GEORGETOWN: In an impressive display of talent and determination, a Form 3 student from Pahang beat four formidable finalists to seize the coveted title at The Next Influencer Search Contest 2023 on 26 August 2023 at Gurney Plaza. 

Fifteen-year-old Nabila Maisarah Binti Luqman Hakim, from SMK Chini Timur demonstrated unparalleled prowess and secured victory in the contest organised by the School of Communication and Media (SOCOM) of Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC). 

She walked away with a cash prize of RM3,000, a trophy, a certificate and full scholarship to study at HCUC upon completion of her secondary education. Nineteen-year-old Wong Maxwell from SMK Penang Free, the first runner up, received a cash prize RM2,000, a trophy, certificate and 75% scholarship to pursue his studies at HCUC. Securing the second-runner up position was 15-year-old Saynajit Shaan A/L Sri Ramesh Kumar from SMK Taman Tasik, Taiping, Perak. He walked away with RM1,000, a trophy, certificate and 50% scholarship to study at HCUC upon completion of his secondary education. 

Meanwhile, consolation prize winners, Lim EShian, from SMJK Sacred Heart and Hor Sze Ying, from SMJK Union, both 17 years old, received RM500, a trophy, certificate and 25% HCUC scholarship each. 

The finalists were judged by three esteemed judges who are social media influencers in their own right and audience voting. The judges were Influencer cum composer, Bingyen, 988 FM’s DJ, Chrystina Ng, and Digital Content Creator, Mekyunn. 

The judges (from left) Chrystina Ng, Bingyen and Mekyunn evaluate the contestants.

During the finals, the contestants had to emulate a livestream on stage. They were given a product kit along with 15 minutes to prepare and three minutes to present their products to a live audience. 

Dr. Beh Kok Hooi: HCUC as a platform for nurturing young talents

Dr. Beh Kok Hooi giving an inspiring speech to the audience and contestants.

In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of HCUC, Dr Beh Kok Hooi said that the contest served as a platform for discovering potential influencer talents  besides enhancing their understanding of the contemporary media landscape. 

“Social media is not just a passing fad but it is here to stay. Hence, HCUC is always at the forefront of innovation and transformation, nurturing students’ knowledge, critical thinking, creativity, and technical abilities through foundational, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes, enabling them to adapt to the challenges of the digital environment.

“Our academic influence extends beyond the classroom, continually providing opportunities that meet real-world requirements for our students. 

“The Next Influencer Contest  originated from the ‘Anchor Idol Search Contest in 2011. Over the years, it has undergone a series of transformations, transitioning from “Anchor Idol” which emphasised news anchoring to the Host Idol Search Contest in 2016, dedicated to unleashing talented media hosts. In 2021, the contest evolved into the “E-host Idol Search Contest in response to the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said. 

 Contestants’ transformative journey 

The Next Influencer Search Contest 2023’s Organising Committee Chairperson, Ooi Li Fang, expressed that her greatest source of happiness about this contest stemmed from observing the contestants’ journey as they advanced from preliminary rounds to the semi-finals and ultimately the finals. 

“We are grateful to all the contestants and their supporters who come from as far as Pahang and Melaka to participate in this contest,” she said. 

The preliminary rounds of ‘The Next Influencer Search Contest 2023’ began on 3 April, it was open to Form 3 – Form 6 students nationwide. Participants could choose to present their content in Malay, English, or Chinese. Students who successfully advanced to the top 12 received extracurricular activity scores recognised by the Ministry of Education.”

The Next Influencer Search Contest 2023 was sponsored by Gurney Plaza, Unimech Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), Han Chiang Ex-Pupils Association Penang, GIMmedia Sdn Bhd, Hompton by the Beach Penang, The Prestige Hotel, Mixue, Yole, and US Pizza.

Winners of The Next Influencer Search Contest 2023, Wong Maxwell (from left), Lim EShian, Hor Sze Ying, Saynajit Shaan A/L Sri Ramesh Kumar, and, Nabila Maisarah Binti Luqman Hakim.