Joan Ng

I chose to become a creative because I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling and how it can connect people on an emotional level. I love the challenge of turning abstract ideas into tangible experiences that resonate with audiences. For me, creativity is a way to break boundaries, experiment with new concepts, and continuously evolve.

As the CEO of Colorverse, I oversee the company’s operations, creative direction, and strategic planning. Colorverse is dedicated to exploring new intersections between Web2 and Web3 through innovative marketing experiences. Our focus is on combining traditional branding techniques with cutting-edge technologies in blockchain, such as the Metaverse and NFTs, to engage audiences in meaningful ways.

Creativity is the ability to see the world differently, to find unique solutions to problems, and to communicate ideas in a way that evokes emotion and inspires action. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and exploring new ways of engaging with the world.

A truly creative idea or design is one that is original, impactful, and memorable. It should solve a problem or address a need in a way that is unexpected and captivating. It’s about finding that unique angle that sets it apart from the ordinary.

My process begins with a deep dive into understanding the target audience and the objectives of the project. I like to explore diverse perspectives and draw inspiration from various sources—art, culture, technology, and nature. From there, I brainstorm ideas with my team, prototype, and iterate based on feedback until we arrive at a solution that feels both innovative and purposeful.

My favorite part of the creative process is the initial phase of research, inspiration gathering, and brainstorming. This stage is where ideas start to take shape, and the possibilities seem endless. I love immersing myself in diverse sources of inspiration, exploring new concepts, and collaborating with my team to bounce ideas around. It's a time of pure creativity and discovery, where the excitement of what's possible drives the process forward.

My creative style is characterized by a blend of bold, innovative thinking and meticulous attention to detail. I love to merge traditional and digital mediums, creating experiences that are both immersive and memorable. My approach is rooted in storytelling, with a focus on creating emotional connections with the audience.

Absolutely. Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, with its diverse mix of traditions, art, and innovation, greatly influences my creative process. It provides a unique perspective that blends the old and the new, the local and the global, which is reflected in my work.

Winning the MUSE Creative Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and creativity of my team, especially Jaycee Eng and Henry Chong. Their innovative spirit and commitment have been integral to pushing boundaries and merging digital and physical worlds to create unique experiences. This recognition motivates us to continue exploring new frontiers in the creative industry and reinforces our belief in the power of collaboration and innovation.

The winning project, "Merging Digital and Physical Worlds for Tourism," was an immersive experience that promoted Malaysian tourism by creating a metaverse platform where users could explore virtual representations of different states and their unique cultures. We chose to enter this project because it exemplified our commitment to innovation and creativity in using technology to enhance real-world experiences.

The biggest challenge was seamlessly integrating digital experiences with physical tourism elements, ensuring that the virtual representations were engaging and interactive while staying true to the cultural authenticity of each state. We had to balance technical limitations with creative ambitions to create an experience that was both immersive and accessible. Additionally, since the concept of the metaverse is new to many people, we aimed to introduce audiences to this innovative space by demonstrating how it can connect with virtual reality (VR). Our goal was to offer a fresh way to experience and explore Malaysia, combining the digital and physical worlds in an engaging, memorable way.

Winning the MUSE Creative Award has enhanced my credibility in the industry and provided greater visibility to my work and my team’s efforts. It has opened up new opportunities for collaboration and helped me connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for creative innovation.

1. The constant evolution and innovation. 2. The ability to tell stories that impact and inspire. 3. The collaborative nature, where different talents and perspectives come together to create something greater.

Malaysia’s diversity is its strength in the creative industry. The country’s multicultural heritage provides a rich tapestry of stories, traditions, and inspirations that fuel creativity. This diversity encourages innovative thinking and fosters a unique blend of traditional and contemporary creative expressions.

I see the creative industry becoming even more intertwined with technology, where AI, AR, VR, and the metaverse will play significant roles in how we create and consume content. The focus will likely shift towards more personalized, interactive, and immersive experiences that blur the lines between the physical and digital worlds.

Be curious, stay open-minded, and never stop experimenting. Creativity thrives on exploration, so don’t be afraid to push boundaries and take risks. And most importantly, find your unique voice and perspective.

I would recommend a mix of online courses, creative workshops, and industry events to build both technical skills and industry knowledge. Engaging with creative communities, both online and offline, can also provide valuable insights and inspiration.

I wanted to be a designer, but I only enjoyed the creative aspects like painting, not the drawing itself. I discovered I was particularly good at proposing ideas and concepts, which led me to choose fashion marketing as my major. It allowed me to blend my love for creativity with strategic thinking, finding a unique path that suited my strengths.

My dad has been a significant inspiration in my life. He is a businessman, and I grew up in a shoe manufacturing environment, waking up to the sounds of machines and the knocking of shoes being made. Later, my dad transitioned the business to retail, and during my high school years, I would help him sell shoes in the mall. Observing how fashion brands created their displays in the mall sparked my interest in the industry. Those early experiences cultivated my passion for creativity and marketing in the fashion world.

My key to success is adaptability and continuous learning. The creative landscape is ever-changing, so staying curious, embracing change, and being willing to learn are essential.

I would nominate Edna Lee, a creative sneaker artist known for her bold and innovative designs; she runs Edna Creations and Ednaverse, which focus on unique, personalized sneaker art. Mandy Gioh, the Creative Director for Frenss Studio, who brings fresh perspectives to many local brands with her visionary approach—I have been following her on social media for years and am a big fan of her work. Lastly, Henry Chong, the Creative Director for The Fame Events, who consistently crafts extraordinary and memorable events; he is the person who introduced me to the event industry when I left the fashion corporate world.

I want to thank my team and collaborators for their creativity and dedication, which made this recognition possible. Creativity is truly a collective effort, and I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey. A special thanks to WebTV Asia, who allowed us to collaborate with their travel program to create this metaverse experience, and to Tourism Malaysia for their unwavering support in bringing this vision to life.