By Luis Ong Ewe Wei & Teh Kean Hooi
Some 35 secondary school students got a taste of what it’s like to be a Youtuber and broadcast journalist during the Host Idol 2018 workshop, which was held at Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC), recently.
They were among the top 45 semi-finalists, who were shortlisted out of 136 students from various high schools in Penang, Kedah and Perak.
Host Idol 2018 coordinator, Chuah Chin Guan said the workshop was organised to sharpen students’ skills in Youtubing and live reporting by equipping them with various techniques, which will help them to prepare for the next round of competition.
“While many people think that being a Youtuber probably is easy, not many understand that this job requires good skills such as an ability to create a fresh and interesting content to share with people online and offline that can appeal to large audiences,” he said.
The workshop, conducted by HCUC lecturers, focused on several aspects such as stand-upper skills, video editing by using multiple apps, video filming and pronunciation.
Penang Free School’s Form 3 student, Krisada Ooi Shen Yang, who is one of the semi-finalists said he learned many new techniques throughout the workshop, which among others, is a simple editing process for those using mobile phones to film.
“It is also very exciting to learn how to present ourselves and use proper body language when you are in front of camera doing a live report,” he said.
For SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat’s Form 5 student, Yuki Liew You Qi, the workshop was informative especially for many students who were not familiar with broadcasting jargon.
“Before this, I did not know what a stand-upper was, although I did watch many live and on-the-scene reporting on television.
“This workshop has benefited me in many ways and it will help a lot for the competition,” she said.
With newly acquired skills from the workshop, the students will then play the role of Youtubers to produce their own video clips and the top 15 students will be selected to enter the finals.
The 45 semi-finalists are allowed to claim their curriculum merits as the Host Idol 2018 is certified by the Ministry of Education.
The Host Idol 2018 final will be held at Gurney Plaza (Ground Floor, new wing) on July 14. Contestants will be judged by popular local news anchors and hosts like Tan Ley Teng from NTV7, Owen Yap from 8TV and Ivan Toh from TV1.
The winners and finalists will receive attractive prizes and scholarships worth more than RM150,000.