H-Factor 1st stop - Penang!

Just came back from the first session of H-Factor Creative Youth Workshop @ g Hotel Penang. (Oct 12)I have to say, when my good friend Hannah asked me months ago to be a part of H-Factor to talk about what I do - radio - I was slightly hesitant. Maybe I was afraid.

I must be half decent at it to have been a radio DJ for close to a decade, but to inspire the younger generation and give insight into what goes on behind the scenes? Will I do a good job? Will I be able to give them a good enough picture? What if I turn them off? What if they hate me? No one ever said I was a role-model! Man, I can talk when the mic is on but for that split moment I was speechless!

Then, I thought:

1. Whoa Hannah! Are you nuts or brilliant to even attempt to group almost 10 of us together to talk about our respective fields, each with schedules that are almost impenetrable?

2. Where the heck are you gonna get the sponsorship/ help to even make this happen - to go all over Malaysia, while charging next to nothing?

And then, I observed Hannah and her team work.A light went on in my little head (I know, it doesn't happen too often). Hahaha

1. Wait a minute, she IS making it happen.

2. Her team's tirelessly scouting for speakers, sponsorships, venues. Organizing, planning, mapping everything down to reminding us to pack our toothbrushes!

1. Who cares even if we don't get sponsors at the end of the day?! (They eventually came - thank you to all)

2. When I was a teenager, there was NO ONE to tell me what the entertainment/ creative industry was all about.

3. Now, I have the chance to share with you what I'd learned through my work.

4. And hopefully through my stories, you can decide if it is for you!

That's when I decided, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I'm IN! (Serena trying to look professional working her presentation)

After our first session last week though, I realized that I learned from you instead!

The people who attended were dynamic, talented, headstrong, and eager to go forth and make their dreams come true! (Serena + co-host Pietro  at  awe - the  energy that filled the room thanks to you who attended!)

So thank you Penang for showing me that and I hope what I said helped at least a little in your path toward finding your future profession - be it in radio or not. 

PS. Being grouped with a bunch of truly talented individuals has its perks:

Thanks guys for making this trip crazy, fun, inspirational, and totally unforgettable!

Bless Hannah Tan's unbelievable team who probably slept less than a wink in the last 2 months! 

See you in JB this weekend!