On Friday, April 4th, 2025, I had the privilege of designing the event poster and emceeing an event called Syncing Space. I also witnessed an idea come to life in the most vibrant, heartwarming, and challenging way imaginable. This isn’t just about the event itself, but the journey behind it – from conceptualizing posters to curating an unforgettable space for art and inclusivity.
**The Spark of an Idea**
It all started with a vision: to create a space where art, inclusivity, and community could sync harmoniously. As part of NakSeni, a community that champions creativity and supports persons with disabilities, we knew this wasn’t just another event. It was a platform to celebrate diversity, showcase talents, and break down barriers.
During our brainstorming sessions, many ideas were discussed until we finally decided to use “puzzle pieces” in the design to symbolize inclusivity and the experiences of persons with disabilities. We incorporated the puzzle pieces to signify coming together and collaboration to create a masterpiece together. This concept then informed the creative process for our social media content.
**Designing the Visual Identity**
As someone with a background in Visual Communications and Design, creating the event’s visual identity was both a joy and a challenge. I wanted the posters to radiate energy and inclusivity while staying true to the unique essence of NakSeni. Countless late nights were spent tweaking fonts, adjusting colors, and balancing layouts. There were moments when I felt like scrapping everything and starting over, but the thought of what Syncing Space represented kept me going.
It was an intense journey to create something that made everyone happy and reached a consensus. When the final design was ready, seeing it printed and shared across social media was immensely satisfying. It was the first tangible sign that our dream was becoming reality.
**The Hunt for the Perfect Location**
Finding a venue for Syncing Space was like searching for a needle in a haystack. It had to be accessible, spacious, and within budget—a combination that seemed elusive at times. The NakSeni team and I scoured Kuala Lumpur, visiting places and negotiating tirelessly.
Finally, we secured a venue that ticked all the boxes. Standing in the empty space for the first time, I could already visualize how it would transform on the big day. It was a moment of triumph that made all the effort worthwhile.
**The Rollercoaster of Event Prep**
As the event date approached, stress levels skyrocketed. Coordinating with media, managing last-minute changes, and ensuring everything was on track felt overwhelming at times. Yet, amidst the chaos, there were moments of pure joy: meeting the artists who would be showcasing their work, practicing my emcee script, and seeing the community rally around the event.
One of the most challenging aspects was ensuring the event’s inclusivity—not just in spirit but in practice. From arranging wheelchair-accessible pathways to incorporating sign language interpreters, we were determined to create a space where everyone felt welcome.
**The Big Day**
The day of Syncing Space finally arrived, bringing with it a mix of nerves and excitement. As an emcee, I had the honor of setting the tone for the event. Standing on stage, looking out at the audience—a beautiful tapestry of artists, supporters, and curious visitors—was a surreal experience.
Every moment felt magical, from the heartfelt artist showcases to the lively discussions and unexpected connections. Seeing attendees engage with the artwork and with each other reaffirmed why we’d poured so much love and effort into this event.
**Reflecting on the Journey**
As I look back on Syncing Space, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Gratitude for Armani Shahrin from NakSeni and the team for giving me this opportunity, and also to Sync Leadership led by Sarah Pickthall and Annalees Lim, who flew all the way from the UK to be with us for just a few days after dedicating their time with us each week for Syncing Space online sessions. They all worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, as did the artists who shared their talent and stories, and everyone who attended and supported the event.
I also want to thank the British Council, Kuala Lumpur, for their tremendous support and also providing us with the space that made Syncing Space a successful event. Syncing Space wasn’t just an event; it was a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets purpose. It was a reminder that despite the challenges, the journey is always worth it when you’re working towards something meaningful.
To those who joined us, thank you for being part of this incredible experience. And to those dreaming of creating their own “Syncing Space,” remember: every late night, every setback, and every triumph is part of the story that makes it all worthwhile.
