A Creative Technologist

with 30+ Years of Design Experience

From print to pixels, I blend timeless creativity with modern web technologies to craft effective visual experiences for brands and businesses

About Me

I'm a self-taught professional with over 30 years of cross-industry experience—spanning graphic design, advertising, publishing, international trading, e-commerce, and web development.

My journey began in 1990 in traditional design and desktop publishing. I grew through agency life, launched a multilingual parenting magazine, and later stepped into international non-ferrous trading, where I sourced and negotiated copper deals for Chinese buyers. This experience gave me real-world insights into logistics, import/export processes, and high-stakes negotiation.

In 2013, I co-founded an online home appliance store, managing everything from digital marketing and content to platform operations across WooCommerce, Lazada, and Shopee. In 2024, I transitioned to focus on freelance web development—building responsive appointment booking websites through WordPress, Bricks Builder, and custom-coded components.

With fewer family obligations today, I’m ready to contribute to a like-minded team—bringing not just creative and technical skills, but entrepreneurial thinking, commercial awareness, and the drive to eventually lead projects or teams. This second career phase is about impact, collaboration, and meaningful growth.

Navigate my journey

Click a cube to explore what I do, how I do it, and what drives me.

EXPERIENCE

30+ years across design, media, e-commerce, and web—built on adaptability, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving.

SKILLS & tOOLS

Proficient in creative and web tools—from Adobe to Tailwind, now exploring React, Next.js, and scalable dev stacks

Portfolio

A curated mix of print, digital, and web projects—each crafted with purpose, detail, and measurable impact.

Q & A

Honest answers to common career questions—from mindset to motivation—shared to build a real connection.

EXPERIENCE

Over the past three decades, I’ve built a multi-disciplinary career at the intersection of design, business, and technology. From print advertising and multimedia design to publishing, trading, e-commerce, and web development, each chapter has equipped me with hands-on skills, entrepreneurial thinking, and a deep understanding of how to bring ideas to life — creatively and commercially.

Freelance Web Developer | Appserved.com

Building appointment booking websites for SMEs using WordPress and Bricks Builder, with added focus on SEO performance, speed optimization, and mobile responsiveness. Currently exploring React and Next.js to expand front-end capabilities and future-proof projects for more dynamic client needs.

2024–Present

Co-Founder | Homemaker.my

Managed a niche e-commerce business selling small home appliances via a self-hosted online store and platforms like Lazada and Shopee. Oversaw everything from UX design, product photography, branding, and copywriting to digital marketing, multichannel fulfillment, and customer service.

2013–2024

Non-Ferrous Trader | Adam Joseph Resources Sdn Bhd

Ventured into commodity trading during the aftermath of the U.S. Subprime Mortgage Crisis. Specialized in sourcing and supplying various grades of copper and other non-ferrous metals for Chinese industrial buyers. Gained hands-on experience in procurement, international logistics, risk management, and high-stakes negotiation. Left the industry due to its volatile nature and unpredictability.

2008–2012

Publisher | Media Genius Sdn Bhd

Published three multilingual parenting magazines — Parenthink (English), Ibu & Ayah (Malay), and Intelligent Parents (Chinese) — distributed nationwide and funded through ad sponsorships. Attracted leading brands like Enfagrow, Friso, Pureen, Kumon, E.nopi, and Nutrigen. Oversaw editorial direction, layout design, advertising sales, and production management.

2001–2008

Creative Director | Story Lampson Sdn Bhd

Founded and led a boutique design studio delivering both ATL and BTL creative services to lifestyle and fashion brands such as Alain Delon, Bonia, Crocodile, and B.U.M Equipment. Responsible for brand strategy, campaign ideation, design execution, and client relationship management. The business was impacted and eventually closed due to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

1996–2000

Graphic Designer | First Edition Sdn Bhd

I worked with an advertising agency managing international tobacco accounts, including Marlboro, Salem, Benson & Hedges, and Rothmans. Produced ATL print advertising and promotional materials, contributing to high-visibility campaigns in press and outdoor media.

1994–1996

Multimedia Designer | PJE Network Sdn Bhd

Designed and developed multimedia graphics for Maybank’s early interactive information kiosks. Responsibilities included user interface layout, digital graphics, and basic animation using early multimedia software and hardware in a pioneering digital media setup.

1992–1993

Junior Designer & Photographer | Flip Flash / Big Picture Sdn Bhd

Started career as an Oxberry photographer producing slide visuals for corporate presentations. Transitioned into desktop publishing and packaging design, gaining foundational skills in layout, typography, and production workflows within a fast-paced creative studio.

