Every quarter, Google Malaysia hosts a showcase called Generation YouTube to celebrate up-and-coming local YouTubers. This time, the theme is set around women empowerment. As such Google invites Leona Chin, Jenn Chia (SoImJenn), and Linora Low to share their YouTube journeys.
Leona Chin represents one of Malaysia’s most notable motorsports personalities. Her channel documents her life, from thrilling car escapades to fun vlogs of her travels around the world. She also creates her own racing content, challenging the stereotype about women and professional driving.
Jenn Chia (SoImJenn) started her journey with music but soon also discovered a knack for comedy. Apart from sharing her life experiences, she produces music videos and skits. “You be You” best summarises Jenn’s brand name. It reflects her desire to empower her supporters with the courage to be themselves.
Linora Low’s channel focuses on health and wellness. She shares about the things she appreciates in life and hopes they will benefit others. While originally an avenue to showcase her acting, Linora now builds her channel to be more infotainment-focused. Additionally, her channel documents her journey in preparing for her first bikini competition in 2017.
Despite being a male-dominated sport, Leona’s career in motorsports began thanks to YouTube and her mother’s endless support. Her journey as a professional drifter and content creator has humble beginnings from racing tutorials on YouTube.
“I watched several ‘how to drift’ videos on YouTube to get the basics, then started getting better with the help of friends,” says Leona. “My mom is very supportive of my passion for racing, allowing me to attend motorsports events and to learn drifting.”
Jenn believes that YouTube opens up a world of possibilities in her career. Moreover, the platform helps her to challenge others to improve themselves through relatable and meaningful exchange of ideas.
“I chose YouTube because it’s freely available for everyone and allows me to connect with people I otherwise wouldn’t meet!” says Jenn. “I realised that by sharing a thought, idea, or story, YouTube is able to connect me with others who either felt the same or have different worldviews that would enrich mine.”
Linora didn’t expect YouTube to grow beyond a platform to keep track of her personal fitness goal. Now, she uses it as a stage to inspire others to live a healthier lifestyle.
“I decided to give YouTube a go as that would hold me accountable to my first bikini competition goal in 2017,” says Linora. “YouTube is also a place where I can document my whole journey while sharing my transformation to inspire and educate others.”
A Google-commissioned research from Nielsen Total Media Fusion details a 50% female population representing YouTube’s global audience. This stresses the importance that the platform must continue championing women, creators and viewers alike.
“Our female creators and others like them who challenge stereotypes are wonderful sources of inspiration across generations,” says Zeffri Yusof, Head of Communications and Public Affairs at Google Malaysia. “With 47% year-on-year watchtime growth across all devices on YouTube Malaysia, we are super excited about the opportunities for many more to thrive and experiment on the platform.”
Previous Generation YouTube creator showcases include fashion and beauty creators, East Malaysians, comedy-centric YouTubers, and millenial vloggers.
To learn more about the YouTubers from the recent showcase, you can visit their channels here:
