Adrian Ang (Singapore Entrepreneur): Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| image              = Adrian Ang SGAG.png
| image              = Adrian Ang profile.jpg
| birth_date        = 1987
| birth_date        = 1987
| education          = Bachelor of Business Management
| education          = Bachelor of Business Management
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Adrian Ang (born 1987) is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the co-founder of Hepmil Media Group where he is the Chief Creative Officer.<ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/upcloseandpersonaldetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/1e332b20-1960-4f93-8079-12c2a3fcabde Mr Funny Business]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.mccy.gov.sg/shapeyoursomerset/adrian-ang Adrian Ang]”. ''Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Chan, Melissa. “[https://vulcanpost.com/608298/23-individuals-singapore-forbes-30-under-30-list/ Meet the 23 Individuals In Singapore Who Have Just Been Listed On Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List]”. ''Yahoo! News.'' April 18, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Adrian Ang is also a content creator and takes on the persona of XiaoMing on social media. As of August 2020, he has over 25,000 followers on [https://www.tiktok.com/@sgagxiaoming?_d=d8g4bfig1fd0kj&language=en&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAARszMNtjrD-saz41dJVZfJA2paBDRbqbX_rSBTzAMcozkWLWFW0WkQBIPgSJZilQX&share_author_id=6743222368996852738&u_code=d8g4c505ad7ckh&utm_source=copy&app=tiktok&iid=68341435995899 TikTok] and over 40,000 followers on [https://www.instagram.com/sgagxiaoming/?hl=en Instagram].
Adrian Ang (born 1987) is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the co-founder of HEPMIL Media Group where he is the Chief Creative Officer.<ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/upcloseandpersonaldetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/1e332b20-1960-4f93-8079-12c2a3fcabde Mr Funny Business]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.mccy.gov.sg/shapeyoursomerset/adrian-ang Adrian Ang]”. ''Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Chan, Melissa. “[https://vulcanpost.com/608298/23-individuals-singapore-forbes-30-under-30-list/ Meet the 23 Individuals In Singapore Who Have Just Been Listed On Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List]”. ''Yahoo! News.'' April 18, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Adrian Ang is also a content creator and takes on the persona of XiaoMing on social media. As of August 2020, he has over 25,000 followers on [https://www.tiktok.com/@sgagxiaoming?_d=d8g4bfig1fd0kj&language=en&sec_uid=MS4wLjABAAAARszMNtjrD-saz41dJVZfJA2paBDRbqbX_rSBTzAMcozkWLWFW0WkQBIPgSJZilQX&share_author_id=6743222368996852738&u_code=d8g4c505ad7ckh&utm_source=copy&app=tiktok&iid=68341435995899 TikTok] and over 40,000 followers on [https://www.instagram.com/sgagxiaoming/?hl=en Instagram].


==Background==
==Background==
In junior college, Adrian Ang retained a year to switch academic streams, dropping his science subjects such as physics and chemistry to take up humanities subjects instead. In a 2020 TEDx Talks, he shared that It was a difficult decision for him to make. He says:<blockquote>“The principal wanted to talk to me, talk to my mum to make sure it was a rational decision that has been clearly thought about. And there my mum was sitting beside me, facing the principal, and she was crying. She didn’t understand why my son (Adrian) wanted to retain, when he’s promoted. So that was a really emotional moment for me, and also a turning point in my life.”<ref>TEDx Talks. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdgyCcUWahM Trust your gut and instinct | Adrian Ang | TEDxYouth@RafflesInstitution]”. ''YouTube.'' January 3, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref></blockquote>Upon retaining, he met Karl Mak who he became close friends with. They eventually co-founded SGAG and Hepmil Media Group upon completing their studies.
[[File:Karl Mak and Adrian Ang.jpg|thumb|''Adrian Ang (right) pictured with his business partner, Karl Mak (left). Photo from [https://www.forbes.com/pictures/58e66964a7ea437ada25fad2/karl-mak--adrian-ang-jin-/ Forbes].'']]
Adrian Ang and his business partner, [[Karl Mak (Singapore Entrepreneur)|Karl Mak]] first met in 2005 as classmates in junior college.<ref>NubbadTV. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcuduHWbtQw Zero to One Million Likes, The SGAG Story | Nubbad TV | SGAG]". ''YouTube''. February 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 August 2020.</ref> In junior college, Adrian Ang retained a year to switch academic streams, dropping his science subjects such as physics and chemistry to take up humanities subjects instead. In a 2020 TEDx Talks, he shared that It was a difficult decision for him to make. He says:<blockquote>“The principal wanted to talk to me, talk to my mum to make sure it was a rational decision that has been clearly thought about. And there my mum was sitting beside me, facing the principal, and she was crying. She didn’t understand why my son (Adrian) wanted to retain, when he’s promoted. So that was a really emotional moment for me, and also a turning point in my life.”<ref>TEDx Talks. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdgyCcUWahM Trust your gut and instinct | Adrian Ang | TEDxYouth@RafflesInstitution]”. ''YouTube.'' January 3, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref></blockquote>Upon retaining, he met Karl Mak who he became close friends with. The duo’s friendship continued into university where they conceptualised their first meme in a university seminar. After completing their studies in 2013, they co-founded SGAG and subsequently, HEPMIL Media Group.<ref>TEDx Talks. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaLMdcDO1c Building a company of laughter | Karl Mak |TEDxYouth@SJI]". ''YouTube''. November 13, 2017. Accessed on 13 August 2020.</ref>
===Education===
===Education===
Adrian Ang was a student at Anglo-Chinese Junior College from 2004 to 2006. From 2009 to 2013, he studied at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business in Singapore Management University and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Business Management.<ref>Singapore Management University. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyymuvxU7jw #TalentsOfSMU: Karl Mak and Adrian Ang, the Duo Behind SGAG & MGAG]”. ''YouTube''. May 18, 2018. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2017/10/19/smu-alumni-shares-secret-sauce-sgags-success SMU Alumni Shares on the Secret Sauce of SGAG’s Success]”. ''Singapore Management University.'' October 19, 2017. Accessed 4 August 2020. </ref><ref name=":0">“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>
Adrian Ang was a student at Anglo-Chinese Junior College from 2004 to 2006. From 2009 to 2013, he studied at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business in Singapore Management University and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Business Management.<ref>Singapore Management University. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyymuvxU7jw #TalentsOfSMU: Karl Mak and Adrian Ang, the Duo Behind SGAG & MGAG]”. ''YouTube''. May 18, 2018. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2017/10/19/smu-alumni-shares-secret-sauce-sgags-success SMU Alumni Shares on the Secret Sauce of SGAG’s Success]”. ''Singapore Management University.'' October 19, 2017. Accessed 4 August 2020. </ref><ref name=":0">“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>


==Entrepreneurship==
==Entrepreneurship==
As of 2020, Adrian Ang is the Chief Creative Officer of Hepmil Media Group, as well as the Creative Director of SGAG, MGAG and PGAG.<ref>“[https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2017/10/19/smu-alumni-shares-secret-sauce-sgags-success SMU Alumni Shares on the Secret Sauce of SGAG’s Success]”. ''Singapore Management University.'' October 19, 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Aside from deciding on the creative direction for the business, he is also regularly featured on SGAG’s [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVsd_aqIkoC15YnK0fpX24A YouTube channel], where he is best known as “Xiao Ming”<ref>Nubbad TV. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVlPpmu36fI Xiao Ming’s Lame Jokes Season 1 | Nubbad TV | SGAG]”. ''YouTube''. February 22, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> - a comedic character known for interviewing personalities such as Baey Yam Keng<ref>Nubbad TV. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN1q5pYrW5c Xiao Ming’s TROLL interview with Baey Yam Keng | Nubbad TV | SGAG]”. ''YouTube''. March 22, 2020. Accessed August 5, 2020.</ref> and Nas Daily.<ref>Nubbad TV. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvkgllHvp_0 Xiao Ming Interviews Nas Daily | Nubbad TV | SGAG]”. ''YouTube''. June 1, 2019. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref>
As of 2020, Adrian Ang is the Chief Creative Officer of HEPMIL Media Group, as well as the Creative Director of SGAG, MGAG and PGAG.<ref>“[https://news.smu.edu.sg/news/2017/10/19/smu-alumni-shares-secret-sauce-sgags-success SMU Alumni Shares on the Secret Sauce of SGAG’s Success]”. ''Singapore Management University.'' October 19, 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Aside from deciding on the creative direction for the business, he is also regularly featured on SGAG’s [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVsd_aqIkoC15YnK0fpX24A YouTube channel], where he is best known as “Xiao Ming”<ref>Nubbad TV. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVlPpmu36fI Xiao Ming’s Lame Jokes Season 1 | Nubbad TV | SGAG]”. ''YouTube''. February 22, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> - a comedic character known for interviewing personalities such as Baey Yam Keng<ref>Nubbad TV. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN1q5pYrW5c Xiao Ming’s TROLL interview with Baey Yam Keng | Nubbad TV | SGAG]”. ''YouTube''. March 22, 2020. Accessed August 5, 2020.</ref> and Nas Daily.<ref>Nubbad TV. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvkgllHvp_0 Xiao Ming Interviews Nas Daily | Nubbad TV | SGAG]”. ''YouTube''. June 1, 2019. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref>


