(PD) You’re going to sail around the world, what’s the name of your boat?
I know what (we can) name your ship.
I'm scared.
Your (ship will be named) Rainier.
Because it is a ship.
What?
(Renae) So, you want me to ride Rainier around the world?
(Ra) Oh! (Renae) So, you want me to ride Rainier around the world?
(Intro)
Welcome to another episode of Ask TSL.
We asked you guys to send us some questions,
And we will be answering them today!
Wee!
(PD) What does the editorial team do?
For editorial,
We edit and write the articles that you see on TSL's website.
Then, we make sure that those articles are seen by the world.
Other than that, we also do client work.
Sometimes (we) manage clients and come up with campaigns that meet their objectives.
Why did you choose to get into the editorial team?
It was something (that) I realized I enjoyed since polytechnic days when I used to write for their newsletters.
It sent me to places to interview celebrities, which was what I enjoyed.
Over the years, I decided to move on to more 'serious' journalism,
Doing actual proper content.
(PD) What was the interview process like?
For me, when I was interviewed,
It was actually done by Chris and Kim.
During the interview process, they really asked a lot of interesting questions.
(For example), "Which kind of content (do you consume)"?
"What kind of local publishers do you read about"?
So, you really have to know (about) local happenings,
(What is) trending and viral as well.
So, I think that's very important when you go to the interview.
(PD) Pros and cons of working in this field.
I think you get a lot of opportunities.
I can't imagine myself doing the things (that) I have done at this job.
(For example), traveling.
Even the types of articles that we get to write,
And the clients that we get to work with.
It's very diverse.
(We) actually get to dabble in different kinds of topics.
So, that's where you really learn on how to adapt your writing style for different kinds of beats.
As well as different kinds of perspectives. (Everyone) *Nods in agreement.
As well as different kinds of perspectives.
I think if you're only relying on passion for writing,
You might end up finding it a little repetitive,
Because if you do it for years on end,
Every single day (when) you come to work,
You just start writing and writing.
So, you definitely have to go beyond "I like to write" (passion).
Because it is not the same as writing a few essays for school.
(PD) What is your most favorite article written by you?
I think my favourite article was a perspective that I wrote about Gen Z slang.
It was not (about) "I hate Gen Z slang",
But it was more of an observation piece.
I really like writing it.
I drew for it as well.
With (articles on) perspectives, you can always write as you are.
A lot of my friends sent the article back to me,
And said "Oh my god, this is so funny",
"It's so true, I don't know what 'yeet' means too".
(PD) Are you guys attached?
(Showing her ring)
(Renae) We love love, she is (an example) of married goals.
(Bryan) Yay! (Renae) We love love, she is (an example) of married goals.
(PD) Who is the leader of the team?
(Everyone) Kimberly Wong!
(She is) 'Queen Kim'.
Can we paste her here?
(You can) photoshop her here.
(Over affectionate gestures incoming)
(Ra) Let's all kiss her gently. (Renae) Let's rub her belly.
(Ra) Even though she's not pregnant.
(Jess) I'm braiding her hair. (Ra) Even though she's not pregnant.
(PD) What do you look for in an editorial intern?
Ooo...
Creativity.
Be prepared to come up with content ideas.
Don't (simply) be like "I love writing. Hire me".
You have to be very media savvy,
Know of the media landscape in Singapore and around the world.
(PD) How old is everyone?
(I'm) 30 this year.
I'm 28.
I'm turning 26.
(Confused) I'm 31?
(Confident) (I'm) 31.
(Ra) She's forever 26 (years old). (Renae) And look, she's hot.
I'm the baby!
You ain't the baby.
(PD) Were there any times where you guys went over a deadline?
Yes.
Ya, for sure.
(PD) Share your go-to snack while working.
Can I expose Kim?
She used to have those individual packets of creamer on her desk,
But I don't see her drinking coffee.
In the middle of day when she's editing work,
She will just rip (and open the creamer).
(Imitating Kim when she consumes the creamer) (Ra) Yes!
(I'll be shocked) and be like "What?".
At first I was not close to her, so I didn't want to say anything.
But when I got close to her, I was like "What's wrong with you?"
"Do you have a problem?".
Then she was like "Oh my god you shamed me, I don't want to do it anymore".
Then, she stopped.
No, she used to shame herself.
She will be like "You know today I drank the creamer and my stomach pain".
Then I'm like,
(Ra) "No shit". (Renae) Oh my god.
