Technology is ‘a beautiful blessing ’

TV presenter, producer and Zen Productions founder Zenofar Fathima tells Amalina Kamal that technology brings people closer together

01

HOW HAS TECHNOLOGY EMPOWERED YOUR WORK?

It has made a lot of activities possible especially through social media networks such as Facebook and Instagram. I use them to get the eyeball on my work and personal ventures. Being digitally active has allowed me to improve engagements with my audience. Even strangers can easily connect with me to share their thoughts and ideas.

It has also aided me in terms of promotional work where the reach is immediate and wide. I use Instagram a lot to post pictures of the brands I support and promote designers. I love wearing their designs to events. Technological tools which empower sharing on an extensive level is a beautiful blessing. It brings people closer together.

02

HAS GOING DIGITAL REDEFINED OUR LIFESTYLE AND BUSINESS ENDEAVOURS?

I’m sure it has. The main thing I do when I get up in the morning is check my Instagram account. I make sure to keep myself posted with updates, messages and comments.

People constantly update their day-to-day routines as a result of going digital. In today’s landscape, analysing the interests of the demographic you are in is much easier. For businesses and service providers, this is crucial. Engagements through word-of-mouth is a thing of the past because it is an age where we need to propel our work by fully utilising the tech avenues that are readily available.

If I need help in terms of manpower with my projects/tasks, I create a shout-out online. Technology can be used to draw out negativity. It takes effort to overcome this.

03

ARE WE BECOMING LESS PRODUCTIVE WITH INCREASING TECHNOLOGY?

Physical work has been reduced due to technology and to a certain extent it has made us lazy. People who are not tech-savvy or who are against digitisation will face problems when trying to meet the realities of the world today. If we play up on the downside of tech too much, we can’t enjoy the ease that it brings.

When it comes to production work, I don’t have to hire so many people to get one job done.

04

CAN YOU SHARE YOUR ENDEAVOURS IN DUBAI?

It’s no secret that Malaysia is a popular destination among the people in the United Arab Emirates.

So after moving from Malaysia to Dubai, I decided to create an outlet to highlight all things unique about us.

My production work has led me to cooking and lifestyle TV shows — FoodAddict (where we livestream our sessions) as well as House of Zen.

These essentially exist as platforms where Malaysian can expand their business with marketing on air, online and on ground. Local names that have collaborated with us include Nisa Bakri, Suhara Jewels, Dache and Mimosa.

Zen Productions is in the midst of spearheading a movie project that will bring the cultures of Malaysia and Dubai closer.

05

ARE YOU OPEN TO THE IDEA OF ESTABLISHING A VIDEO-SHARING PORTAL BEING EXCLUSIVE TO ZEN PRODUCTION CONTENTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE?

Yes because the existing networks that air our shows broadcast to only a fraction of the audience I would like to reach out too.

I would love for the shows to gain more international audience. I have always found YouTube helpful in achieving this and we do upload content on our existing channel. It also helps extend runtime, like having additional clips for a programme.

It is an age where we need to propel our work by fully utilising the tech avenues that are readily available. Zenofar Fathima