Sarah Ong Wen Qi is a pioneer of the Contemporary Music (Audio Technology) programme from Sunway University’s School of Arts. After graduating in 2019, she took on the role as a Radio Production Engineer for Astro Radio. Her work involves working with different radio stations, producing music and audio effects. From station and client openers, sweepers and promos to editing audio for podcasts, careful thought is put into producing content fit for each radio station. She usually considers the types of sound effects, voice-overs and music genres that are most appropriate for the stations she works with, namely Mix FM and Lite FM.

Part of the programme’s very first intake in March 2016, Sarah began her journey in music and audio production with high quality facilities that aided her learning experience. Sunway University provided access to recording studios, music practice rooms, and Mac Labs which allowed her to get hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment. Alongside this were experienced and knowledgeable members of the faculty who acted as mentors and friends, always doing their best in guiding her to strive for excellence. Sarah cites her lecturers as her inspiration, who instilled within her their passion towards the arts and spurred her on to do better.

The Contemporary Music (Audio Technology) programme prepared Sarah with the skills she needed to confidently face the working world, with lecturers who are experienced members of the industry guiding her towards industry standards of production quality in editing and producing music. The University’s facilities offered her the chance to enhance her skills with top-grade music and film software such as Logic Pro X and Final Cut Pro. “Even though I still have a lot to learn, I’m really glad this programme equipped me well enough with a good start for employment,” she commented, citing that the internship in her final semester opened her eyes to the expectations and standards in the industry and the experience of working with clients.

Sarah’s experience in Sunway University was further enhanced by the relationships she built as a student. The course and assignment structures allowed her to work with students from the Digital Film Production programme as well which helped her expand her knowledge into the filming side of the entertainment industry. These shared classes and experiences allowed her to form a valuable network of both friends and co-workers within the University itself.

Besides building social connections and improving her skills, the programme enabled Sarah to reflect on the bigger picture. Through deep studies of music and film, she has learned how music impacts society as a whole regardless of their age or status. “This programme has taught me that music is with people through ups and downs - that alone I think is a contribution to society, and I am really honoured to be a part of it,” she recalls.