IPRS Goes ‘Under the Hood’ at Our Grandfather Story

Written by Teresa Ng, President, RP-IPRS Student Chapter

IPRS members at UNFOLD Studios, home of Our Grandfather Story

There’s something different about stories from Our Grandfather Story (OGS). They don’t just inform — they linger. There’s something that makes you pause. It’s not just the visuals or music. It’s the quiet care behind every story — the kind that doesn’t scream for attention, but earns it.

On 16 July, members of IPRS stepped into UNFOLD Studios, the home of OGS. We weren’t just there for a tour. We were there to understand how they do what they do — and more importantly, why they do it.

The session was led by Matthew Chew (Co-Founder), Michael Ng (Micro-Content Lead), and Jasline Tan (Business and Partnerships Lead), who generously shared not only what they do, but why they do it. From the values that guide their stories to the emotional labour that goes into each production, this visit offered meaningful insights into what it takes to create content that is both authentic and impactful.

It wasn’t just a talk — it felt like a conversation about purpose, empathy, and the kind of storytelling that connects deeply with audiences. For many of us, it challenged the way we think about content and reminded us why stories still matter.

Key Themes from the Session

Throughout the session, Matthew, Michael, and Jasline shared not just their professional insights, but also their personal philosophies on storytelling. Here are some of the key takeaways that left a lasting impression:

Storytelling as a Shared Meal

One metaphor that stood out was how OGS likens storytelling to cooking — an idea shared by Matthew. Just like preparing a good meal, crafting a story takes time, care, and the right ingredients. Interviews become the raw materials; the emotional arc, the seasoning; and when everything is ready, the story is finally “served” to an audience. This kitchen-inspired philosophy really stayed with me — storytelling, like food, is an act of care.   

Empathy & Ethics at the Core

Michael Ng emphasizes the importance of listening deeply before creating content.

Michael spoke about the importance of being present and empathetic, especially when interviewing individuals going through difficult experiences. Before any filming takes place, the team spends time listening and building trust. . This reminded me that even short-form videos require deep listening. You don’t just cut and clip. You listen, you feel, you choose.  In his words, “Being a good and empathetic listener is one of the fundamentals of our craft.” This approach helps OGS bring out emotional depth in their stories while ensuring the process remains respectful and safe for their profiles. This made me rethink how I consume media. Good content isn’t just edited well — it understands people.

Authenticity Over Speed

Matthew Chew shares how food and empathy influence OGS’s storytelling approach.

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s common for content to prioritise speed over substance. But at OGS, that’s never the goal. Matthew emphasised that meaningful content takes time — it’s about getting to know the person behind the story and uncovering what really matters to them. The process may be slower, but the result is something that resonates far deeper with viewers.

“We don’t slap and dash,” said Matthew. Instead, they engage deeply with their subjects, often through food or shared experiences, to uncover what truly matters.

That line stuck with me. Because in an age of fast content, here’s a team choosing depth over speed.
 

Knowing Your Audience

Jasline Tan explains how audience understanding shapes storytelling impact.

Jasline reminded us: “You can’t build a story that connects if you don’t know who it’s for.” Her perspective highlighted the balance between data, empathy, and storytelling impact.

Jasline shared insights from the business and strategy side of OGS. Understanding the audience is key, especially when working with brand partners. For OGS, staying true to their tone while meeting client goals is a balancing act that requires clarity, empathy, and strong storytelling instincts. As a media student, that’s something I’m still learning, storytelling isn’t just self-expression, it’s a conversation, and you can’t have one if you don’t know who’s listening.

Ethical Responsibility
When asked about navigating sensitive topics, Matthew was honest about the ethical dilemmas that sometimes come with documentary-style content. He explained OGS’s “do no harm” approach — a guiding principle that puts people’s emotional safety first. The line between storytelling and exploitation can be thin — but OGS chooses compassion, every time.

Reflections from Our Members

One of the most inspiring parts of the visit was hearing how differently each participant connected with the session. Whether it was a quote that stuck with them or a fresh perspective on storytelling, everyone left with something personal to carry forward.

“OGS doesn’t just create content – they create meaningful connections.”
– Jared, VP of PSB-IPRS Student Chapter

“To make your audience feel something, you must first understand how that emotion lives inside you. That really changed how I see storytelling.”
– Alyssa, RP-IPRS Student Chapter Member

“Food being used as a storytelling bridge really stuck with me — even serious topics can be softened and made relatable through a shared meal.”
– Xin Le, RP-IPRS Student Chapter Member

“Curiosity is the first step to meaningful stories. OGS reminded me that being genuinely curious can lead to stories that matter.”
– Ilhaan, RP-IPRS Student Chapter Member

“Their ‘kitchen method’ of storytelling is so unique — applying the stages of food preparation to content creation was something I had never considered before.”
– Shibly, RP-IPRS Student Chapter Member

“It was inspiring to hear how OGS grew from passion project to media powerhouse — especially how they bootstrapped early on and focused on audience trust.”
– Teresa, RP-IPRS Student Chapter President

Stepping Into Their World

Attendees got an exclusive look at OGS’s creative workspaces and production setup.

After the sharing session, we were given a tour of UNFOLD Studios — and it was just as inspiring as the conversations that came before. It didn’t feel like a big corporate space – it felt like a creative playground. The space was warm, collaborative, and filled with creative energy. From their production setup to whiteboards scribbled with upcoming ideas, every corner felt like it had a story to tell.

We were also fortunate to hear from Ng Kai Yuan, Co-CEO of UNFOLD Asia, who gave us a candid look into the business side of content creation. He shared how the team bootstrapped their way through the early years — doing client production work by day, while building their channel by night.

“We didn’t wait to monetize after getting big,” he shared. “We treated it as a business from day one — bootstrapped, agile, and driven by purpose.”

That stuck with me. It was a reminder that you don’t need perfect conditions to start something meaningful  just conviction, and the courage to keep going.

Final Thoughts

This visit was more than just an event on our calendar — it was a reminder of why we chose this path. The stories we tell as communicators have the power to shape minds, connect hearts, and create change. It reaffirmed why we chose to pursue communication in the first place — not just to inform, but to connect.

What I took away from OGS wasn’t just about storytelling techniques — it was about values. About showing up with empathy. About making space for complexity. About staying human, even in digital spaces.

We are grateful to Matthew, Michael, Jasline, Kai Yuan, and the entire UNFOLD Studios team for their generosity, honesty, and openness. Their willingness to share not only their craft but also their challenges made the experience deeply meaningful.

I walked in as a student, expecting to learn about content. I left thinking about people. About listening before telling. About slowing down. About not slapping and dashing.

And maybe that’s what great storytelling does. It shifts something inside you – quietly, but permanently.