Gaming boss to fresh grads: Show your passion when applying for jobs

Don’t just say you are passionate — show it.

- Annabelle Liang Correspondent

Annabellle Lang Correspondent

For example, “if you are interested in gaming, try making a simple game yourself, or writing a piece to deconstruct what makes a game fun”, said the executive from the gaming division of Singapore-founded global consumer internet company Sea.

“Employers notice candidates who are proactive, curious, and willing to learn. At Garena, we hire for attitude as much as aptitude. Skills can be taught and experience can be gained, but mindset, humility and drive truly set great talents apart.”

This is especially so in the dynamic world of gaming, which offers rewarding careers combining technology, art, design, storytelling and business, Mr Zhao said.

Singapore’s gaming scene has grown rapidly over the past decade, with more studios, developers and e-sports organisations setting up here - a draw for younger generations who have grown up with video games and seen the industry expand beyond entertainment.

Garena’s inaugural Game Jam in July, which challenged participants to build a playable prototype from scratch, attracted mostly post-secondary students. Such initiatives continue to showcase the creativity and innovation shaping the next generation of game talent here, Mr Zhao said.

He gave The Straits Times an interview on the sidelines of the Free Fire World Series e-sports tournament, which held its grand finals in Jakarta on Nov 14 and 15.