===Hepmil Media Group - Co-founder===
===HEPMIL Media Group - Co-founder===
[[File:Karl Mak and Adrian Ang.jpg|thumb|''Adrian Ang (right) pictured with his business partner, Karl Mak (left). Photo from [https://www.forbes.com/pictures/58e66964a7ea437ada25fad2/karl-mak--adrian-ang-jin-/ Forbes].'']]
[[File:SGAG Curry Sauce Meme.jpg|thumb|''One of the co-founders' first few viral memes. Photo credit to Adrian Ang & Karl Mak/ [https://www.stuff.tv/my/features/no-laughing-matter-how-mgag-turned-humour-major-business Stuff].'']]
In 2012, friends and co-founders<ref>“[https://www.forbes.com/profile/hepmil-media-group/?list=30under30-asia-media-marketing-advertising#7be0bcbe5f75 Hepmil Media Group]”. ''Forbes.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020. </ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlmaks/ Karl Mak]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020. </ref> Adrian Ang and Karl Mak created a meme (a video or image, typically humorous in nature) about McDonald’s running out of its signature curry sauce.<ref>TEDx Talks. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaLMdcDO1c Building a company of laughter | Karl Mak | TEDxYouth@SJI]". ''YouTube''. November 13, 2017. Accessed on 12 August 2020.</ref> Soon after posting it on Facebook, the meme went viral.<ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/upcloseandpersonaldetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/1e332b20-1960-4f93-8079-12c2a3fcabde Mr Funny Business]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref><ref>Yap, Jacky. “[https://vulcanpost.com/266631/story-sgag-sg/ The Story of SGAG Singapore Revealed: How It All Started & Tips to Virality]”. ''Vulcan Post''. 2015. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Speaking about their venture, Adrian was quoted to have said the following:<blockquote>“That was when Karl and I decided to take the leap of faith and jump full-time into SGAG, build a disruptive yet sustainable business model so that we could bring the craziest and funniest people in Singapore together to achieve the mission we set out to do.”<ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/upcloseandpersonaldetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/1e332b20-1960-4f93-8079-12c2a3fcabde Mr Funny Business]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref></blockquote>[[File:SGAG Curry Sauce Meme.jpg|thumb|''One of the co-founders' first few viral memes. Photo credit to Adrian Ang & Karl Mak/ [https://www.stuff.tv/my/features/no-laughing-matter-how-mgag-turned-humour-major-business Stuff].'']]The duo incorporated SGAG in April 2013 as a localised version of 9GAG, a Hong-Kong based media platform known for its humorous content.<ref>“[https://www.sgpbusiness.com/company/Sgag-Media-Pte-Ltd SGAG Media Pte Ltd]”. ''SGP Business.'' n.d. Accessed on 6 August  2020.</ref> They then founded Hepmil Media Group in 2016, a news media company that houses SGAG, MGAG, PGAG, SGEEK and Hepmil Creators’ Network.<ref>“[https://www.tis.bizfile.gov.sg/ngbtisinternet/faces/oracle/webcenter/portalapp/pages/TransactionMain.jspx?selectedETransId=dirSearch#!%40%40%3FselectedETransId%3DdirSearch%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dle3idi20c_39 Hepmil Media Group]”. ''BizFile.'' n.d. Accessed on 6 August 2020.</ref><ref>Rosli, Kartina. “[https://marketinginasia.com/2020/05/18/get-to-know-karl-mak-ceo-and-co-founder-of-hepmil-media-group/ Get to Know Karl Mak, CEO and Co-Founder of Hepmil Media Group]”. ''Marketing in Asia.'' May 18, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Janice. “[https://www.marketing-interactive.com/sgag-and-mgag-parent-network-unveil-tiktok-first-content-arm SGAG and MGAG parent network unveils Tiktok-first content arm]”. ''Marketing Interactive.'' April 22, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref> MGAG and PGAG are the Malaysian and Filipino versions of SGAG started in 2016 and 2018 respectively, while SGEEK is a comedy content and technology platform started in 2018 aiming to educate its viewers on gadget and gaming reviews.<ref>“[https://buy.experian.com.my/index.php/search/Malaysia-Company/1174558/MGAG-MEDIA-SDN-BHD MGAG Media Sdn Bhd]”. ''Experian.'' n.d. Accessed 6 August 2020.</ref><ref>Lim, Shawn. “[https://www.thedrum.com/news/2018/03/06/sgag-launches-sgeek-provide-light-hearted-and-accessible-coverage-all-things-tech SGAG launches SGEEK to provide ‘light-hearted and accessible’ coverage of all things tech and games]”. ''The Drum.'' March 6, 2018. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Lim, Shawn. “[https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/05/04/laughter-the-best-medicine-hepmil-media-group-using-humour-during-coronavirus Is laughter the best medicine? Hepmil Media Group on using humour during coronavirus]”. ''The Drum.'' May 4, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref> Hepmil Creators’ Network, started in 2020, is a program that aims to provide opportunities to independent comedy content creators within Southeast Asia and agencies that wish to reach millennials.<ref>“[https://www.adobomagazine.com/global-news/brand-business-hepmil-media-group-launches-creators-network-to-champion-indie-comedy-creators-on-tiktok-facebook-and-more/ Brand & Business: Hepmil Media Group Launches Creator’s Network to Champion Indie Comedy Creators on Tiktok, Facebook, and More]”. ''Adobo Magazine.'' April 22, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Janice. “[https://www.marketing-interactive.com/sgag-and-mgag-parent-network-unveil-tiktok-first-content-arm SGAG and MGAG parent network unveils Tiktok-first content arm]”. ''Marketing Interactive.'' April 22, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Lim, Shawn. “[https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/05/04/laughter-the-best-medicine-hepmil-media-group-using-humour-during-coronavirus Is laughter the best medicine? Hepmil Media Group on using humour during coronavirus]”. ''The Drum.'' May 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>
