SGNSpotlight 🌟Ling Chua 🌟

A storyteller with a passion for visual narratives, Ling Chua has spent years building a creative career in the United States while staying rooted in the dream that first inspired her as an 11-year-old in Singapore. In this SGNSpotlight, Ling shares her journey navigating a new creative landscape abroad. From commercial campaigns to award-winning short films, her story is one of perseverance, creativity, and pursuing meaningful storytelling across borders.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to join our community.

My name is Ling, and I am a Commercial and Film Editor based in Portland, OR and have lived in New York City and Savannah, Georgia. I’ve contributed to projects for brands such as Nike, the WNBA, and the American Indian College Fund. 

I would like to share my personal journey of becoming an editor in the United States as a Singaporean pursuing my dream of working in film since I was 11 years old. This journey includes overcoming various challenges and provides insights into building a creative career in a new country. Navigating a different cultural and professional landscape has significantly influenced my work. I believe that my experience could help fellow Singaporeans who are trying to embark on their own film journeys.

Tell us about a cause you’re passionate about, and why it holds a special place in your heart.

I enjoy editing short films because they’re a unique art form capable of telling deeply compelling stories in a limited amount of time. Most recently, I edited a short film titled Gloria, which made rounds on the U.S. film festival circuit and premiered at the Tribeca Festival in 2025.

https://www.lingchua.com/gloria

What challenges have you encountered with this passion? 

One of the biggest challenges is balancing professional work with passion projects. Since both demand a significant amount of creativity and energy, it can be difficult to fully commit to each without feeling stretched thin. Still, the end result is almost always worth it, and despite the stress that comes with the process, I take pride in the work I’m able to create.

What activities do you enjoy in your free time?

I enjoy playing pickleball and doing outdoor sports because they help me release built-up stress and disconnect from work for a while. It’s a chance to laugh, enjoy the views, and focus on something outside of my professional life.

If you’re living abroad, what do you miss about home, and how do you stay connected? 

What I miss most is my friends and family. Thankfully, technology has made living abroad much easier — group chats and FaceTime calls help me stay connected despite the distance. It also helps that I have some very close friends living in the same part of the world, which makes being away from home feel a little less isolating.

Thank you to Ling for sharing her inspiring journey and for offering an honest glimpse into life as a Singaporean creative working abroad. Whether you’re interested in film, editing, storytelling, or building a creative career overseas, Ling (https://www.instagram.com/privatehaven/) would be happy to connect with fellow Singaporeans navigating similar paths. 

Stay tuned for more SGNSpotlight features, where we celebrate the incredible individuals who make our community thrive. If you have a story or passion you’d like to share, drop us a message or fill out our SGNSpotlight form here, and we’ll be in touch!