KUCHING – The recent SwinTalk Series #3, a collaborative effort between Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and the Sarawak Influencers Council (SIC), offered attendees a deep dive into the authentic experiences of influencers.
Held on 3 April 2024, the seminar provided a stage for influential personalities to discuss their professional pathways in the digital age, presenting first-hand insights into the influencer vocation.
As part of the SwinTalk Series, this event was specially curated to demystify the journey of becoming a social media influencer, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
The influencers, including SIC Vice-President Jarone Choo, actress and influencer Alvy Joanna (@missalvy), event organiser Tiger Ming (@tigerming; @borderlandmusicfest) and influencer and personality Yipin (@onayipin), spoke candidly about their origins in the industry, their driving forces and the obstacles they have tackled along the way.
Tiger Ming emphasised the value of targeting the right audience and bringing passion to every artistic endeavour. “When there is art, there is passion,” he stated, urging upcoming influencers to “always offer something in return” and to continually “brush up negotiation skills” to excel in the digital sphere.
Yipin, on the other hand, advocated for a more proactive approach. “Just do it first –choose the right pathway to lead your consistency,” she advised. She stressed the significance of not being shy to ask questions and the need to focus more on content to build a sustainable online presence.
Alvy Joanna shared her personal mantra on handling feedback and developing one’s personal brand. “Take comments as constructive criticisms; don’t take it to heart, always use negative feedback constructively to improve yourself,” she said.
She also discussed overcoming creative blocks by trusting the process and underscored the importance of creating content out of love and valuing relationships with all brands. “Every failure is always one step towards success,” Alvy added, highlighting her journey towards building a memorable personal brand.
Their stories, filled with personal anecdotes and pivotal career moments, illustrated the complexity of the influencer lifestyle. From the anticipation of posting their first sponsored content to the satisfaction of establishing a sustainable income, the speakers detailed the milestones that have marked their careers. Their reflections on receiving their first influencer income were particularly impactful, underscoring the potential for profitability in the field.
Beyond personal stories, the influencers imparted strategic advice to students and emerging influencers, emphasising the importance of adaptability, authenticity and strategic branding in sustaining a long-term career in new media. They stressed the need for ongoing education and adaptability in an industry characterised by constant change.
This collaboration between Swinburne Sarawak and SIC signifies a joint commitment to nurturing the next generation of digital leaders. By facilitating such exchanges, both organisations aim to empower aspiring influencers with the knowledge and networks necessary to thrive within the social media ecosystem.
SIC was established in January 2024 with a commitment to cultivating a dynamic influencer community. The main objective of SIC is to provide comprehensive support in shaping the influencer landscape in Sarawak while concurrently promoting the socio-economic and cultural aspects of Sarawak through collaborations with government agencies and businesses.
The SwinTalk Series is a quarterly event organised with industry partners with the aim of developing knowledge and promoting the sharing of experiences and mentorship.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).