In 2012, friends and co-founders<ref>“[https://www.forbes.com/profile/hepmil-media-group/?list=30under30-asia-media-marketing-advertising#7be0bcbe5f75 Hepmil Media Group]”. ''Forbes.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020. </ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlmaks/ Karl Mak]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020. </ref> Adrian Ang and Karl Mak created a meme (a video or image, typically humorous in nature) about McDonald’s running out of its signature curry sauce.<ref>TEDx Talks. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeaLMdcDO1c Building a company of laughter | Karl Mak | TEDxYouth@SJI]". ''YouTube''. November 13, 2017. Accessed on 12 August 2020.</ref> Soon after posting it on Facebook, the meme went viral.<ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/upcloseandpersonaldetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/1e332b20-1960-4f93-8079-12c2a3fcabde Mr Funny Business]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref><ref>Yap, Jacky. “[https://vulcanpost.com/266631/story-sgag-sg/ The Story of SGAG Singapore Revealed: How It All Started & Tips to Virality]”. ''Vulcan Post''. 2015. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Speaking about their venture, Adrian was quoted to have said the following:<blockquote>“That was when Karl and I decided to take the leap of faith and jump full-time into SGAG, build a disruptive yet sustainable business model so that we could bring the craziest and funniest people in Singapore together to achieve the mission we set out to do.”<ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/upcloseandpersonaldetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/upcloseandpersonal/1e332b20-1960-4f93-8079-12c2a3fcabde Mr Funny Business]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.</ref></blockquote>The duo incorporated SGAG in April 2013 as a localised version of 9GAG, a Hong-Kong based media platform known for its humorous content.<ref>“[https://www.sgpbusiness.com/company/Sgag-Media-Pte-Ltd SGAG Media Pte Ltd]”. ''SGP Business.'' n.d. Accessed on 6 August  2020.</ref> They then founded HEPMIL Media Group in 2016, a news media company that houses SGAG, MGAG, PGAG, SGEEK and HEPMIL Creators’ Network.<ref>“[https://www.tis.bizfile.gov.sg/ngbtisinternet/faces/oracle/webcenter/portalapp/pages/TransactionMain.jspx?selectedETransId=dirSearch#!%40%40%3FselectedETransId%3DdirSearch%26_adf.ctrl-state%3Dle3idi20c_39 Hepmil Media Group]”. ''BizFile.'' n.d. Accessed on 6 August 2020.</ref><ref>Rosli, Kartina. “[https://marketinginasia.com/2020/05/18/get-to-know-karl-mak-ceo-and-co-founder-of-hepmil-media-group/ Get to Know Karl Mak, CEO and Co-Founder of Hepmil Media Group]”. ''Marketing in Asia.'' May 18, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Janice. “[https://www.marketing-interactive.com/sgag-and-mgag-parent-network-unveil-tiktok-first-content-arm SGAG and MGAG parent network unveils Tiktok-first content arm]”. ''Marketing Interactive.'' April 22, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref> MGAG and PGAG are the Malaysian and Filipino versions of SGAG started in 2016 and 2018 respectively, while SGEEK is a comedy content and technology platform started in 2018 aiming to educate its viewers on gadget and gaming reviews.<ref>“[https://buy.experian.com.my/index.php/search/Malaysia-Company/1174558/MGAG-MEDIA-SDN-BHD MGAG Media Sdn Bhd]”. ''Experian.'' n.d. Accessed 6 August 2020.</ref><ref>Lim, Shawn. “[https://www.thedrum.com/news/2018/03/06/sgag-launches-sgeek-provide-light-hearted-and-accessible-coverage-all-things-tech SGAG launches SGEEK to provide ‘light-hearted and accessible’ coverage of all things tech and games]”. ''The Drum.'' March 6, 2018. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Lim, Shawn. “[https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/05/04/laughter-the-best-medicine-hepmil-media-group-using-humour-during-coronavirus Is laughter the best medicine? Hepmil Media Group on using humour during coronavirus]”. ''The Drum.'' May 4, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref> HEPMIL Creators’ Network, started in 2020, is a program that aims to provide opportunities to independent comedy content creators within Southeast Asia and agencies that wish to reach millennials.<ref>“[https://www.adobomagazine.com/global-news/brand-business-hepmil-media-group-launches-creators-network-to-champion-indie-comedy-creators-on-tiktok-facebook-and-more/ Brand & Business: Hepmil Media Group Launches Creator’s Network to Champion Indie Comedy Creators on Tiktok, Facebook, and More]”. ''Adobo Magazine.'' April 22, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Janice. “[https://www.marketing-interactive.com/sgag-and-mgag-parent-network-unveil-tiktok-first-content-arm SGAG and MGAG parent network unveils Tiktok-first content arm]”. ''Marketing Interactive.'' April 22, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Lim, Shawn. “[https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/05/04/laughter-the-best-medicine-hepmil-media-group-using-humour-during-coronavirus Is laughter the best medicine? Hepmil Media Group on using humour during coronavirus]”. ''The Drum.'' May 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>


