photo poster project is held by cizucu around the world. Simply by posting your photos on cizucu, you can take part in a photo poster exhibition and meet photographer friends you have yet to encounter.
photo poster project is run together with volunteer staff around the world. Each staff member, with their own diverse background and personal motivations, helps bring this space to life.
This time, we spoke with Chan Jian Liang, a staff member based in Singapore.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi! I’m Chan Jian Liang. I recently graduated from NUS（National University of Singapore）Business School. Photography has been an important form of expression for me since I was in middle school. Back then, I tried to imitate the Instagram photos of local photographers whose work I admired, but I could never quite recreate them the way I wanted.
Because I wasn't very good at expressing myself with words, photography became a way for me to "see" and express my thoughts and emotions. Over the years, it has grown into a way for me to see the world with greater curiosity and appreciation. There is no right or wrong in photography; everyone has their own way of seeing. I think that is the beauty of photography.
What inspired you to join ppp as a staff member?
I first learned about ppp when I saw a local photographer whose work I often followed repost cizucu’s Instagram post about recruiting staff in Singapore.
When I looked through cizucu's IG page and saw its mission and vision, I felt that the purpose of ppp was something that resonated with me.
At that point in time, I was very lost with my self-identity. I was contemplating whether to sign up as a staff member, but knowing that photography was a passion of mine, I took the leap of faith to apply, because I wanted to explore this side of me that I'd always wanted to try.
I wanted to see what it's like to meet Creatives in this community, and I thought this would also be a good place to pick myself back up from my struggles and learn to love myself again through a new lens.
From your perspective as a staff member, what makes ppp special?
What I find most appealing as a staff member is being able to act as a catalyst for creating an “inclusive, open, and safe space” where exhibitors (creators) and visitors can connect with one another comfortably.
Rin, a cizucu member from Japan, gave the Singapore team the advice: “Don’t leave anyone alone.” With that vision and mission in mind, my teammates and I connect creators with one another, as well as creators with visitors. Seeing the atmosphere, which may feel awkward at first, gradually become more fun and warm makes me very happy.
What has been the most rewarding part of being on the ppp team?
I feel especially glad to be a staff member when exhibitors and visitors tell me and my teammates that they truly enjoyed the ppp exhibition.
Many people have told us that they appreciated the positive and inclusive atmosphere of the exhibition space, and that makes me feel that we were able to help people open up, which is very encouraging.
As for the Singapore team, I’m truly grateful to be surrounded by understanding staff members and friends who care for one another and support each other when someone needs help.
It also warms my heart to see creators who have exhibited in the past return to the exhibition again, either as exhibitors or visitors.
Reuniting with familiar faces has given me opportunities to get to know them more deeply. I’m grateful to everyone I’ve met so far!
What do you value most in your role as a staff member?
When interacting with people, I always value respecting what the other person wants to share. I usually take a “listen first” approach, making sure to listen carefully until the end before thinking about how to respond.
Being present and listening attentively so that the other person feels their message has been properly received is, I believe, a basic form of courtesy.
As a team, we value celebrating what went well while also identifying what we can improve for the next exhibition. I believe that constructive feedback allows us to continue creating good, and even better, experiences for exhibitors and visitors.
The values I personally cherish are gratitude and respect. I want to communicate thoughtfully and respectfully, proactively support my teammates, and bring positive experiences to everyone with responsibility and sincerity.
What would you say to someone considering joining ppp as a staff member?
If you want to contribute to creating an inclusive and safe space where everyone can feel at ease, don’t be afraid to take the first step and try joining as a staff member!
At first, you may feel unsure about guiding visitors and creators at the exhibition venue, but with the support and encouragement of your teammates and the people you meet there, I’m sure you’ll gain confidence. Before you know it, your nerves will fade away!
