In July 2024, Jorge Lim Yi Cheng has graduated from the Department of Advertising at Xiamen University Malaysia. As he leaves the familiar confines of campus life, Jorge is set to forge his own path as a freelance video producer and content creator.
Unlike many of his peers, Jorge has always seemed remarkably focused on his journey. Throughout his university years, he produced a series of striking photographs and promotional videos, capturing everything from graduation ceremonies to welcome parties. His professional journey began early; he immersed himself in photography and secured an internship at UP Studio during his junior year.
Jorge’s smooth transition from student to professional is the result of four years of dedicated exploration and self-improvement. His journey took an unexpected turn with a major change.
Four years ago, after completing Foundation courses, Jorge enrolled in the Marine Biotechnology programme of XMUM. “I had always studied science subjects in high school, like biology and chemistry, and was fascinated by animals. I came here hoping to study oceanography,” Jorge recalls. “But after a year, I realized my true passion lay elsewhere.”
During this period, Jorge discovered video shooting and editing on his phone, igniting a new passion. Captivated by the world through the lens and the dynamic play of light and shadow, he purchased his first camera after discussing it with his parents.
“I realized these were two different worlds: one was my comfort zone, and the other was where my true interest lay.” Despite initial doubts and struggles, Jorge, with the guidance of his elder brother and several senior students in the Department of Advertising, decided to transfer his programme.
Jorge noted the differences between the two fields: Marine Biotechnology demanded a high level of personal study, while Advertising involved more collaborative work. “Although the work can keep you up late, the pressure is shared among team members, unlike the solitary nature of my previous field.”
One significant experience was leading a Canon advertising project in his second year. With over twenty team members, Jorge felt unsure about the task. “It was our first time working on such a large project,” he said. “We initially worked in separate groups, but the teacher encouraged us to collaborate with new team members to foster creativity.”
The larger team brought increased communication challenges. Jorge often stayed up late resolving conflicts and addressing issues by encouraging team gatherings and adjusting work methods.
Jorge also highlights the importance of understanding one's abilities and managing expectations. “You might love something, but clients will have many suggestions. You need to be mentally prepared to handle feedback, avoiding extremes of inadequacy or inflated expectations. Entering this industry requires humility - recognizing your shortcomings while maintaining your style.”
Work provides essential frameworks, while passion adds vibrant colors. “Style” is a concept that professionals in advertising continually explore, and Jorge is no exception. He admits to struggling with self-confidence and others’ evaluations. It wasn’t until he received praise for his video work during an orientation event, which led to his first commission, that he recognized his potential.
“Someone actually liked my video,” Jorge said with a smile.
Support from the advertising faculty was also crucial. “When I changed majors, I began shooting, and the lecturers encouraged me. They reviewed my work, suggested materials, and Dr. Wang Changsong, aware of my interest in shooting, would regularly ‘like’ my posts and inform me about competitions.”
This encouragement helped Jorge build confidence and showcase his talents. His growing recognition led to opportunities to participate in various events and activities. Despite this, he chose not to join other student clubs, focusing on his passion for photography.
“Helping out with photography is more about my passion. Being invited to capture moments because people appreciated my work feels like a recognition of my abilities,” Jorge said sincerely. “I enjoy the process and the unique experiences each shoot brings.”
Freshness, relaxation, confidence, and communication are key to Jorge’s educational journey. “I hope younger students won’t fear making mistakes during their studies,” he emphasized. “Our lecturers are very approachable. If you have ideas, discuss them with the teachers to make your years interesting and motivating.”
Jorge advises against avoiding experimentation and self-discovery, as they are crucial for finding one’s path. “Without trial and error or a clear sense of direction, you might feel lost after graduation.”
In addition to shooting, Jorge is honing his skills in planning, design, and editing. His campus life reflects a pattern: passion fuels studies, studies shape profession, and profession leads to career. This interconnected process has built Jorge’s confidence.
While life is unpredictable and any link in this chain might break, Jorge’s ability to navigate and mend these links speaks to his resilience and adaptability.