==Mentorship & public speaking==
==Mentorship & public speaking==
Besides his roles in Hepmil Media Group and SGAG, Adrian Ang has also participated as a panellist and guest speaker at various local and international events.<ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Most recently in 2020, he was a guest speaker on TEDx Talks that was hosted at Raffles Institution, where he spoke to the students about the origins of SGAG. On the growth of SGAG and its effect on viewers, he said:<blockquote>“...so you can see that whenever something epic happens, we’ll be there to just put a funny spin on it and that’s how SGAG really grew over the years. Every time something happens, people will come to SGAG to just have a laugh right? We try to make their day with all this content that we put out.”<ref>TEDx Talks. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdgyCcUWahM Trust your gut and instinct | Adrian Ang | TEDxYouth@RafflesInstitution]”. ''YouTube.'' January 3, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref></blockquote>[[File:TEDx Raffles Institution SGAG.jpg|thumb|''Adrian Ang pictured in 2020. Photo from [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdgyCcUWahM YouTube].'']]
[[File:Adrian Ang 2019.jpg|thumb|''Adrian Ang pictured in 2019. Photo from [https://www.adobomagazine.com/digital-news/events-pgags-secret-behind-campaigning-and-storytelling-told-with-disruptive-got-themed-videos-and-korean-drama-inspired-advertisements/ Adobo Magazine].'']]
Besides his roles in HEPMIL Media Group and SGAG, Adrian Ang has also participated as a panellist and guest speaker at various local and international events.<ref>“[https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-ang-b7194b13a/ Adrian Ang]”. ''LinkedIn.'' n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref> Most recently in 2020, he was a guest speaker on TEDx Talks that was hosted at Raffles Institution, where he spoke to the students about the origins of SGAG. On the growth of SGAG and its effect on viewers, he said:<blockquote>“...so you can see that whenever something epic happens, we’ll be there to just put a funny spin on it and that’s how SGAG really grew over the years. Every time something happens, people will come to SGAG to just have a laugh right? We try to make their day with all this content that we put out.”<ref>TEDx Talks. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdgyCcUWahM Trust your gut and instinct | Adrian Ang | TEDxYouth@RafflesInstitution]”. ''YouTube.'' January 3, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref></blockquote>
===Youth Creates (2019) - Judge & panel member===
===Youth Creates (2019) - Judge & panel member===
In 2019, Adrian was a panel member of YouthCreates, a competition where university and polytechnic students are given the opportunity to pitch proposals that could potentially "encourage sustained participation in physical activities and sports among youths".<ref>“[https://www.rp.edu.sg/smc/news-and-events/Detail/youthcreates-2019 YouthCreates 2019]”. ''Republic Polytechnic.'' July 13, 2019. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref>  
In 2019, Adrian was a panel member of YouthCreates, a competition where university and polytechnic students are given the opportunity to pitch proposals that could potentially "encourage sustained participation in physical activities and sports among youths".<ref>“[https://www.rp.edu.sg/smc/news-and-events/Detail/youthcreates-2019 YouthCreates 2019]”. ''Republic Polytechnic.'' July 13, 2019. Accessed 5 August 2020.</ref>  


