Jung at work in a virtual studio of Channel NewsAsia.
NAME: Suzanne (Sei Eun) Jung
AGE: 28
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Singapore
COMPANY THAT YOU WORK FOR: Channel NewsAsia (CNA), MediaCorp News, based in Singapore
JOB TITLE: Presenter/Producer on “Prime Time Morning”
TIME AT YOUR PRESENT JOB: 5 years in total, 3 years with CAN
Describe what you do.
I get up at 2:30 a.m. every day from Monday to Friday. Eat breakfast, hit the showers, go online to catch up on what happened overnight, and then I do my hair and makeup. At about 3:45 a.m., I zip out of the house to catch a cab to go to work. Once in the office, I scan the wires and check the run-downs for the upcoming shows. Write scripts for the day, cut and edit pictures, then start prepping for the interviews we have for the whole morning. Our guests range from professionals, analysts, academics and celebrities and so on. By 6 a.m., I’m in the studio, recording some short news bites. 6:30 a.m. sharp, I start the day with my first “Good Morning!” After my last bulletin at about 11 a.m., I spend the rest of my time writing scores of e-mails and corresponding with people who would be coming onto our show. For a good interview to be conducted, ample time has to be invested on researching and talking on the phone with people to find out more about that particular subject, so you know you can ask questions and raise issues that viewers want to know.
Also as part of the show, I would go out for shoots to cover a story, or conduct an interview. That’s when things start to become challenging as my eyelids get heavier and heavier.
Do you consider your job a passion?
Of course! Nobody handed me this gig on a silver platter. I worked and studied hard in college to make my dream come true ever since I was bitten by the news bug during my freshman year, and then persevered to get to where I am now. So it’s got to be the passion because deep down inside I know there is nothing else in the world I would rather do.
What is your favorite aspect of work?
“Knowing things first.”
What is the most challenging aspect of your work?
Putting work aside and finding time for myself is difficult.
How do you feel about working in Singapore?
Singapore is great! The weather is fantastic! I have a low tolerance for cold, and so the climate works perfectly for me. People are just as warm and friendly, making it a very pleasant environment to be working in. It’s much more laid back than in Korea, I find. Anyone visiting Singapore would be delighted by the cleanliness, efficiency and modern features of this fine city, too. What’s best about Singapore ... it is a safe country, and it is a perfect stepping stone for exploring the rest of Asia.
What else is on your résumé?
Business Correspondent, Weathercaster, NBC Burbank Intern, National TEPS Instructor, Senior Training and Program Head of College Campus News, Tutor, Nanny, Class President.
What’s missing from your résumé?
A three-week stint at Krispy Kreme.
What are some challenges that you might not have expected at Channel NewsAsia?
Had no idea I had to wake up so early for the morning news. Also, always keeping in mind the sensitivities of a multiracial country, and the regional nuances, while striving to provide an informative entertainment news program.
What are the perks, if any?
You meet new people all the time. You get exclusive one-on-ones with high-profile personalities. And when traveling, I can usually get through customs fairly quickly at the airport, thanks to the officers who watch the morning show.
What skill of yours has proven to be one of the most useful to your job?
Being able to smile all the time, even when I have had a bad night of sleep and don’t feel like it.
What is the best euphemism you have heard for your job title?
Couch potato — I’m sitting on a couch on the morning show.
What is your favorite work-time pick-me-up?
When viewers write in to say they enjoyed the show ... and chocolates!
What is your favorite piece of advice?
Moderation is the key to everything.
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