“WHAT if I tried?”
That was the simple question a teenager asked herself before submitting her application to The Star’s BRATs Young Journalist Programme in 2008.
From those early days as a science-stream student wondering what the “grand adventure” of journalism would feel like, Michelle Tam (pic) has gone on to become one of the youngest editors at Star Media Group.
“Whether it was being on the ground for several general elections in Malaysia, being backstage at New York Fashion Week in the United States, or reporting from Gangnam in South Korea at the height of the Gangnam Style craze, it has all been an absolute blast. I am endlessly grateful to my younger self for applying to BRATs,” the 38-year-old said.
Reflecting on her participation in BRATs camps in Penang and Sepilok, Sabah, Tam said she was plunged into the world of journalism from the start, interviewing new faces and piecing together narratives under tight deadlines.
The experience proved to be a strong training ground for the demands of a modern newsroom.
“The skillsets I picked up at BRATs – and the great newsroom leaders I learnt from – definitely benefited my career trajectory at The Star.
“It equipped me with a ‘sure, why not’ approach to many different and interesting challenges,” she said, adding that the camps also boosted her confidence as talking to people from all walks of life for stories opened her eyes to the “dizzying kaleidoscope of the human experience”.
The physical and creative demands of the programme surprised her, too, be it trekking through a reserve for hours or working with limited ingredients for a cooking show segment filmed in the forest.
But the real turning point was the joy of seeing her stories in the newspaper she grew up with.
“I was so touched that we youths were generously given not only bylines, but also the opportunity to express ourselves authentically in the nation’s top English daily,” she said.
Tam has spent nearly 15 years in the very newsroom that once published her early work. Now heading The Star’s social media team, she is also involved in editorial work for the Asia News Network (ANN), the leading regional alliance of news titles chaired by The Star.
She credited her growth to core habits formed during those teen years, adding that one piece of advice that has stayed with her is: “Ask, don’t assume.”
She also said that “reporter-like” qualities, such as curiosity and tenacity, have shaped how she moves through the world.
“Approaching others with warmth and a genuine desire to connect makes your world – and theirs – a better place,” she added.
Going forward, Tam is keen to participate in regional projects at the ANN.
“We’re working on many exciting new initiatives, one of which is an upcoming ebook that celebrates Asia’s incredible heritage.It’s a great read that will inspire readers to check out the mesmerising melting pot of experiences that Asia has to offer,” she said.
Her message to young Malaysians is to treat their passions as assets, not distractions.
“If you love something – be it art, science, anime, gaming or fitness – hone the edge it gives you, and apply it to your chosen path.
“Everything you learn, whether from your hobbies or work, will serve you someday, so don’t be afraid to dedicate time and effort to getting good at anything that interests you,” she advised, while emphasising the importance of community.
“More people are ready to help you realise your dreams than you know, and you too will one day have the skills to help others realise theirs,” she said.
This feature is part of a series spotlighting alumni of The Star’s BRATs Young Journalist Programme in celebration of Star Media Group’s 55th anniversary. Since 1993, the programme has benefited thousands of Malaysian teenagers, instilling journalistic instincts and ethics, and above all, a spirit of curiosity. To stay connected, visit facebook.com/niebrats or follow @starbrats.
