How does one start streaming? Does someone just wake up and decide that they're going to pursue streaming as a career? Or do they simply fall into the industry by chance?
Christine Wong, also known as Momoko, happens to be one of the latter - but don't let that fool you into thinking that she is any less passionate than her peers. In fact, she has many reasons to push harder to succeed than your average up-and-coming streamer.
Known for her jovial interactions with viewers as well as her love for nuggets and memes, Momoko's success is a result of a likable persona and hours upon hours of hard work behind the scenes.
What were you doing before you became a streamer?
I was a casual gamer and uni student studying Medical Biotechnology at Sunway University. At the same time, I was working as a show artist performing at events - as a mascot, cosplayer, and even part of a flash mob! I also learned the art of coffee making while working as a barista.
Apart from all of those part-time jobs, I was also doing casual photoshoots for side income.
What are your other passions besides streaming?
Dancing, make up, coffee art and sneaker collecting are my main passions besides streaming - I've learned and taught myself a lot about each of them. Of course, I'm also keen to further my studies, but unfortunately I don't have enough money.
Due to health issues, I quit my dancing career and pursued coffee art while I was in uni; I picked up a basic knowledge of coffee art from my previous workplace.
At the moment, I'm still collecting sneakers - I used to be very interested in streetwear - but as you know, uni students are poor. *chuckles* As for makeup, I'm still learning it as a casual hobby in my day-to-day life.
How and why did you get into streaming?
There's nothing special about my story - unlike others who have a huge passion for streaming, I got into the scene by chance.
I started out as an MSI ambassador while I was still in uni, after a gaming friend introduced me to the company. Part of my job scope required me to stream, and that's where I learned more about it. Eventually, streaming brought me some fame and I was recruited by eGG Network as a streaming partner.
After graduating from uni, I started to stream on daily basis for a living. Due to family and financial issues, I couldn't further my studies - but now I have streaming as my income!
What is your best achievement?
Getting recognised by my viewers and business partners. Nothing feels better than being recognised in public by your own fans, and seeing their shy smiles while asking you for a photo.
Other than that, being recognised by business partners such as brand sponsors is one of my proudest achievements in my gaming career. They look up to you and put their trust in you to promote their brand as well as their official events.
How long do you see yourself doing this?
Honestly, I don't know. I'm not as young as all the talented streamers out there, but I see myself continuing my streaming career for the coming 3-4 years...MAYBE.
What advice would you give to an up-and-coming streamer?
DON'T JUST GIVE UP BECAUSE YOU ONLY HAVE YOURSELF IN THE STREAM.
I used to have fewer than 10 concurrent viewers for an entire year - even now, I sometimes have extremely low viewer counts; that doesn't mean that you are not streamer material.
There is no failure - except when you no longer try. Success isn't built in one day. It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.
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