(PD) How long does it take for you guys to produce an article?
It really depends on the complexity of the article.
Honestly, any where from 2 hours,
To 3-4 days.
(PD) First impressions of one another.
(Ra) I don't remember very clearly (of) my first impressions of you guys. (Everyone getting their hearts broken in 5 seconds)
(Everyone having their hearts broken)
(Renae) You hate us?! (Ra) No! x4
Wah. When I first saw Bryan,
Can I just say before Bryan,
The only male presence in the whole department was 'Papa Soh' a.k.a Chris,
Who is my father figure so I can't find him sexy.
But this man, "Wow".
Then, I was wondering how Renae was (like) and,
She's a bundle of joy.
(Shock)
Am I am baby?
(Flashback) "I'm a baby".
(PD) What was the hardest article you had to produce?
The ones that are challenging was having to write about a topic that is very unfamiliar to you.
When I was a polytechnic intern,
My second assignment assigned by 'Papa Soh',
Was (to) do a guide on BTO (Build-To-Order).
This is so embarrassing,
But I literally do not know what a BTO is,
Because I was only 17/18.
Then I was like, "Ok can".
Then, I went to google (search) BTO.
Every single thing that came out was already (just) BTO and they don't tell you what it is about.
I had to (send a) Whatsapp message to my lecture and (asked) what is a BTO.
Then she asked me why I was asking (and) if I wanted to buy.
I told her no (and that) I had to write an article about it.
So, that was a crash course on what it is.
(PD) Would you rather have the ability to read or write fast?
Can you write fast and pass it to someone else to read fast for you?
Then you don't even know what you wrote.
(Laughs)
Then they tell you and we write fast.
This is what I mean by creative thinking.
Be like Jessica. This is what I mean by creative thinking.
Be like Jessica.
(PD) What were your O Level English scores?
I got an A1.
I think I had an A something.
(Ra & Bryan) Jess, it's either A1 or A2!
(Jess) I don't know which one (was it), I can't remember.
(Ra) You could just lie and no one will know. (Jess) I don't know which one (was it), I can't remember.
(Ra) You could just lie and no one will know.
Ya, no one is going to check.
Jess also got A1.
(Did Ra lied?)
(Yep, she did.)
To Kim, how is life with two kids?
She documents it on her Instagram (account).
(Everyone) Ya.
(Bryan) Go follow @elliesheananigans. (Ra) Go follow her.
She's always having 'Ask me anything' (stories) and she'll answer in detail.
It's (very) hectic everyday. That's what it is.
Wait, I show you one (of my) child. "Ellie!"
(Laughs & Imitates) "I show you one child".
Hold on, let me call this little monkey.
Come here! Hey, meet a monkey.
(Everyone) Hi!
Hi Ellie!
What's up.
It's a bit stressful because,
During the work day, on top of doing all the work that I'm supposed to do,
I have to care for the children.
(For example) feeding, bathing and cleaning of poop diapers for them.
(PD) What is your favourite part of the job?
Each other.
Ya, actually I think having a really bonded editorial team,
Really makes working everyday a joy.
(Feeling all the love)
I think we can bounce off ideas without judgments,
And see those ideas come to life on a platform that is seen by many.
So, I think that's another very satisfying part of the job.
Knowing that what you write and think about here can really make an impact.
That is something very satisfying.
(PD) If you can have an unlimited supply of one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Can I have an unlimited stomach?
(Renae) That's not an object.
(Bryan) (Do you) want an unlimited capacity or stomachs? (Renae) That's not an object.
(Bryan) (Do you) want an unlimited capacity or stomachs?
No! Ew, that's so scary.
(Ra) You can be like a cow, it has four stomachs.
(Bryan) Ya. (Ra) You can be like a cow, it has four stomachs.
(Defeated) Oh my god.
(PD) What was your diploma or degree, and is it relevant to what you are doing now?
I was from NUS Communications and New Media.
There's a word 'media' (in it), so it's relevant to what I'm doing now.
But (with) that being said, we have a lot of people over here that,
Do not necessary have related degree.
So I just want to put it out there,
That your degree does not dictate your career.
We literally had Haziq, who is one of our writers back in the day.
He studied Mathematics in university.
Writing is just such an universal skill that you can pick up.
(PD) If you could swap lives with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Can I be Blackpink but without the training?
(PD) To Ra, why did you stop being in videos for a while?
(Laughs)
I vanished without a trace.
I was posted to Thailand!
