Passion

Be Passionate

I skyped with Esther a while ago and she shared her plans for her future. We briefly touched on the need to be responsible for one's calling in whatever field. I asked her if her 10As in SPM has any correlation with performance in the university ; she shut me up by saying it's the passion. She reiterated that being an achiever in younger days does mean that a certain degree of discipline is instilled and it has a life long effect. So, in her course of study which includes plenty of sweat, tears and definitely discipline, she agrees that the discipline in her school days has a direct impact on her course. She also added that the passion acquired in one's older days will also mean achievement in one's vocation.

This evoked the memory of an ex-student who showed much passion in the film industry even at the tender age of 15.

Lee Sheng Wang, an Arts student showed a keen interest in the film industry and at 15 in 2006, was short-listed as the best 10 short film producer. He had a moving storyline which hit out on the need to be free from drugs to be happy in life.

When he finished his SPM, his parents saw me and asked for my 2 cents opinion on the vocation he should pursue. I quickly replied that it has to be an advertising vocation since his photography and filming passions are so obvious. So he enrolled himself into Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman and is now a final year student in the Kampar Campus.

In 2008, while yet a student, his passion in the film industry surfaced again as he was nominated as one of the 5 most versatile youths in the nation for the Short Film National Award. Amazing.

In recognition of his talent and contributions to the film industry, the government of Malaysia selected him as one of the representatives in the Asean Rok Independent Workshop in the Philippines in 2009.


Then he went on to grab the silver award for the Royal Commonwealth Vision Award in London in 2010. Passionate about filming and documentaries, he was not intimidated by challenges.


Sheng Wang though young, is able to work with professionals as he was given the privilege to do a short documentation on a ear operation in Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan a year ago. He shared that it was an eye opener for him and was glad that what he learnt in Science in school helped in understand the procedure better.

This fortunate lad has met many stars including Jackie Chan; to the envy of the young and old.

Passionate about photography, films, documentaries and advertising, his future looks bright and promising.

Before leaving for his final semester last month, he popped over to see me. His mother, Agnes is one passionate lady too. She is passionate that her sons are not left behind against all odds and challenges. She has indeed grabbed the title of the best and most devoted mother in town. So passion runs in the home right from daddy to mummy and his older sibling too.

Yes. Passion is the word. Ask all who are in the creativity line. It's passion that make them hit the nail on the spot. May good and exciting days prevail for all who are passionate in their calling.

May the best be with Sheng Wang too. Your Alma mater is proud of you.