ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
We turn the spotlight around to the creative talents that worked hard behind the scenes, to produce the first-rate images that you see in our pages
WILLIAM SIN & DENISE CHIEW Teacher Volunteers
What was the first thing you thought of when we first told you about this volunteer project?
William: I genuinely thought that it would be an amazing experience, because both Denise and I had a really good time volunteering with Tatler and EPIC the year before, so I was immediately all for it! But at that time, I honestly thought there was going to be a bigger group of us going together. So it definitely came as a shock to me when it was confirmed later that Denise and I would be the only two volunteers participating in this experience. Nonetheless the team definitely made sure that we had the experience of a lifetime.
Tell us about your experience.
Denise: We were told that we would visit the school, then help out in a class, teaching English, and do family visitations at the end of the day. Since we did the Epic build project just a couple of months before in an orang asli village, we had sort of prepared ourselves mentally for what to expect and the kind of conditions the school would be in. What stuck with me at the end of the day was that, despite having all the odds against them, every single student we met remained positive and inspired to study and go to school. I remember feeling overwhelmed by some of the conditions and realities faced by the students, which were just mind-boggling to me. Yet, they were great and participative during lessons. We were surprised but glad about their enthusiasm and curiosity. Plus the smart questions they asked which left William and I in a stutter trying to answer some!
What do you remember most about our cover star, Dzameer?
Denise: Our first time meeting him was at his office, where we were briefed about the project. He had this aura when he spoke, a charisma that drew all in to listen to what he was saying—that’s talent! He is great, he has this big personality and he’s never one to shy away from raising an opinion or share his thoughts and insights. Amazing, witty and hilarious!
What do you think of the cover?
William: Truth be told, I am still in awe of the fact that I can see my face on the cover of a Malaysia Tatler magazine. The cover looks stunning and all three of us look incredibly on point. Until today, it just warms my heart every single time I look at it. But along with the cover, I am also incredibly grateful for the experience behind it, which I’m sure will stay with me for my entire lifetime.