In mid 2019, TSL expanded regionally. I was posted to Thailand!
In mid 2019, TSL expanded regionally.
We set up an office in Thailand.
I was posted there,
Which is why I was kind of mia (missing in action) from videos.
(PD) How long have you been in TSL?
I've been here for about 4 and a half years.
(I've been here for) 2 years and 5 months.
(I've been here for) 4 years plus.
My internship was (in) 2015 September.
My full time was (in) 2018 September.
So, we stan September.
(PD) Any ships in the editorial team?
(Confused)
Ships? (Confused)
We're like a family, so that will be incestuous.
Most of the 'shiperns' (Laugh)
(Laughs) Lies in the 'shiperns'.
'Shipern'
(It) happens of us making fun of Renae.
(Shocked)
(Bryan) Ya. (x3)
(Ra) (We're not) making fun. (Bryan) Ya. (x3)
We ship.
We...
You know.
Support.
They are super supportive,
They will have meetings.
Mostly I'll go over to their sitting area,
And I'll be like "Guys, oh my god. Rainier is here" (Screams)
I used to plan my outfits,
Such that he will see me looking sexy of whatever.
We have this office board which says everyone who is out of office because they are on shoot or leave.
So I'll come here wearing something (sexy).
And (when) I go to the notice board, it says,
James Rainier is on leave.
And I'm like "I wear for what?!".
I remember that day so vividly.
I think you wore like some red spaghetti top.
Wait a minute.
(It is what it is)
(Renae) Eh, you really remember?!
(Ra) Of course! (Renae) Eh, you really remember?!
I really look in the mirror and think that he's going to love this.
But he's not even here. (Heart broken)
(PD) How would you describe success as en editor?
For organic side it's when we write and managed to publish a viral article.
(Ra) It does super well on social media. (Jess) Definitely.
You see big profiles (sharing it).
(Ra) Sometimes Miss Ho Ching shares our articles.
(Jess) Yes! Then we'll be like "Oh my god, Ho Ching share my article!". (Ra) Sometimes Miss Ho Ching shares our articles.
(Jess) Yes! Then we'll be like "Oh my god, Ho Ching share my article!".
(Ra) It seems like she's a big fan. (Jess) Yes! Then we'll be like "Oh my god, Ho Ching share my article!".
(Ra) It seems like she's a big fan.
Let's say even if the article doesn't get a huge number of reach,
As long as it connects with even one reader,
(Everyone agreeing)
Or it helps one person.
Be it a promotional code article or a perspective that really resonates with someone.
It doesn't have to be tens of thousand of people,
It's just one person that can make you feel the success.
(PD) You're going to sail around the world, what's the name of your boat?
I have one (name) for Jess.
What?
That boat will be called 'Pretty Mess'.
(Shocked)
Are you calling her a pretty mess?
(Jess) I don't know how to feel about this. (Bryan) No!
(Ra) Boats have mess halls and stuffs like that right? (Jess) I don't know how to feel about this. (Bryan) No!
(Jess) I don't know how to feel about this. (Ra) Boats have mess halls and stuffs like that right?
(Ra) Boats have mess halls and stuffs like that right?
(Bryan) Ya, exactly! (Ra) Boats have mess halls and stuffs like that right?
(Bryan) Ya, exactly!
(Ra) Wow! (Bryan) Ya, exactly!
(Ra) Wow!
(Ra) That's layers. (Renae) You're so smart.
(Ra) That's layers.
(Renae) Big brain. (Ra) That's layers.
(Renae) Big brain.
(Bryan) Ra saved me, I just meant mess. (Renae) Big brain.
(Bryan) Ra saved me, I just meant mess.
I know what to name your ship.
I'm scared.
Yours is Rainier,
Because it is a ship.
What?
So, you want me to ride Rainier around the world?
(PD) What is your dream job?
This!
Ya, (it is) honestly this. I don't want to be too (over hyped), but it is this.
(PD) If you can only choose a dressing style for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Okay for Renae, we think that,
(She is) athleisure (and) swag.
Ra is 6 years old (vibes) but cool.
Bryan is Muji catalogue with Japanese influence.
(He is also) Uniqlo mandarin collar.
I'm basic blogshop b*tch.
No!
Jess always call her style very OL (office lady).
No.
OLs (office ladies) wish to be you.
Ya.
First of all, can we just appreciate the patterns.
