#SHOWBIZ: Joy Ngiaw aims to inspire Malaysians with her Emmy win

BREAKING boundaries is no foreign feat for many Malaysians overseas. From Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh to fashion visionary Jimmy Choo, many have made significant strides in their respective fields. And joining them is Joy Ngiaw.

Hailing from a small ‘kampung’ in Kemayan, Ngiaw recently made history as the first Malaysian to earn an Emmy.

The 31-year-old earned the accolade for her work on Apple TV+’s WondLa, winning Outstanding Music Direction and Composition.

“It meant a lot to me personally. The voting committee were composers I respected and admired. So, it was an honour to know they believed in my music. It was a personal affirmation that reminded me I was doing something good.

“I felt really proud to not only stand up there as a female composer but also as a Malaysian composer. There are not a lot of us in Hollywood,” she said in an exclusive interview with NST.

MOVING BETWEEN COUNTRIES

But long before her Emmy reign, Ngiaw was a music enthusiast who spent her childhood in bustling Shanghai and her quiet ‘kampung’ in Pahang.

Her father, who got a job in China, enrolled her and her two siblings in an international school.

“But he still wanted to ensure we were connected to our family back in Malaysia. So every year, we would return for Chinese New Year and summer breaks.”

The constant travels, while educational, were hard emotionally for Ngiaw.

Considering how the rest of her family was here, the longing for home constantly lingered in her mind.

“So, every time I left Malaysia, I was super sad. That experience makes you grow up fast because you are constantly between two different places. But at the same time, it taught me to appreciate the time whenever I was back in Malaysia. I always made the most out of it when I got back home.”

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OVERCOMING PERSONAL BARRIERS

The perseverance helped pave the way for Ngiaw upon her graduation from the Berklee College of Music in the US.

While the Emmy winner got to realise her dreams, her path was not always smooth sailing.

For one, it was not always easy being the only female and Malaysian in work settings.

Having been taught to be “more ladylike”, Ngiaw initially struggled to voice her opinions and advocate for her creativity professionally.

Through much practice, however, Ngiaw learned to overcome her personal barriers and proved her capabilities.

“It is learning to be able to trust in myself and remind myself that I deserve to be here. Remind myself to trust in my skill sets and prove to others that a female composer can also write big action music and score a big bombastic score.”

But is it always easy to push through? Ngiaw says consistency is the way to go, highlighting the importance of noticing small victories.

“There are always moments where I feel insecure, self-cautious, not just as a composer but as a human too. It has not always been easy, and each experience is different. But every time, I do something that I can be proud of, it helps a little in building trust in myself and confidence.”

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CONSISTENCY WINS

Judging from her track record, this personal mantra seemed to have worked tremendously.

Even before scoring an Emmy, the composer had numerous notable wins under her belt, ranging from an Annie nomination to a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) recognition.

When asked about her favourite highlight, Ngiaw points to her first studio project, Blush, as a significant moment in her career.

Seeing how she had no professional representation then, the project’s securement reassured her confidence in her musicality.

“It felt like they trusted my music instead of my resume. That experience really jump-started my career because I was approached by agents after that. It also felt surreal to know John Lasseter was behind it.

“He is the creator of Toy Story and someone I admire a lot. I grew up watching Toy Story and all the Disney classic films, such as A Bug’s Life and Cars.”

BUILDING SOCIAL PRESENCE

As for advice for aspiring Malaysian artists, Ngiaw calls for the optimisation of social media.

In this digital age, she believes digital savviness and artistic exposure go hand in hand, urging artists to have a website and have their own brand.

“You have to be self-motivated and self-disciplined, working towards your goals. So strive to expand your network, be a good team player, and meet as many filmmakers as you can to collaborate with them.

“And of course, do not be afraid to put yourself out there and trust that you have a unique story to tell, your upbringing, your culture, and your values. They are equally as important,” she concluded.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times