1990–1992

Education

Although I did not complete a formal degree, my early education laid the creative and technical groundwork for my self-directed career.

Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)

Diploma in Graphic Design (Incomplete)
1989–1990, Kuala Lumpur
Began formal training in design, layout, and visual communication. Discontinued studies due to family financial responsibilities but continued to pursue design education independently through real-world practice.

1989–1990

SMJK Chi Wen (Secondary Education)

1982–1987, Negeri Sembilan
Completed SPM-level secondary education. Built a strong foundation in languages, arts, and analytical thinking.

1982–1987

I believe that learning doesn’t end in classrooms. My career reflects decades of hands-on development, self-learning, and cross-industry adaptation.

Skills & Tools

A toolbox built through decades of hands-on experience—sharpened across design, web, and business disciplines, with a growing tendency toward project management. I'm also expanding into modern, scalable frameworks like Next.js, React, Nest.js, Node.js, Prisma, and PostgreSQL to future-proof my capabilities.

Design & Creative
  • Design Software: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Fireworks
  • Video & Layout: Adobe Premiere Pro, Capcut, Davinci Resolve, Adobe XD
  • UI/UX & Prototyping: Figma, Penpot
  • Brand & Visual Identity: Logos, packaging, print, ATL/BTL campaigns
  • Typography & Editorial: Expert in layout and publication design
Web Design & Development

  • Platforms: WordPress, Bricks Builder, WooCommerce

  • Frontend Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript (basic), Tailwind CSS

  • IDEs & Tools: Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, Dreamweaver

  • Version Control: GitHub (basic use)

  • Customization: Code Snippets, functions.php, schema markup

  • Performance & SEO: Page speed optimization, structured data, on-page SEO

E-Commerce & Marketing
  • Platforms: Lazada, Shopee, WooCommerce
  • Product Management: Photography, editing, copywriting, listing
  • Shipping & Payment Integration: Setup and configuration of domestic/international shipping options and local payment gateways (e.g., Billplz, ToyyibPay, Stripe)
  • Email Marketing: FluentCRM for campaigns and automation
  • SEO Tools: Rank Math, Yoast, Ubersuggest, Google Keyword Planner
  • Promotional Assets: Email templates, banners, landing pages
Strategy & Management

  • Creative Direction: Concept-to-execution of full campaigns

  • Project Oversight: Vendor coordination, task timelines, production planning

  • Client Communication: Proposals, presentations, feedback cycles

  • Entrepreneurial Experience: Business setup, sourcing, marketing

  • Import/Export Knowledge: Sourcing, shipping logistics, and trade documentation

Supporting Tools
  • Productivity: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace
  • Quick Design: Canva
  • Project Management: Clickup, Trello, Notion

  • AI Tools: ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Claude Opus, Google AI Studio, Veo 3, LMarena, DeepSeek, Kling

  • Media Tools: OBS Studio (screen recording, demos)

Portfolio

A multidisciplinary showcase—from pixels to print to motion.

Below is a curated selection of my work across web development, publishing, and video editing. Each piece reflects the adaptability and craft I’ve honed through decades of hands-on practice.

Crafted for performance. Designed for people.

I currently develop responsive sites using WordPress and Bricks Builder with performance and SEO optimization. To push scalability and flexibility further, I'm transitioning toward modern frameworks like Next.js, React, Tailwind CSS, Nest.js, and Prisma—integrating custom code into the stack for greater control and modularity.

Appserved.com – My current freelance website and services platform.

Massage Parlor – A demo appointment booking site for a foot massage parlor.

Bactepro.com.my – E-Commerce website for a hygiene solutions company

Homemaker.my – A  WooCommerce-powered store (currently under reconstruction)

Storytelling in motion—from community spirit to commerce.

I’ve edited a diverse range of videos, from amateur sports highlights to product promotions. Each piece is tailored for its purpose—whether to capture emotion, explain product features, or drive engagement online.

Sports Highlights

I created match recaps and highlight reels that reflect the passion and camaraderie of grassroots football.

Tools used: Adobe Premiere, Media Encoder, Illustrator, Photoshop

Product Video Series – Homemaker.my

Produced and edited short promotional videos for kitchen and home appliances, optimized for YouTube and social media. 

Breakfast Station

Vacuum Cleaner

Garment Iron & Steamer

Pressure Cooker

Pot & Pan

Food Vacuum

Multi-functional Cooker

Noodle Maker

Each video is crafted to boost product visibility, demonstrate key functions, and support online conversion.

