Brand Do!

Liling was never the loudest voice in the room. If anything, she was the one at the back — quiet, observant, perhaps even a little mysterious. But in the world of media, that kind of silence often signals something deeper: thoughtfulness, discipline, and a discerning eye.

For those of us who worked with her during the heyday of i‑Weekly, we knew she wasn’t just running a magazine. She was crafting a space that treated readers with intelligence and stories with respect. From lifestyle features to political commentary, i‑Weekly under Liling never took the easy way out. And in a media landscape often driven by noise, she chose resonance instead.

Over the years, Liling has become more than a former media colleague to me — she’s become a friend. Not one I see often, but one who always shows up. For the big things, for the quiet things. She has a way of leaving you with something meaningful — whether it’s a sentence that lingers, or a Japanese omamori she slips into your hand when you need it most.

Redefining the Mainstream

What made i‑Weekly a cultural staple?
Ask Liling, and she’ll tell you it came down to identity. The magazine began as a traditional TV guide but evolved into something with personality and purpose. It spoke to readers with emotional depth, and trusted them to think — not just scroll.

“We didn’t pander,” she says. “We sparked conversation.”

From general elections to the realities of Geylang’s red-light district, the magazine covered far more than pop culture. It didn’t chase readers’ attention. It led them to stories they didn’t know they needed.

“We didn’t chase the crowd, we led them to what they didn’t know they loved.”

Interviewing as Intimacy

What makes a truly memorable interview?
For Liling, it was never about asking the most questions — it was about making space for the most truth.

She did her research, but entered every interview without assumptions. She offered sincerity, listened with empathy, and let the conversation breathe.

When celebrities let their guard down — that was the magic. Not a scoop, but a sliver of real human connection.

“The best interviews don’t feel like interviews, they feel like trust.”

What We Lost in the Shift

Print vs digital — what’s changed?
Liling acknowledges the convenience of digital. But she mourns what’s been left behind: longform investigations, quiet thoughtfulness, and the tactile ritual of turning a page.

In the age of algorithms, media is both faster and more fragile. Viral posts set the agenda. Original reporting gets drowned out. And too many newsrooms are chasing validation instead of values.

“We went digital, but I still miss the sound of turning pages.”

Is There Still Room for Soul?

Does thoughtful writing still have a place?
Liling hopes so. She still believes in words that stay with you. In a world where everyone is an influencer, and content disappears faster than it’s made, she yearns for stories that mean something.

To her, good writing isn’t just style — it’s stewardship. It asks the right questions, cuts through the noise, and connects people.

“In a world flooded with noise, I still believe in the quiet strength of good words.”

If i‑Weekly Were Reborn

What would a modern version look like?
If Liling launched a new publication today, she wouldn’t aim for virality. She’d aim for integrity — even if it meant not everyone liked it.

She imagines a magazine for people who question pop culture instead of consuming it blindly. Readers who want to live intentionally, with curiosity and depth.

“You can’t please everyone. And that’s the point.”

Final Thoughts

The surname Yeo (杨) traces its roots to one of the most common Chinese surnames. It refers to the poplar tree — tall, elegant, quietly strong. Much like Liling herself. Steady in presence, graceful in style, and deeply rooted in values that don’t waver with trends.