August 23, 2022
35 for EMCC35 | Ng Yee Lin
In this instalment of our #35forEMCC35 series, we spotlight Ng Yee Lin, a veteran in the arts and creative industries. She shares how her humble foray into ExxonMobil Campus Concerts (EMCC) became the launchpad to a 30-year career that included producing and managing fashion shows, album launches and brand events across the globe in countries like Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, USA, Europe, Hong Kong and China. Yee Lin is currently based in Hong Kong as a Consultant with Community Business and also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Today, she designs and facilitates programs on diversity and inclusion, and is actively involved with International Coaching Federation (ICF) Singapore’s Community of Practice for Team Coaching. She hopes to prepare the next generation of thought leaders to heighten their professional value and personal growth.
How did you know about EMCC?
During my first year in university in 1987/88, I was approached by my then-senior, Zaini Tahir (who’s now Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer to NUS Dance Ensemble) to catch the Esso Lunchtime Performances (the previous name of EMCC). The performing star that day was Dick Lee!
What roles did you play in EMCC Crew?
I was the student producer, then the head of EMCC during my 2nd and 3rd years studying in the NUS Arts Faculty. Back then, EMCC was called Esso Lunchtime Concert in 1988/89, and then NUS Campus Concerts in 1989/1990.
What are some of your most cherished memories you have of your time with EMCC Crew?
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- Working tightly as a team to produce various cultural and pop performances. The laughter, the adrenaline rush and the pride we all shared being THE CREW behind Campus Concerts!
- The great support by EMCC mentor, Prof Edwin Thumboo and Prof Tong Chee Kiong for trusting, giving us the resources and guidance to produce all aspects of the performances – from backstage planning, front of house, lights & sound execution and even being on stage as host!
- Time well-spent with the performers in rehearsal rooms and in theatre to witness the process of brainstorming and practicing to achieve the perfect move, lights, sound so we can all put up a great show!
- Pushing the grand piano from the side of the Lecture Theatre 13 – Arts Faculty (then the de-facto Campus Concerts venue) to centrestage for celebrities showcase like Dick Lee.
- The opportunities to work closely with artistes, professional producers and crew of the invited performances.
Overall, EMCC provided me a huge learning curve and prepared me for my next career chapter in entertainment & events management.
What did your experience with EMCC teach you about yourself, being an artist, or the arts in general?
I gained my confidence and discovered my passion in pursuing production, crafting events and entertainment programmes. It showed me that the power of creativity and the arts can touch so many people, through the many delightful afternoons that EMCC provided for staff and students. It piqued my curiosity to want to watch and understand how shows and performances are created.
To this day, I am interested to catch all forms of performances from ballet, orchestra, plays, dance of various cultural and pop backgrounds. It is important to have open-mindedness to learn new ideas and to understand different perspectives.
EMCC also introduced me to Singapore talents and Singapore music which led me to understand the importance of supporting our own Singapore talents and crew, whether you are brand new, up-and-coming or established. It was an integral platform where our very own NUS talents can nurture their passion and experience as a performer or as a crew.
You were a staff at NUS Centre for the Arts in 1995. What were some of the historic firsts you achieved working on EMCC?
I joined NUS Centre for the Arts in 1995. EMCC was part of my portfolio and I was empowered to expand EMCC’s programming. We did many firsts – evening performances, brought our NUS Orchestras to perform at the newly-built Botanic Gardens Symphony Stage. We showcased Tanya Chua’s first English album performance at the Central Forum, collaborated with radio station FM93.3 to bring many Mandarin pop artistes to perform on Campus, etc. And of course, we constantly worked with EMCC crew to always encourage our very own NUS talents to perform on stage! I hope our EMCC Crew will always stay curious and enjoy the whole process of producing. Remember we can create magic too!
How did your experience on EMCC shape your work ethic?
EMCC was where we all can be ourselves and do what we are truly passionate about where we can showcase ourselves and to ultimately entertain our audience.
I was blessed to spend 10 years in Shanghai, crafting events with luxury fashion & lifestyle brands, and my EMCC experience has influenced my work ethic in areas like
- to have the passion and dedication to do it right and raise the benchmark with every event,
- Embracing the art of collaboration — to find the spark, let it shine, and to present a magical experience for the audience,
- the insight of what makes a successful production — beyond giving the platform for the performers to try and excel, also allow your crew to grow, and showcase backstage /front of house / marketing talents.
How did your EMCC experience open doors to your career in the arts?
EMCC introduced me to Singapore celebrities like Dick Lee, Jacintha Abishegenaden, Mark Chan, Gurmit Singh (then the Haw Par Villa entertainers), SSO music quartets, Singapore Dance Theatre and many more.
When I graduated from NUS in 1990 (the year Dick Lee launched music album The Mad Chinaman) Dick Lee hired me to work for his Events and Artiste Management company. It was a dream come true as I didn’t have to work in a corporate industry! It was fun and exciting to be constantly in the space where so many colourful, creative people worked together to put on endless performances from fashion shows, album launches and brand events! It was pretty seamless to work with these talents as they already knew me as the student producer from EMCC.
I continued the passion of events producing and management and working with celebrities for more than 30 years, bringing me to work in various markets like Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, USA, Europe, Hong Kong and China. This journey started from EMCC. I am humbled and blessed to be part of EMCC.
What hopes do you have for EMCC Crew in furthering its arts outreach programme and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression by students?
I hope that EMCC Crew continues to be fearless in bringing all arts to campus, and to continue pushing its boundaries to explore and nurture. It certainly has enriched my campus life and taught me valuable backstage and communication skills.
About #35forEMCC35
NUS Centre For the Arts is proud to commemorate 35 years of ExxonMobil Campus Concerts (EMCC) through our #35forEMCC35 series. Spotlighting 35 individuals from past and present editions of EMCC, the series showcases how EMCC has complemented these individuals’ academic and professional lives, and their hopes for EMCC in the years to come.