On Trend

Introduce yourself!
I’m Ivy, and I’m a journalist in the news and media industry. I just graduated from university last year, so it’s only been about a year since I started this full-time job.

How has working life been this past year?
It’s been kind of stressful but also rewarding. In news, you get to speak to different people and work on different stories every day. I do enjoy what I do, so I’m happy!

That’s so nice to hear! Outside of work, what are some hobbies that you have?
I like to cook sometimes, especially Japanese food. I like to make tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) since I have the pan at home. I also like to doomscroll (laughs). I also really like watching anime. And yes, that’s about it.

Lots of Japanese influences we see. Do you travel to Japan often?
Yeah I like travelling to Japan. The Monchhichi that I have was bought during my last trip there in November 2025. Before that, I didn’t think Monchhichi were that cute—in fact I thought they were kind of ugly (laughs). But I have a colleague who loves Monchhichi, so I was sort of influenced by her. And when I went to Japan, I was like “oh, actually they’re not that bad!”

Apart from that, I also really like Miffy as well. I have a Miffy pouch on me too! I also bought a lot of other things in Japan, like a Hobonichi. I’m lowkey like a micro-trend final boss right now, but in a good way I hope (laughs).

Girl, we can relate! Since you bought a Hobonichi, are you into journalling as well?
I am! I didn’t keep a planner in the past, but then I realised I kept double-booking myself, so I initially got one to keep track of the time and what I’m doing lah. But so far, I think my progress has been good!

One more question: what kind of anime do you watch?
I would say I like One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Attack on Titan. I also like newer anime like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Dungeon Meshi. Fun fact: I cosplayed as Zoro from One Piece before, for Anime Festival Asia, just for fun (laughs)!