===Forbes 30 Under 30 Boston Summit (2017) - Panellist===
===Forbes 30 Under 30 Boston Summit (2017) - Panelist===
In 2017, Adrian Ang was a panelist at Forbes’ Under 30 Boston Summit, where he shared about his experience with building a startup company in an Asian country.<ref>Watson, Rana Wehbe. “[https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranawehbe/2017/10/06/asias-entrepreneurs-shine-during-forbes-under-30-summit-in-boston/#4bd1446d525e Asia’s Entrepreneurs Shine During Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston]”. ''Forbes.'' October 6, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020. </ref>
In 2017, Adrian Ang was a panelist at Forbes’ Under 30 Boston Summit, where he shared about his experience with building a startup company in an Asian country.<ref>Watson, Rana Wehbe. “[https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranawehbe/2017/10/06/asias-entrepreneurs-shine-during-forbes-under-30-summit-in-boston/#4bd1446d525e Asia’s Entrepreneurs Shine During Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston]”. ''Forbes.'' October 6, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020. </ref>


===Todo Todo Skills Marketplace (2017) - Guest speaker===
===Todo Todo Skills Marketplace (2017) - Guest speaker===
Adrian Ang was invited to share to his entrepreneurship journey at the Todo Todo Skills Marketplace in 2017, an initiative by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the People’s Association (PA) aimed at supporting fresh graduates in their careers.<ref>Tan, Sue-Ann. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/start-ups-to-attract-job-hunters-in-second-edition-of-skills-marketplace Second edition of Skills Marketplace focuses on startups for job hunters]”. ''The Straits Times.'' November 11, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/newsandopinions/newsandopinionsdetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/newsandopinions/f986e074-7fc6-4175-9e5f-41ab9c3113e7 Todo Todo In The Heartlands]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>
Adrian Ang was invited to share about his entrepreneurship journey at the Todo Todo Skills Marketplace in 2017, an initiative by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the People’s Association (PA) aimed at supporting fresh graduates in their careers.<ref>Tan, Sue-Ann. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/start-ups-to-attract-job-hunters-in-second-edition-of-skills-marketplace Second edition of Skills Marketplace focuses on startups for job hunters]”. ''The Straits Times.'' November 11, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Tan, Jonathan. “[https://www.youngntuc.org.sg/wps/portal/ydu2/home/read/newsandopinions/newsandopinionsdetails?WCM_GLOBAL_CONTEXT=/content_library/ydu2/home/read/newsandopinions/f986e074-7fc6-4175-9e5f-41ab9c3113e7 Todo Todo In The Heartlands]”. ''Young NTUC.'' 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>


===Startup Weekend Singapore (2014 & 2017) - Panellist & mentor===
===Startup Weekend Singapore (2014 & 2017) - Panelist & mentor===
In 2014 and 2017, Adrian Ang was a panelist and mentor at Startup Weekend Singapore, an annual two-day event held for various groups of people to pitch ideas for new startup companies.<ref>“[https://vulcanpost.com/7701/startup-weekend-singapore-2014/ Startup Weekend is back in Singapore, a no talk and all action event]”. ''Vulcan Post.'' April 14, 2014. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Teh, Shi Ning. “[https://www.sgsme.sg/news/startups/idea-startup-54-hours From idea to startup, in 54 hours]”. ''SGSME.SG.'' September 25, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>
In 2014 and 2017, Adrian Ang was a panelist and mentor at Startup Weekend Singapore, an annual two-day event held for various groups of people to pitch ideas for new startup companies.<ref>“[https://vulcanpost.com/7701/startup-weekend-singapore-2014/ Startup Weekend is back in Singapore, a no talk and all action event]”. ''Vulcan Post.'' April 14, 2014. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref><ref>Teh, Shi Ning. “[https://www.sgsme.sg/news/startups/idea-startup-54-hours From idea to startup, in 54 hours]”. ''SGSME.SG.'' September 25, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.</ref>


==References/ Citations==
==References/ Citations==
[[Category:People of Interest]]
[[Category:Singapore Entrepreneurs]]
<references />
<references />
[[Category:Singapore Media]]

Latest revision as of 13:18, 3 November 2022

Adrian Ang
Adrian Ang profile.jpg
Born1987
EducationBachelor of Business Management
Alma materSingapore Management University

Adrian Ang (born 1987) is a Singaporean entrepreneur and the co-founder of HEPMIL Media Group where he is the Chief Creative Officer.[1][2][3][4] Adrian Ang is also a content creator and takes on the persona of XiaoMing on social media. As of August 2020, he has over 25,000 followers on TikTok and over 40,000 followers on Instagram.

Background

Adrian Ang (right) pictured with his business partner, Karl Mak (left). Photo from Forbes.

