Passion puts self-taught videographer in first place

KUCHING: Self-taught and driven by a deep passion for videography, Alan Ting Judson, 31 years old, clinched first place in the third annual Sarawak Tourism Short Video Contest organised by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sarawak (ACCCIS), overcoming fierce competition from other participants.

Ting, who hails from Miri but resides in Kuching, took home a cash prize of RM10,000 for his video titled ‘Sarawak Chapter One’.

Speaking to reporters after receiving the award at KCGC Innovation Hub, Wisma Chinese Chamber today, Ting expressed his surprise at winning the competition, especially after watching the videos of other participants, which he described as being of exceptional quality.

“Therefore, when I was announced as the winner, I felt incredibly happy and proud that my efforts were recognised,” he said.

This was Ting’s first time participating in a tourism-themed competition.

Previously, he was more involved in short film contests with a narrative focus.

Interestingly, Ting revealed that he did not receive any formal education in videography.

Instead, he developed his skills through the use of software, watching online videos on YouTube and TikTok, and studying the works of other content creators.

“After finishing secondary school, I began exploring videography on my own.

“However, my interest waned for five to six years before I eventually returned, realising that this was my true passion,” he said.

With the theme ‘Discovering Sarawak’, Ting explained that his video aimed to showcase the state’s unique attractions to a wider audience.

He shared that most of the footage was shot around Kuching, with filming and editing taking approximately two weeks, including some clips collected from the previous year.

“I hope that after watching this video, more people will be inspired to explore Sarawak themselves,” he added.

The award presentation was officiated by Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Deputy Minister, Datuk Sebastian Ting Yew Chew.

For the record, the competition was supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts as a sponsoring partner and was co-organised by the Kuching Filming and Publishing Association, which provided technical support.

The third edition of the competition offered a total prize pool of RM24,000.