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For most people, choosing a career is a clear and deliberate decision. It could be a path mapped out by degrees, plans, and expectations. But sometimes the career chooses you before you even know it.
For most Malaysians, Nazrudin Rahman is a familiar name who is known for his warm presence and versatility across the media industry. With over two decades of experience in Malaysia’s presenting and broadcast production scene, he has built an impressive portfolio.
However, his beginning didn’t exactly start from the media world, but from IT.
Switching from IT to media
Nazrudin studied at St.John’s institution during his primary and secondary school years and majored in Information Systems at Charles Sturt University. It was during the 3rd year of his degree studies that he had just quit his managerial role at a multinational IT company.
One day, while having a meal at a fast-food restaurant, Nazrudin got talent-spotted by a media company.
“They called me in for an audition on Friday, and by Monday, I was shooting my very first onscreen episode. It was at that moment where I dove headfirst into the world of media, learning everything from scriptwriting and basic camera work to lighting.
“After paying off my remaining university fees, I realised that the media industry had captured my heart and I chose to stay rather than return to the IT world,” he said.
‘You’re crazy!’
From his schooling to university days, Nazrudin was part of a vocal group called SoulStreet, giving him the first taste of performing with a mic in hand. For him, music turned out to be his first love, but like most people, he needed a job that could pay the bills.
During his corporate days, Nazrudin was once a top salesman in the APAC region, a testament for his talent for written and spoken language. But when times were tough, he did lots of part-time emcee gigs and voiceovers, which he mentioned was a “really good training ground” for hosts to make extra money.
“Initially, I never saw it as a viable career path. It was simply about survival. I remember doing small jobs from 10am to 10pm for three days straight so that I could earn RM500 daily. Little did I know those long hours were the perfect training ground for the future.
“I’d say the turning point happened purely by chance when the producer of Kelab Disney Malaysia spotted me while I was casually joking with the cashier about my fries. She came up to me and asked if I wanted to be on TV, but I just brushed her off and told her she was crazy,” he recalled.
Despite the rejection, the producer gave Nazrudin her name card. He later called her to apologise for the “crazy” remark, went for the audition, and never looked back since. If I hadn’t made that joke, I don’t think I’d be doing what I do today.
“I never really pursued my career. It just sort of fell into my lap. All I can say is that God is the best of planners,” he remarked.
Early struggles
Unfortunately, Nazrudin’s career choice didn’t exactly sit well with everyone at first. His late father found out about it while watching TV on one Saturday morning and was so taken aback it sparked a cold war.
It was the worst way for him to find out. He didn’t speak to me for 6 months. Thankfully, he and the rest of the family eventually came around,” he said.
While many assume being on TV is all about the limelight and glamour, Nazrudin says that’s just a small part of it.
“The reality of hosting is nothing as it looks on TV. Just like every other field, hosting also has its own flaws. Just because it’s on TV, it doesn’t mean it’s real.
“And of course you’d have the fear of having millions of people laugh at you if you made a mistake on live TV. Thus, being on TV is honestly not meant for everyone,” he admitted candidly.
What makes hosting still worth it?
For Nazrudin, being a professional host isn’t just about being in the spotlight; it’s also about being the focal point of a team made up of passionate people working tirelessly behind the scenes.
When a show goes smoothly on air or an event wraps up with smiles and laughter, the sense of satisfaction from a job well done is priceless.
I think that’s why I still do it. Even after 25 years, I’m still going at it. I started it off as a means to survive, but now it has become my true passion!” he exclaimed.
When asked what was his favorite hosting moment, Nazrudin said it was during his 10-year tenure as the host for Jalan2 Cari Makan.
To travel the country, feel the pulse of the nation, and meet fans who appreciate what you do and not just who you are…those experiences are priceless.”
But his proudest moment came recently at the ASEAN Summit Opening Ceremony when he was hosting alongside his on-stage and in-life partner, Sheahnee Iman Lee, on such a grand stage, making it a core memory that will last for years to come.
Balancing industry relevance with creative integrity
Nazrudin states that staying relevant in a landscape where change is the only constant can feel like an endless challenge.
“Every day, trends shift, audiences evolve, and what worked yesterday might not work tomorrow. Ironically, though, technology and digital spaces have made it easier to speak your truth.
My platform, voice, and followers are the tools that give me the freedom to define my own identity in this day and age.”
Nazrudin mentions that acting will always take precedence, but only when there’s a good screenplay to bring it to life. Stepping into a role, fully embodying a character, and delivering a performance for the camera or the audience, that feeling of creation and connection is a satisfaction like no other.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about memorizing lines or hitting marks, it’s also about becoming someone else entirely and sharing that truth with the world.
Advice to his younger self
Replying to the question about what he’d say to his younger self, Nazrudin had this to offer:
Stop second-guessing yourself. Stop letting impostor syndrome hold you back. Trust yourself and just fly!
“There’s no shortcut to success, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And finally, a reminder we all need: sleep more. Your brain and body will thank you, and you’ll function so much better in everything you do!”
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