Adrian Ang and his business partner, Karl Mak first met in 2005 as classmates in junior college.[5] In junior college, Adrian Ang retained a year to switch academic streams, dropping his science subjects such as physics and chemistry to take up humanities subjects instead. In a 2020 TEDx Talks, he shared that It was a difficult decision for him to make. He says:

“The principal wanted to talk to me, talk to my mum to make sure it was a rational decision that has been clearly thought about. And there my mum was sitting beside me, facing the principal, and she was crying. She didn’t understand why my son (Adrian) wanted to retain, when he’s promoted. So that was a really emotional moment for me, and also a turning point in my life.”[6]

Upon retaining, he met Karl Mak who he became close friends with. The duo’s friendship continued into university where they conceptualised their first meme in a university seminar. After completing their studies in 2013, they co-founded SGAG and subsequently, HEPMIL Media Group.[7]

Education

Adrian Ang was a student at Anglo-Chinese Junior College from 2004 to 2006. From 2009 to 2013, he studied at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business in Singapore Management University and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Business Management.[8][9][10]

Entrepreneurship

As of 2020, Adrian Ang is the Chief Creative Officer of HEPMIL Media Group, as well as the Creative Director of SGAG, MGAG and PGAG.[11][12] Aside from deciding on the creative direction for the business, he is also regularly featured on SGAG’s YouTube channel, where he is best known as “Xiao Ming”[13] - a comedic character known for interviewing personalities such as Baey Yam Keng[14] and Nas Daily.[15]

HEPMIL Media Group - Co-founder

One of the co-founders' first few viral memes. Photo credit to Adrian Ang & Karl Mak/ Stuff.

In 2012, friends and co-founders[16][17][18] Adrian Ang and Karl Mak created a meme (a video or image, typically humorous in nature) about McDonald’s running out of its signature curry sauce.[19] Soon after posting it on Facebook, the meme went viral.[20][21] Speaking about their venture, Adrian was quoted to have said the following:

“That was when Karl and I decided to take the leap of faith and jump full-time into SGAG, build a disruptive yet sustainable business model so that we could bring the craziest and funniest people in Singapore together to achieve the mission we set out to do.”[22]

The duo incorporated SGAG in April 2013 as a localised version of 9GAG, a Hong-Kong based media platform known for its humorous content.[23] They then founded HEPMIL Media Group in 2016, a news media company that houses SGAG, MGAG, PGAG, SGEEK and HEPMIL Creators’ Network.[24][25][26] MGAG and PGAG are the Malaysian and Filipino versions of SGAG started in 2016 and 2018 respectively, while SGEEK is a comedy content and technology platform started in 2018 aiming to educate its viewers on gadget and gaming reviews.[27][28][29] HEPMIL Creators’ Network, started in 2020, is a program that aims to provide opportunities to independent comedy content creators within Southeast Asia and agencies that wish to reach millennials.[30][31][32]

Mentorship & public speaking

Adrian Ang pictured in 2019. Photo from Adobo Magazine.

Besides his roles in HEPMIL Media Group and SGAG, Adrian Ang has also participated as a panellist and guest speaker at various local and international events.[33] Most recently in 2020, he was a guest speaker on TEDx Talks that was hosted at Raffles Institution, where he spoke to the students about the origins of SGAG. On the growth of SGAG and its effect on viewers, he said:

“...so you can see that whenever something epic happens, we’ll be there to just put a funny spin on it and that’s how SGAG really grew over the years. Every time something happens, people will come to SGAG to just have a laugh right? We try to make their day with all this content that we put out.”[34]

Youth Creates (2019) - Judge & panel member

In 2019, Adrian was a panel member of YouthCreates, a competition where university and polytechnic students are given the opportunity to pitch proposals that could potentially "encourage sustained participation in physical activities and sports among youths".[35]

Forbes 30 Under 30 Boston Summit (2017) - Panelist

In 2017, Adrian Ang was a panelist at Forbes’ Under 30 Boston Summit, where he shared about his experience with building a startup company in an Asian country.[36]

Todo Todo Skills Marketplace (2017) - Guest speaker

Adrian Ang was invited to share about his entrepreneurship journey at the Todo Todo Skills Marketplace in 2017, an initiative by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the People’s Association (PA) aimed at supporting fresh graduates in their careers.[37][38]

Startup Weekend Singapore (2014 & 2017) - Panelist & mentor

In 2014 and 2017, Adrian Ang was a panelist and mentor at Startup Weekend Singapore, an annual two-day event held for various groups of people to pitch ideas for new startup companies.[39][40]

