diverse society, it’s important to approach interactions with empathy and patience. I try to keep an open mind and give others the benefit of the doubt, just as I hope they do with me.

Are You Happy in Canada?

Yes, I am truly happy in Canada. It’s a beautiful, multicultural country with friendly, respectful, and supportive people. I’ve had the opportunity to grow personally and professionally here, and I feel grateful for the experiences and the stability this country offers. Canada has given me a good life—one where I’ve been able to achieve my career goals and fulfill all of my family’s basic needs, providing us with a sense of security and opportunity.

Like any journey, my initial transition had its challenges—especially adjusting emotionally and mentally during the early days. There were times when I missed the friends and social connections from back home, as well as my favorite foods, places, and traditions. However, over time, with the support of my family, community, and colleagues, I’ve been able to build a fulfilling career, contribute through volunteer work, and establish a meaningful life here.

Canada has also given me the chance to pursue personal passions, like Motorcycle riding. I actively ride with a group of like-minded individuals, where we share knowledge about safe handling of Motorcycles and raise awareness about traffic rules. It’s not just a hobby, but a way for me to connect with others, promote safety, and contribute positively to my community.

Your take on Canada’s Culture

Canada’s culture is diverse, inclusive, and deeply respectful of individual rights and freedoms. One of the most admirable aspects is how people from different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds coexist peacefully and contribute to society in meaningful ways. This multicultural environment not only encourages mutual respect but also creates opportunities to learn from one another.

What about Canada’s Weather

Canada’s weather can be challenging, especially the long and cold winters, which were difficult to adjust to at first. However, with time and preparation, I’ve adapted and even come to appreciate the beauty of the changing seasons. Each season brings its own charm, and the weather has taught me resilience and the value of adapting to new environments.

What Brought You Success in Canada?

My success in Canada has come from a combination of hard work, persistence, and a willingness to adapt. I stayed focused on my goals, continuously upgraded my skills, and remained open to learning from every opportunity. Support from my family, mentors, and community also played a vital role. Staying true to my values—especially compassion, humility, and service—has helped me grow both professionally and personally.

Are You Willing to Help New Immigrants and How?

Absolutely. I believe in giving back to the community that welcomed me. As someone who has gone through the immigrant experience, I understand the challenges newcomers face. I would be happy to offer guidance, share my experiences, and provide resources to help them navigate life in Canada. This could include helping with job search strategies, offering advice on cultural integration, or simply being a mentor who listens and supports them during their transition.

Your Message for Canadians of Asian Origin

To my fellow Canadians of Asian origin, I want to remind us all of the importance of kindness, friendliness, and respect for the law. Canada is a beautiful country that welcomes diversity, and it’s essential that we contribute to maintaining its safety, harmony, and inclusivity. By being respectful and cooperative with the law and order, we help ensure that Canada remains a place of peace and opportunity for our children and future generations. Let’s continue to embrace our cultural heritage with pride, while also fostering a spirit of unity and respect that will make this country even stronger and more beautiful for all.