Q: A fun question before we start, just to get to know you a bit. If you've to pick, what's your favourite movie and why?

A: It’s got to be The Shawshank Redemption. The film isn’t centred on the crime elements solely but instead applied a universal approach that’s relatable to anyone in whatever circumstances. Academically, the film demonstrates the upheaval challenges of students’ life and perseverance in succeeding their goals and mission.

Q: Based on your CV, you had an education in Diploma in Computer & IT. What made you switch and choose to pursue the line of Media and Communication after that?

A: In the 1990’s the term ‘Information Technology’ (IT) was a buzzword to many high school leavers. I was fascinated with computer technology. Therefore, being raised in a small-town emigrating to the city post-SPM is a dream to be given an opportunity to continue learning and discover. 

But, my real passion lies in Audio-Video production due to substantial viewing and listening of media content on radio and television with the sense of curiosity of ‘how they do it’. In fact, when I was in my early teens, I recalled my curiosity in television by dismantling an old unused television parts-by-parts just to see what the components of a cathode ray tube are, based on television and immersed with the joy that these are the components that made me discover television broadcasts. Thus, in late 1990s I’d the privilege to enrol in an undergraduate programme locally that specialises in Film & Television which is a dream come true. 

Q: Why did you decide to be part of academia? How is it different compared to being in the industry?

A: My decision to immerse myself into academia was purely for the joy in educating and facilitating students to achieve their mission. Furthermore, the collaboration between a lecturer and students saw positive potential in nurturing the young minds into professions with confidence and job-readiness. Meanwhile my industrial experience had taught me resilience, life-long learning, and communication practice relatable to the academia profession.

Q: Can you tell us a myth or common misconception about the media industry?

A: “Difficult to get jobs!” — That’s the pinnacle among students. To be honest, a small percentage of graduates have challenges in securing employment in the media industry. But eventually, they obtain relevant employment that suits them after multiple efforts. In comparison to decades ago, the media industry solely relied on radio and television. Fast-forward today, there’s a broad range of media diversity in a graduates’ consideration from traditional media to digital media. The media technology became sophisticated and resourceful to media practitioners enabling an ownership of media content and dissemination. 

My advice to my students is to be bold, spark creativity, edge ahead of the rest and have a great personality, humility, and willingness to learn and explore. Therefore, the current narrative is that the media industry in Malaysia is revolving with a new landscape of opportunity for every graduate.

Q: Tell us more about what you teach (Audio-Visual Production & TV production).

A: The Audio-Visual Production (AVP) is a module that introduces the essence of audio-visual in assignments that covers a broad range of production aesthetics. Students are exposed to the basics that set a sustainable foundation in video production thus elevating the opportunity in creative approach. Meanwhile, in Television Production (TVP), students are equipped with the basics of production prior enabling contents that require research in the production. 

Both modules require production teams in undertaking production roles from technical to artistic. They pave inner discovery talents which the students partake throughout the semester. This allows students to learn new production knowledge and execution. In the end, the uncertainty and self-esteem were put into the spotlight, and I’m proud to say, they’ve overcome it positively.

Q: How do you get students to think outside the box when they're creating?

Q: What's the most memorable project you've done with your students?

Q: What are you most proud of about your students?

A: “The proudest moment for me is when a student achieves an outcome after countless challenges. Some of the students shared their disbelief not knowing they’re talented individuals who only needed the right opportunity and setting to make it happen. 

To date, many of my students are in a wide array of industries transcending from academic into professional careers. Therefore, the sense of gladness to me is when my past and present students share a common wisdom of BELIEVE.

Q: What advice would you like to give your students who're pursuing their dreams to make it big in the industry?

A: BELIEVE that someday you’ll reach there. Sustain all the good qualities that you’ve been nurtured by loved ones. Stay healthy physically and mentally. There’ll be rough tides but persevere in your mission. I’ll end with a quote by legendary filmmaker, Steven Spielberg, “I don't dream at night, I dream at day, I dream all day; I'm dreaming for a living.”  

FIN.

Spoken like a true media expert! If you aspire to be in the media industry, we hope you’ve learned valuable insights from this conversation to pursue your dreams. 

Got questions on how to get started? Our counsellors are here for you to tell you everything you need to carve your pathway into the world of mass media.