In what was the opportunity of a lifetime, our Mass Communication students were recently given the chance to party with some of Asia’s biggest musical artistes courtesy of the Universal Music Group.
The students attended the “Music is Universal” party in Kuala Lumpur on April 30 after they were invited by none other than Kenny Ong, the Managing Director of Universal Music Group Malaysia, Singapore and Indochina – who is also the industrial advisor of QIU’s Bachelor of Corporate Communication programme.
If the name Kenny Ong sounds familiar, it’s because he was one of the three expert speakers at our recent QIU CEO Series, along with Leo Burnett Chief Executive Officer Tan Kian Eng and QIU Chief Operating Officer Nicholas Goh.
The excited group rubbed shoulders with local household names like Alvin Chong, Fattah Amin, Fazura, Josh Kua, Wen Suen, Bate, Rabbit Mac and Arvind Raj – as well as regional artists like Singapore’s Charlie Lim, Vietnam’s VCT, Thailand’s Jannine Weigel and Korea’s James Lee – and they had Ong to thank for the gracious invitation.
“It was an honour to be invited. Not everyone can get the chance to be part of such a prestigious event,” said Corporate Communications major Kimberly Wong, a year two corporate communication major. “We got in touch with a lot of artists and we could see them performing on the stage within touching distance.”
Of course, there was also time for the students to meet some of their idols in person.
“For me, the most memorable part of the event was meeting VCT, a singing artist from Vietnam. As my hobby is singing, I get inspired by her voice and she is a very talented singer,” said Wong. “When I saw her shining on the stage, I told myself I want to become like her one day.”
“I am so happy to meet Fattah Amin because I’ve been a fan since I was 15. I even got to take a picture with him!” – Journalism student Saundarya Ramesh.
With Ong acting as a ‘bridge’, the students were also able to learn how to socialise and network among the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry.
QIU Bachelor of Corporate Communication programme coordinator
Muhamad Amirul Faiz Abd Ghani described the excursion as a great exposure for the students, who learned the importance of utilising publicity, public relations, social skills and talent management.
Final year Corporate Communications student Diane Lee echoed her lecturer’s comments, noting how the party had provided a platform for the artistes to represent different brands.
“This event just intensified my enthusiasm towards the world of media and corporate work. It was truly eye-opening” – Diane Lee
