Student Stories

“Dream big, but tread towards it one step at a time because some things are not meant to be rushed.” – Kei Ng

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m Kei, and I graduated with a Bachelor of Communication from The University of Newcastle, Australia, in 2012. I’m currently pursuing my second degree in Social Work as I’d like to change industry after being in media for almost a decade. I’m also a freelance photographer for 14 years.

Could you share with us briefly about your current career portfolio (highlights and challenges).

As a scheduler, I put in the elements you see on television and try to get programmes to start on time. I also make sure that the information shown on-air is accurate and that on-air assets are scheduled according to clients’ strategies. The highs that come with this job are reflected in audience ratings. I know that I’ve done a good job promoting my channel when viewership rises for the month. I feel that the job’s challenge lies in coordinating with clients from all over the world, with different time zones and regulations to adhere to. For example, alcoholic commercials can only be shown after a certain time in Taiwan, and programmes with Mature (or M18, in Singapore’s context) rating can only be shown after 11 pm in certain countries.

As a photographer, I’m honoured to have taken part in the shooting for NDP, F1, and concerts. The job highlights are actually in the little things people do for photographers – offering me water or food when they see me drenched in sweat. Things like having the boss of a company offer me a seat to rest for a while warms my heart. The job’s challenge lies in competing for angles with fellow photographers. While most of them are friendly and would offer to rotate so that everyone gets nice angles, some (especially the older ones) would think that I’m too young for the job (remember I started out when I was 20) and would not give way. Once, I met this experienced photographer who was constantly vying for the subject’s attention wherever I went and would copy my angles. It is then up to you to stand up for yourself, which I did and eventually earned that photographer’s respect.

What drives your passion in photography and how do you hone the skill? What are your favourite types/styles of photography?

I dived into the world of DSLR without knowing anything. At that point, I just needed some money, and the pay seemed reasonable, and what I had to do sounded pretty easy, so I took the offer. The boss asked if I knew how to use the company’s DSLR; I said no, and he gave me a crash course. During my first event, I shadowed the guys from Channel NewsAsia and copied their angles. I climbed tables when I saw them doing it, laid down when I saw them squatting down to take a low angle shot. Eventually, I watched YouTube videos to hone my skills and gradually picked it up through the countless events I took up with my publishing house. I do event photography mostly, but I’m trying to do some street photography in recent times.

During your student life, you have participated actively in student clubs and activities. What are your greatest takeaways?

To achieve great things, you need a team with the same vision. I wanted to serve and use the photography club to provide additional value to the school. In contrast, my predecessor managed the club as one for the hobbyists – something that I should have done, rather than emphasising the technicalities of photography. That said, I enjoyed my time with the club, but I feel that I should have made it more fun for my fellow members.

If you can have a conversation with yourself when you are an undergraduate, what advice and guidance would you give?

Take chances; it’s a time where you’re allowed to fail. Do not be afraid of failure; aim high and do your best so that you will have no regrets. Don’t just study hard, play hard and take part in school activities when you can. The memories you make during your time at PSB Academy will be very memorable once you graduate.