Multilingual editorial design with purpose and reach.

As co-founder and lead designer of three parenting magazines (2002–2008), I managed layout, visual storytelling, ad placements, and print production across English, Malay, and Chinese editions.

Front Covers

Parenthink! (English) Ibu & Ayah! (Malay) Intelligent Parent (Chinese). Each cover was designed to resonate with a specific readership segment while maintaining a cohesive visual identity.

Editorial Layouts

From parenting insights to childhood development features, every spread was art-directed for clarity and emotional connection.

Advertising Campaigns

Full-page and integrated ads created for top-tier brands like Kumon, Enfagrow, Dumex, Disney Channel, Wyeth and Pureen—blending commercial goals with editorial flow.

Candid Q&A: Behind the Résumé

Here are honest answers to the kinds of questions people naturally ask during interviews, conversations, and collaborations.

When were you born, and how does your experience fit into today’s fast-evolving creative and tech landscape?

I was born in 1969 and began my design career in the early ’90s. With over 30 years of hands-on experience across creative and business domains—including advertising, publishing, international trading, e-commerce, and web development—I bring practical insight, multidisciplinary thinking, and a steady hand to creative and technical challenges. I approach each project with a solutions-first mindset, shaped by decades of evolving with industry shifts and business needs.

Why return to employment after years of freelance and business ownership?

With my children now grown and fewer family obligations, I’m ready to reintegrate into a team setting. I’m eager to contribute to shared goals, learn from others, and move toward a leadership or project management role with greater structure and impact.

What type of job opportunities are you open to?

I’m open to full-time, part-time, contract, or remote work—whether locally in Malaysia or internationally. I’m flexible and collaborative, and I work well in both structured teams and independent setups.

Do you work well in a team or structured environment?

Absolutely. I’ve worked in agencies, managed design teams, published multilingual parenting magazines, and led content for an e-commerce store. I understand timelines, team roles, and how to communicate effectively across departments.

How do you perform in remote or hybrid work environments?

I’m highly comfortable with remote collaboration. I use communication tools effectively, stay disciplined with time, and deliver consistently without the need for micromanagement. I’ve also worked in asynchronous setups with clients across time zones.

How do you stay updated with design and tech trends?

I continuously learn through hands-on projects, YouTube, AI, and forums. I follow updates from tools like Figma, WordPress, and now React/Next.js. My learning mindset is a constant part of how I stay sharp.

What are your most relevant skills and tools today?

I work across creative, technical, and business disciplines:

  • Design: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, XD

  • UI/UX: Figma, Penpot

  • Frontend: WordPress, Bricks Builder, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Tailwind

  • Custom Code & IDEs: Visual Studio Code, Code Snippets, GitHub

  • E-commerce: WooCommerce, Lazada, Shopee

  • SEO & Tools: Rank Math, Yoast, Google Search Console

  • Learning: Next.js, React, Nest.js, Prisma, PostgreSQL

  • CRM & Marketing: Fluent CRM, basic email automation

  • Other: OBS Studio, Canva, MS Office, Google Workspace

Are you currently upskilling?

Absolutely. I’m learning Next.js, React, Nest.js, Node.js, Prisma, and PostgreSQL to build scalable apps. These skills are key to transitioning into more technical or managerial roles in modern digital teams.

What are your thoughts on AI in design and development?

AI is reshaping the creative and technical workflow. It simplifies coding, speeds up ideation, and enhances team productivity. I use AI tools to prototype faster, write code snippets, and explore new ideas more efficiently. I see it as an accelerator—not a replacement—for skilled professionals.

Do you have experience managing projects or mentoring others?

Yes. I’ve led design teams, coordinated magazine publishing, and managed vendor/client communications. I enjoy guiding others and plan to grow into a Project Manager or Creative Lead role.

You don’t have a formal degree—how did you build your expertise?

I’m self-taught with over 30 years of hands-on experience. I dropped out of the Diploma of Graphic Design at MIA due to financial issues but built my career across advertising, publishing, trading, e-commerce, and web development through real-world application.

What are your salary expectations?

RM5,000 is a fair starting point based on my experience and current market understanding. That said, I’m more interested in long-term alignment and growth. I’m open to reviewing compensation based on performance after the initial period.

What languages do you speak?

I’m fluent in English, Mandarin (Chinese), and Bahasa Malaysia. I’m comfortable communicating with multicultural teams and clients in Malaysia and beyond.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I enjoy marathon running, football, badminton, and reading. These activities help me stay disciplined, focused, and mentally refreshed—which translates into my work ethic as well.