References/ Citations

  1. ↑ Tan, Jonathan. “Mr Funny Business”. Young NTUC. 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.
  2. ↑ “Adrian Ang”. Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  3. ↑ Chan, Melissa. “Meet the 23 Individuals In Singapore Who Have Just Been Listed On Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List”. Yahoo! News. April 18, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  4. ↑ “Adrian Ang”. LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  5. ↑ NubbadTV. "Zero to One Million Likes, The SGAG Story | Nubbad TV | SGAG". YouTube. February 12, 2020. Accessed on 13 August 2020.
  6. ↑ TEDx Talks. “Trust your gut and instinct | Adrian Ang | TEDxYouth@RafflesInstitution”. YouTube. January 3, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  7. ↑ TEDx Talks. "Building a company of laughter | Karl Mak |TEDxYouth@SJI". YouTube. November 13, 2017. Accessed on 13 August 2020.
  8. ↑ Singapore Management University. “#TalentsOfSMU: Karl Mak and Adrian Ang, the Duo Behind SGAG & MGAG”. YouTube. May 18, 2018. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  9. ↑ “SMU Alumni Shares on the Secret Sauce of SGAG’s Success”. Singapore Management University. October 19, 2017. Accessed 4 August 2020.
  10. ↑ “Adrian Ang”. LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  11. ↑ “SMU Alumni Shares on the Secret Sauce of SGAG’s Success”. Singapore Management University. October 19, 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.
  12. ↑ “Adrian Ang”. LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  13. ↑ Nubbad TV. “Xiao Ming’s Lame Jokes Season 1 | Nubbad TV | SGAG”. YouTube. February 22, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  14. ↑ Nubbad TV. “Xiao Ming’s TROLL interview with Baey Yam Keng | Nubbad TV | SGAG”. YouTube. March 22, 2020. Accessed August 5, 2020.
  15. ↑ Nubbad TV. “Xiao Ming Interviews Nas Daily | Nubbad TV | SGAG”. YouTube. June 1, 2019. Accessed 5 August 2020.
  16. ↑ “Hepmil Media Group”. Forbes. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  17. ↑ “Adrian Ang”. LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  18. ↑ “Karl Mak”. LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  19. ↑ TEDx Talks. "Building a company of laughter | Karl Mak | TEDxYouth@SJI". YouTube. November 13, 2017. Accessed on 12 August 2020.
  20. ↑ Tan, Jonathan. “Mr Funny Business”. Young NTUC. 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.
  21. ↑ Yap, Jacky. “The Story of SGAG Singapore Revealed: How It All Started & Tips to Virality”. Vulcan Post. 2015. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  22. ↑ Tan, Jonathan. “Mr Funny Business”. Young NTUC. 2017. Accessed on 4 August 2020.
  23. ↑ “SGAG Media Pte Ltd”. SGP Business. n.d. Accessed on 6 August 2020.
  24. ↑ “Hepmil Media Group”. BizFile. n.d. Accessed on 6 August 2020.
  25. ↑ Rosli, Kartina. “Get to Know Karl Mak, CEO and Co-Founder of Hepmil Media Group”. Marketing in Asia. May 18, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  26. ↑ Tan, Janice. “SGAG and MGAG parent network unveils Tiktok-first content arm”. Marketing Interactive. April 22, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.
  27. ↑ “MGAG Media Sdn Bhd”. Experian. n.d. Accessed 6 August 2020.
  28. ↑ Lim, Shawn. “SGAG launches SGEEK to provide ‘light-hearted and accessible’ coverage of all things tech and games”. The Drum. March 6, 2018. Accessed 5 August 2020.
  29. ↑ Lim, Shawn. “Is laughter the best medicine? Hepmil Media Group on using humour during coronavirus”. The Drum. May 4, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.
  30. ↑ “Brand & Business: Hepmil Media Group Launches Creator’s Network to Champion Indie Comedy Creators on Tiktok, Facebook, and More”. Adobo Magazine. April 22, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  31. ↑ Tan, Janice. “SGAG and MGAG parent network unveils Tiktok-first content arm”. Marketing Interactive. April 22, 2020. Accessed 5 August 2020.
  32. ↑ Lim, Shawn. “Is laughter the best medicine? Hepmil Media Group on using humour during coronavirus”. The Drum. May 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  33. ↑ “Adrian Ang”. LinkedIn. n.d. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  34. ↑ TEDx Talks. “Trust your gut and instinct | Adrian Ang | TEDxYouth@RafflesInstitution”. YouTube. January 3, 2020. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  35. ↑ “YouthCreates 2019”. Republic Polytechnic. July 13, 2019. Accessed 5 August 2020.
  36. ↑ Watson, Rana Wehbe. “Asia’s Entrepreneurs Shine During Forbes Under 30 Summit in Boston”. Forbes. October 6, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  37. ↑ Tan, Sue-Ann. “Second edition of Skills Marketplace focuses on startups for job hunters”. The Straits Times. November 11, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  38. ↑ Tan, Jonathan. “Todo Todo In The Heartlands”. Young NTUC. 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  39. ↑ “Startup Weekend is back in Singapore, a no talk and all action event”. Vulcan Post. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
  40. ↑ Teh, Shi Ning. “From idea to startup, in 54 hours”. SGSME.SG. September 25, 2017. Accessed on 5 August 2020.
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