Crafting stories that begin conversations, inspiring viewers to question or do
For 16 years, Factual TV has told stories that matter. Stories that inform and inspire. Stories that spark conversations, offer perspectives, and shed light on important issues.
How It All Began
My experience in print, online, and broadcast media fueled my passion for storytelling. In 2009, I transitioned to freelancing and launched Factual TV, which continues to tell important and challenging stories.
What Factual TV Does
Factual TV explores human-interest stories, environmental issues, architecture, culture, and intangible heritage. I also take on commissioned projects covering diverse subjects, from food to art. My approach blends multiple narratives, crafting films and documentaries that inform, inspire, and leave a lasting impression.
Collaborations & Opportunities
On commissioned projects, I’ve worked with organisations like the Pulitzer Center, Al Jazeera, A&E Networks, and Discovery Channel, as well as local and international production companies. Each collaboration pushes creative boundaries and brings untold stories to the forefront.
Notable Work
During the COVID pandemic (2020-2022), I filmed powerful stories of resilience and adaptation.
Safeguarding the Central Forest Spine
One such project, Safeguarding the Central Forest Spine: Trees for the Future, combined articles, short films, and a traveling photo exhibition. In collaboration with the six Indigenous Hornbill Guardians of Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex, our project was supported by the Southeast Asia Rainforest Journalism Fund, Factual TV, and a dedicated crowdfunding community. This project reached audiences across Peninsular Malaysia, showcasing ordinary people and Indigenous communities’ crucial role in conservation.
Jaring & Jaringan (Nets & Networking)
Another unforgettable documentary, Jaring & Jaringan, told the story of the Pendekar Laut fishermen in Mukim Tanjung Kupang. When international borders closed, their livelihoods collapsed. With no buyers, fish piled up. In response, village youth stepped up, selling fish online for the first time. A network of social heroes rallied to support them. Funded by Malaysia’s Digital Content Grant, this one-hour documentary spent a year in limbo before finally airing on national TV1.
Industry Involvement
I stay deeply connected to the industry. I’m a member of the Film Directors Association of Malaysia and the Malaysian Documentary Association. I’m also an associate member of the National Union of Journalists Malaysia and a Friend of the National Art Gallery Malaysia. These communities keep me engaged, evolving, and inspired as a filmmaker and an emerging visual artist.
Beyond the Work
Outside of filmmaking, I volunteer with the Malaysian Nature Society Selangor Branch (established 1953) to lead field trips with nature experts, introducing urban children and their parents to activities like birdwatching. Through the Climate Action Kids Engagement (CAKE) programme, children and their parents also learn about how climate change affects wildlife and habitats, along with simple actions they can take to make a difference. In 2023, CAKE received a Small Environmental Grant from the Selangor State Government, followed by a grant from the Lions Club of Subang Jaya in 2024, helping us reach even more children.
Currently…
Peat on Earth – A Cross-Cultural Collaboration
I’m honored that my project (submission #0198) was selected for the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant 2024/2025. Out of 86 projects across the UK and Asia-Pacific, only eight came from Malaysia.
How did this journey begin?
Several factors shaped this project. One was my interest in experimenting with abstract filmmaking (read more here ).
Another was engaging youth, especially those aged 18-25. I wanted to find a creative ‘language’ to help them connect with an overlooked habitat.
With limited time to submit the proposal, I reached out to poetry groups for insights. One collaboration led to brainstorming habitats shared by Malaysia and the UK. In hindsight, we were already making cultural connections before the grant! (I’ll share more on this soon.)
Now, with British Council support, Peat on Earth connects artists and poets from both countries. Through poetry and spoken word films, the project will introduce young audiences to peat in exhibitions in Malaysia and the UK. It also challenges artists to push creative boundaries.
I’m excited (and a little anxious) to see where this leads.
Turn the page to read about other collaborations.