(Ra) Plaid (design). (Renae) Show! x2
(Ra & Bryan) We have some lace situation going on. (Jess) Show your outfit.
(PD) How do you guys decide on the kind of articles to write?
There's a pitching process for the organic articles.
The feasibility test to see whether we think that it would resonate with our audiences.
Of course, whether someone has the bandwith to write the article as well.
(PD) What is your go-to lunch order?
The chili ban mian at Geylang Bahru market.
Wah. It's so good, it's so spicy.
(Laughs) It's so good, it's so spicy.
(PD) Other than editorial, what's other department you would like to try?
I think video production would definitely be something that is interesting.
If you guys were on an island like Survivor, who would you vote off first?
I can build fire. I was a girl guide.
(Jess) Just putting it out there.
(Ra) We need Bryan. (x3) (Jess) Just putting it out there.
(Ra) We need Bryan. (x3)
(Bryan) I was a scout. (Ra) We need Bryan. (x3)
(Jess) He was a scout. (Ra) We need Bryan. (x3)
Because he was a scout. (Jess) He was a scout. (Ra) We need Bryan. (x3)
(Jess) He was a scout. Because he was a scout.
Because he was a scout.
So, basically who are we voting off?
(Drum rolls)
Chris.
(Sorry Chris)
(PD) Which is your favourite TSL videos that you have appeared on?
It was with Amirul!
Who was with us at TSL two years ago.
There was one video in particular.
I think it was (about) Australian slang.
It's so funny because I think that our dynamics,
We always like to joke around.
In that video, we had to guess what the Australian slang words meant.
One word was 'Barby' which was barbecue.
And Amirul was like "Barby? Eh, haram la!".
(Flashback) Hey, do you want to join me for a barby?
No. (Laughs)
Barby?! Eh haram la!
To Bryan, shoot, shag, marry Renae, Jessica and Ra.
Ya I wouldn't shoot and shag any of them.
But I'll definitely marry all three of them.
(PD) What do you do when you have writer's block?
I write on the MRT.
On the phone, you cannot really delete,
Because it is very inconvenient to do so.
So, you just (continuously) type.
(PD) Do you put on your shoes as sock sock shoe shoe or sock shoe sock shoe?
I read this meme, not meme but tweet.
Someone said something like "If you wear sock shoe sock shoe, you are satan".
(Ra) Then I'm like "Woah". (Renae) Ya.
(PD) One misconception that everyone has about the team.
I heard from other departments that they are a bit scared that we will judge their English.
(Jess) No, we don't.
(Renae) But we won't. We will gently (tell) you such as "By the way, do you know it's not pronounced let-tuce?". (Jess) No, we don't.
(Renae) But we won't. We will gently (tell) you such as "By the way, do you know it's not pronounced let-tuce?".
(Jess) Ya. (Renae) But we will not judge you and be like "Ha ha, stupid".
(Renae) We want to eat Subway with you. (Jess) Even in our daily lifes, our grammer and the way we talk is not fantastic.
(Jess) Even in our daily lifes, our grammer and the way we talk is not fantastic.
(PD) If you had a time machine, would you go back in time or into the future?
Oh.
I feel like going back into the past is a bad idea,
Because (of) butterfly effect.
The smallest tweak can change your entire life.
(PD) Who is your office crush?
Nobody.
(Renae) Oh my god. (Ra) Take it away, girl.
I'm shy to say the name.
(Ra) She's very veraciously doing this to her pillow.
(Jess) Why not you say their name but change the first letter? (Ra) She's very veraciously doing this to her pillow.
(Jess) Why not you say their name but change the first letter?
Games.
(Everyone) Games? (Renae) (Laughs)
(Ra) Start with 'J'
(Bryan) "Brainier". (Ra) Start with 'J'
(Ra) "Games Brainier".
Ooo. Don't even.
That's a good card game.
Ya.
"Games Brainier!"
(PD) Share a significant incident that happened in the team.
We had the chance to experience each other milestones.
(Ra) We've been through people's weddings.
(Renae) Ya. (Ra) We've been through people's weddings.
(Ra) Isn't that significant? (Renae) Ya. (Ra) We've been through people's weddings.
(Renae) Ya. (Ra) Isn't that significant?
(Ra) Isn't that significant?
Kim got married,
Jess recently (got married too).
(It was) not very recently but the most recent.
(PD) Sweet or savoury?
(Everyone) Savoury.
(PD) Who is the most serious person in the team?
A few years ago when TSL was much smaller,
Kim had the reputation of being very strict.
