Sum Jyu

From School Stage to Big Crowds: Sum Jyu’s Journey to Finding Her Voice and Owning the Mic

Could you tell us a little about yourself and your work as a youth emcee?

Hi! I’m Sum Jyu, and I’m 16 this year. I’m passionate about many art forms, including writing, theatre, dance, music, and, of course, emceeing. So far, I’ve emceed for several school events. I also hosted a segment of *SCAPE’s Relaunch Festival last year, following an enriching workshop in October.

What first drew you to emceeing and hosting? Was there a moment, person, or experience that sparked this journey?

I started out in primary school, where I performed 相声 (crosstalk) and drama. In Primary Five, my teacher noticed that I liked talking and asked me to emcee my first-ever event: a formal prize presentation at school. I still remember the videographer telling me that I could do well as an emcee in the future. That really inspired me, and that was where my journey began.

Looking back, which experience from your emceeing journey stands out as especially meaningful or memorable?

The *SCAPE Relaunch Youth Emcee Workshop stands out the most. We were mentored by 987FM radio DJ Avery Aloysius, who taught us about hosting different types of events. I also got to know other participants who were much more experienced than I was, and I learned a lot from them.

After that, I was given the opportunity to emcee for X *SCAPE, *SCAPE’s Relaunch Festival. As it was my first time emceeing professionally, it was definitely nerve-wracking, but it helped me learn and grow. I’m very grateful to *SCAPE for that wonderful experience.

What challenges have shaped your journey as a youth emcee? How do you navigate or work through these challenges today?

I used to think that, to get emceeing opportunities, I had to be the most polished speaker with the longest portfolio. As a beginner, I didn’t think I would have a chance to host professionally until I found *SCAPE, where I was guided every step of the way and given a space to try something new, something I had wanted to do for a long time. Now, I believe that passion and a willingness to learn are what matter most.

Another challenge was improvisation, which used to be a nightmare for me. Thankfully, through the training in my CCA, English Drama, I’m now better able to think on the spot and come up with things to say. This has also helped with public speaking and emceeing. I still find improvising scary, but it is also exciting!

What do you wish more people understood about being an emcee?

I think many people assume that emcees simply read from a script and add enthusiasm. But emceeing is also about setting the right mood, staying calm during unexpected situations, and being able to improvise so that the event flows smoothly. Emcees can really make or break an event.

What advice would you give to others who are just starting out as youth emcees?

As an amateur myself, I think that, not just in emceeing, but in anything you are passionate about, you should go for opportunities when they arise. Fill out that sign-up form! Don’t be afraid that you may not get the opportunity. The important thing is to keep trying, because that is where you learn. Eventually, you will get your chance if you do not give up.

What are you currently working on, or what’s coming up next for you?

Other than preparing for my exams, I hope to become an even better emcee by gaining more experience both in and outside of school. I’m not sure what lies ahead, but I hope there will be many more hosting gigs to come!

🔎 Find out more: www.instagram.com/jyu.jpg