THE Malaysian YouTube scene is certainly thriving, but very few can truly count as notable content creators. After all, it is not an easy feat to stand out in a sea of creators on the platform.
ASA Production is one of the few that has reached the one-million-subscriber mark. Its videos cover a wide variety of social topics, such as miscommunications on WhatsApp and attitudes during the Movement Control Order.
THE BEGINNING
The team is spearheaded by Syafiq Ahmad, the founder and chief executive officer of ASAPro Resources, known to fans as TeamBuatHal.
Syafiq is a Bachelor of Finance first class honours graduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional, where he also received the Industrial Excellence Award in the Islamic Finance and Banking course.
After his studies, he worked in a small audit firm but left soon after to pursue his passion of turning his ideas into reality on YouTube.
Initially, he created content on his
own but eventually rallied his friends to join him.
Today, Syafiq manages a team of individuals who handle a variety of projects, which includes guiding them on the various facets of production such as handling wardrobe, sourcing shooting locations, as well as writing scripts.
THE PROCESS
Syafiq's signature touch is apparent in the final outcome and content as he guides the team on ideas, script-writing and editing process.
The filming process, from pre-production to post-production, is handled by the crew members.
Typically, the team will hold a discussion on the next content to be produced.
Members will be tasked with coming up with scripts based on the topic discussed and one will be picked.
The chosen script is the one deemed to be relatable and appealing to the masses, with trending topics being an important factor.
CHALLENGES
Being a YouTuber with a sustainable business model is not easy. This is especially the case now that the Covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted virtually every industry out there.
Syafiq admits to losing several clients as companies see no point in doing marketing now.
"It's been a tough time for us. Fortunately, some clients with online businesses still engage our service," he said.
Even without the pandemic, there are a lot of challenges faced by YouTubers due to the platform being saturated with creators, especially those doing sketch comedy.
Syafiq believes what makes ASA Production stand out from the rest is the integration of input from the audience into its work. Moral values and motivational angles are added to make the content entertaining.
ASA Production is one of the few independent sketch comedy groups in Malaysia to surpass the one-million-subscriber milestone.
Despite this, Syafiq isn't about to
slow down anytime soon. ASA Production
is looking at producing more quality content and growing bigger.
YOUTUBE SCENE IN MALAYSIA
While there are a lot of YouTube content creators in Malaysia, Syafiq hopes that
they will not spread false information as
it can lead to the miseducation of our
youth.
He notes that there is a fine line between comedy and being offensive, and stresses the importance of not touching on sensitive topics for the sake of viewership.
It's not easy being a YouTuber. "It takes a lot of effort, patience and creativity. ASA Production took over four years to be where it is right now," he said.
For those thinking of taking a similar path, Syafiq recommends that they first find their source of inspiration. For him and his team, it's the works of film director Kokom and MTAS Production.
"My advice to budding YouTubers is to work hard and never give up. Just hang in there until you find the breakthrough.
"Please be careful with your content because viewers will be influenced by your video. Inculcate good values as we want our generation and the next to be better than those before them," he added.