A lot of people were afraid of Kim.
But she's a freaking clown.
To illustrate how much of a clown she is,
One time I was very scared to send her an article because it was a very tough assignment.
I was like "Hi Kim, to be honest I'm a little bit nervous to let you read through.
Then she was like "No no, I'm sure it will be so great (that) I want to tattoo it on my a**.
So, yes.
(PD) Kindest person in the office.
I (would) say Chris because,
He used to show his kindness in very subtle ways.
The one incident that stood up to me was,
One day I was actually late for work because I saw a moth.
(Laughs) And then,
I had a panic attack and it was a whole thing.
I was half an hour late for work already and I was still at home.
I had to obviously tell him that I was going to be late for work.
I was like "Oh my god, should I lie and say that the bus broke down?"
But I told myself to be honest.
So I was like "Chris, I had a panic attack because I saw a butterfly."
I was so ready for him to be like "Yo, just hurry up".
Okay not like that but I didn't think he would respond the way he did.
Which was "It's okay, life happens".
And I was (Touched & Cries).
(PD) Was there a time you regret choosing and publishing an article over another?
No regrets.
(PD) One thing you would like to do as a team.
We want to be in a villa in Bali.
(Everyone) Yes.
Together.
Then we can splash (water around).
Splash. (x2)
(PD) Who are you closest to in TSL?
Aww.
So many (people).
Joyce.
Amanda and her big juicy booties.
(Bryan) Our Mr Gerald Seah.
(Ra) We freaking love and stan Gerald Seah. (Bryan) Our Mr Gerald Seah.
(Jess) (Gerald Seah) from the PMO. (Ra) We freaking love and stan Gerald Seah.
(Ra) We freaking love and stan Gerald Seah.
(Bryan) Can you use an icon? Gerald Seah here. (Ra) Can you please put a photo of Gerald Seah over here? (Ra) We freaking love and stan Gerald Seah.
(Ra) Can you please put a photo of Gerald Seah over here? (Bryan) Can you use an icon? Gerald Seah here.
(Renae) Yes! Is it him holding the mug? (Ra) Can you please put a photo of Gerald Seah over here? (Bryan) Can you use an icon? Gerald Seah here.
(Bryan) Can you use an icon? Gerald Seah here. (Renae) Yes! Is it him holding the mug?
(Renae) Yes! Is it him holding the mug?
(PD) What is one country you would like to visit once the travel bans are lifted?
(In order of Bryan, Ra, Renae, Jess) Sweden, Monoglia, New Zealand and Taiwan.
(PD) Who is your celebrity crush?
Mine is not even a celebrity but a Tik Tok-er.
There's this guy called Newt Papi.
His name is Newton.
It's this super handsome Vietnamese American guy,
And he is buff.
When I was going through my heartbreak,
I was very sad.
But when I watch his Tik Tok, I don't just watch and like the Tik Tok (videos),
I will screen shot.
(PD) What fictional world or place would you like to visit?
Good Place.
(Jess) I want to visit Game Of Thrones but without all the killing and incest.
(Ra) Jess you have to embrace everything. You can't be like (Jess) I want to visit Game Of Thrones but without all the killing and incest.
(Ra) Jess you have to embrace everything. You can't be like
"I want to be Blackpink but not have the training"
(Flashback) "I want to be Blackpink but without the training".
(PD) One thing you would like to tell aspiring writers/editors.
You know how Dory's (motto) is "just keep swimming".
I would say just keep writing.
Even if you think it's bad or other people look at your work and say,
"Oh I don't think you can make it".
Just keep doing it. You can only get better, (and) not worst from practicing.
I think don't treat your work as precious.
I mean it sounds a bit bad but sometimes when you are (a) writer,
You put a lot of soul into it.
So, when someone criticizes or give you feedback,
You're like (hurt) "My soul is injured and everything".
So you kind of shut down from the feedback.
But I think it's very important to not have the ego about it and try to listen.
As a writer, the ability to listen is very important.
If you guys are interested in joining the best team ever,
We're hiring for our July intake.
So if you like writing, reading, looking at Renae (and) being her or our teammate,
There's more information in the description box below.
If you are interested in appyling,
There's the email address in sending in your resume as well.
Thank you for watching another episode of Ask TSL.
If you like this video, don't forget to like, share, subscribe,
Ring the notification bell,
And watch our other videos down below.
(Ra) Not below! (Jess) Oh, sorry!