How Malaysian women can level up in the gaming industry: advice from one who did

Co-founder and managing director of Claz’room College Tung Yan Ning. Photo: Claz’room College

When Tung Yan Ning was in school, she was labelled a rebel for defying gender stereotypes.

“I often questioned the purpose of a traditional education and didn’t always confirm to instructions which led to my being labelled as a ‘troublemaker’,” says Tung, who is the co-founder and managing director of Claz’room College, a creative multimedia art college in Malaysia, since its inception in 2009.

“From a young age, I had a deep passion for art and drawing, and despite facing skepticism from others about art as my career choice, I couldn’t ignore my inner calling,” she says.

“It was this passion that fueled my determination to pursue my dreams and make a meaningful impact in the industry,” she adds.

Tung’s breakthrough came when she encountered a supportive high school teacher who guided her to realise her creative talents and pursue her interest.

“This turned me from a less-than-favoured student to an academic achiever, and it changed my attitude towards education,” she shares.

Along her life journey, Tung, who has a Masters in Fine Arts and was Best Scholar in The Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) Malaysia in fine arts, has also won scholarships and received national and international recognition for her work.

Her contribution to the industry led to her being awarded the MDEC’s IPC Award, the Golden Phoenix Women Entrepreneur Award, and the SOBA Young Entrepreneur Award in 2020. She has worked on artwork for renowned films such as Jackie Chan’s Police Story and Donnie Yen’s Ip Man 2. She was also an invited speaker for The 21st Century Education Ed2 Educational Talk alongside Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir.

Tung was named one of the ten most admirable educational leaders in Malaysia in 2019 by educational publication The Knowledge Review and featured in Britishpedia’s Encyclopedia Of The Most Successful People In Malaysia 2020.

Tung with her mother and late father whom she credits for supporting her 'unconventional' choices. Photo: Claz’room College

Her hands-on experience and contributions to various projects have landed her prestigious collaborations with notable international studios such as Hasbro, USA and Japan, for gaming projects like Kaijudo, Duel Master; Dota 2 Malaysia, and Garena: League of Legends.

“These achievements and experiences not only validated my belief in the transformative power of education but they also served as an affirmation that I was going in the right direction in my dedication to multimedia art creation,” she says.

Tung reveals that she owes a great deal of her success to her late father, who was supportive despite her defying traditional gender roles in her career choices.

“Despite prevailing doubts about the viability of women pursuing a career in multimedia art, his approval and constant support gave me the strength and confidence to persevere."

According to Tung, besides a solid education and technical skills, there are other factors that can contribute to a person’s success in the gaming industry.

“It’s important to build a strong professional network and seek mentorship from experienced individuals, as they can provide invaluable guidance and open doors to new opportunities for you. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion and ambition, will also not only offer support but also facilitate collaborations and drive you forward,” she advises.

Tung says that in order to thrive in the gaming industry, it’s essential to develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.

“This industry is constantly evolving, and only by actively seeking out opportunities to showcase your work, collaborating with others, and continuously learning and improving your skills, can you stay ahead. Maintaining your curiosity and a hunger for knowledge will help keep you at the forefront of the industry's advancements too,” she says.

Overcoming barriers

Tung Yan Ning at work. Photo: Claz’room CollegeTung says that there are numerous barriers that hinder women from entering the gaming industry.

“These obstacles include gender stereotypes, a lack of representation, and unconscious biases, all of which can discourage women from pursuing gaming careers. Such societal barriers create an environment that might make women feel undervalued within the industry. Limited access to educational resources, mentorship programmes, and networking opportunities also pose additional challenges,” she says.

Tung believes that to tackle these barriers effectively, it’s crucial to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes diversity and equal opportunities.

“Establishing a strong support system or community specifically for young women interested in gaming can help address this. Such a platform enables them to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Additionally, offering scholarships or grants exclusively for women in gaming will alleviate financial barriers, and increase their access to education and training,” she says.

According to Tung, mentorship programmes play a vital role in addressing these barriers.

“Pairing aspiring women game developers with experienced professionals can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. By promoting positive female role models in the industry, we can challenge gender stereotypes and inspire more women to pursue careers in gaming,” she advises.

Media and educational initiatives also play a vital role in transforming the perception of the gaming industry into a cool, welcoming and inclusive space for women, says Tung.

“By showcasing diverse narratives, highlighting the contributions of women in gaming, and challenging stereotypes through positive representation, we can create a more inviting environment for aspiring female game developers,” she says.

Tung during an industry sharing session. Photo: Claz’room College

Tung adds that creating a supportive and inclusive work environment is very crucial in the gaming industry.

“Seek out companies and organisations that prioritise diversity and equality. By fostering an inclusive culture, we can create an industry that thrives on collaboration, creativity, and equal opportunities for all,” she advises.

Tung believes that having women represented in the gaming industry is of significant importance.

“Embracing diversity in perspectives and experiences leads to enhanced innovation and inclusivity in game development.

“Women offer unique insights and ideas that enrich storytelling, character development, and game design. Their contributions result in the creation of games that resonate with a broader range of players, providing more varied and compelling experiences,” she says.

“Furthermore, women help to create a healthier ecosystem for the gaming industry. They possess qualities that foster a sense of belonging and empathy, and this is important for the digital domain, which can often feel impersonal and distant,” she adds.'

The 'right' education

Education plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality and diversity, particularly within the gaming industry, says Tung.

"Drawing from my personal experience and as an educator, it’s our responsibility to guide and support aspiring individuals to pursue their dreams and passions, while also instilling a mindset that values inclusivity and acknowledges the importance of gender equality," says Tung.

She adds that it goes beyond simply imparting technical skills, but involves shaping the attitudes and beliefs of upcoming generations who will go on to influence society.

By establishing an environment that champions diversity and equality, we can ignite the passion of young women to pursue their aspirations in gaming and equip them to thrive in this domain, she feels.

Tung makes sure to enjoy her time with her children. Photo: Claz’room College

But Tung is not only all about work but also believes in contributing to the community. She was a founding member of the Inner Wheel Club of Intan, an international women's organisation that serves the needy and disadvantaged in the community since 2012, before becoming the honorary president from 2017 to 2019.

She has been actively involved in charitable activities, including sponsoring and packing for Stop Hunger, conducting workshops at orphanages, Sunbeam Homes, and Ractar Home, as well as sponsoring and building houses in Orang Asli villages in Seri Bayu, Tekala, and Semenyih, Selangor.

Tung’s advice to young women who wish to go into the gaming industry is to “focus on continuously developing your skills and refining your craft. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and allies who believe in your abilities and don’t let societal expectations or stereotypes sway you”.

“Have confidence in yourself and your abilities, and never hesitate to take risks and push boundaries,” she concludes.