Suria 20

Sandwiched between nominations of my work for Mediacorp Suria channel (it was Prime 12 when I joined the industry) are these Pesta Perdana awards (ie Best Director, Drama) of which I truly am grateful for. The nominations began streaming from 1999. The hustle was tough because I don’t know anyone in the industry (yep, brutal AF for a nobody) nor have established relations (although I can imagine the hustle will be as tough for them too, living up to their respective relations’ legacy). Nevertheless I am fortunate to have had good people in the industry to guide me who believe in my potential when I started, to whom I am forever indebted to.

I’m posting these because it’s #Suria20 this year. I want to thank all collaborators that made these awards possible. It’s a big deal for me and many many people because behind these trophies were individuals who brought their own personal stories to the work process. Stories that involve families, friends and loved ones - shared between newly-developed friendships and adopted second families onset during respective productions. Importantly, the output of these important collaborations have helped shaped the community’s perspectives. That’s liberating and empowering at the same time.

So perhaps your jaded opinion of the industry is not productive for those who are starting out. You’re denying them valuable life experiences. The trophies may be paperweight to some people but down the road, it’s something that you look back upon to tell your version of the work process to your family, friends and loved ones. It’s proof that you were there when it (the production and collaboration) happened and the elation you had when your effort was recognised. I am still hustling to better myself with each work. You’re as good as your last work - that’s hard truth.