You must have heard of people complaining about the low-quality content produced in the Malaysian YouTube world. But wait, before you lump every local YouTuber into the same category, let’s see what makes this 22-year-old YouTuber different from the rest.
Ong Cheng Hong, a third-year law student of the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, runs a wildly successful YouTube channel named 大包子 (lit. ‘Big Bun’ in English) with 65.5K subscribers and 4 million lifetime views.
His videos cover an array of topics such as law, current affairs, and even Malaysian history. His incredible story-telling skills are also apparent in every video he produces as it keeps viewers glued to the screen while expanding their knowledge on Malaysian society.
When asked how his channel grew at such an astonishing rate, the spectacled and clean-cut YouTuber attributed it to Lady Luck being on his side when he published his second video about the story of Genting’s founder Lim Goh Tong.
“I published the video last February, and it happened to be at the same time where COVID-19 was invading Malaysia’s shores. There were plenty of Google searches relating to the plummeting of stocks, and Genting wasn’t spared from this phenomenon,” he explained.
“Needless to say, the second video became an instant hit.”
Sharing is caring
Before Ong became an Internet personality, he made several attempts in establishing his own YouTube channel but to no avail. However, thanks to his determination and grit, he finally succeeded and is now on the fast track to stardom.
“As a person who loves to talk and share my knowledge with others, YouTube proved to be the perfect platform during the first lockdown last year.
“The side income I gain from my YouTube videos is secondary. What matters the most is how I’m able to share the things close to my heart,” he said.
No holds barred
Ong believes that YouTube has enabled him to shine and showcase his talents and reflect his true personality. Throughout his journey, he is immensely grateful to be given a chance to be featured on several TV programmes and interviews.
“As a YouTuber, one of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to expand my network and build my career.
“I don’t want to limit my potential to typical careers that my law degree offers me, which is why I’m still discovering my talents and future possibilities.”
‘What are the things that I’m an expert in if I don’t become a lawyer in the future?’
“That’s the question that spurs me into exploring more possibilities during my uni life.”
Ong’s love for all things legal can be traced back to his high school days when the Penangite discovered his passion for debating upon joining the school debate team at the age of 16.
As he continued to hone his debating skills, Ong quickly rose through the ranks of the debate club to become President and has a few accolades under his belt.
“I’m not good in Science and Maths, but I love to share and talk. Law is something that relates to my strength, and the same applies to my YouTube channel.”
Having to juggle between his YouTube channel and studies, Ong doesn’t see it as too big of a deal.
“It’s all about priorities. Some prefer to hang out with friends during their free time, but I opt to spend time creating content for my YouTube channel.”
For now, Ong is setting a target of producing at least one video per week to keep the algorithm going.
“Not the whole picture”
As a YouTuber himself, Ong is cognizant of increasing complaints surrounding recent content produced by other Malaysian YouTubers, whom many have rubbished as “inferior” material to gain traction.
But, the young YouTuber believes it is a matter of generalization and stereotypes.
“It does not truly reflect the whole picture. There are still many Malaysian YouTubers out there who create content that is beneficial to society.
“Viewers will eventually get tired of prank videos. I strongly believe that those with great content will ultimately win the hearts of the audience.”
“Content creators should also put more effort in creating high-quality content instead of playing the blame game.”
“Use social media wisely”
Ong encouraged youngsters like himself to start utilizing social media platforms wisely as it can become a useful tool that increases their employability and exposes them to golden opportunities.
“Personal image is very important in a world where people are connected to one another virtually. If you portray a positive image of yourself through social media, good things will definitely come your way.”
Sources: Instagram/ @dabaozi_my, YouTube/ 大包子
Editor: Raymond Chen
Proofreader: Sarah Yeoh
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