Alimin: Cameras, Concepts, and Confidence
- AICREATIVV
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
When Alimin Affendi first stepped into AICREATIVV as an intern in 2024, he wasn’t entirely sure if media was the right path for him. Coming from a business management background at IBTE, the safe choice would’ve been to stay in his lane. But curiosity, and a single “yes” to helping as a camera assistant for the Lexus project let him on a course that would change everything.
That project became the spark. For the first time, Alimin Affendi experienced the rush of working on a real client production, the late nights, the high stakes, and the satisfaction of seeing it all come together. It was no longer just a side interest. Media was something he wanted to pursue fully.
Finding His Place
The transition from intern to part-timer and now full-time Media Executive wasn’t without its challenges. “As an intern, I was just learning. As a part-timer, I started being trusted more. But as a full-timer, the responsibilities are different,” Alimin Affendi shared. Deadlines, clients, and ownership of projects became part of his day-to-day.
Criticism and setbacks were tough at first, but instead of deterring him, they fueled his growth. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to own your mistakes, learn, and move forward,” he said. That mindset, combined with his adaptability, helped him evolve from the shy intern still figuring things out to a confident creative ready to take charge.
Growth Through Opportunities
Alimin Affendi’s journey is also marked by milestones beyond Brunei. In 2024, he was selected for the prestigious FLY (ASEAN-ROK Film Leaders Incubator) program in the Lao People's Democratic Republic, spending two weeks learning alongside young filmmakers from across the region. “It was intense and inspiring. I learned how powerful collaboration can be, and it made me proud to represent Brunei.”
(Pssstt.... you can read about his FLY experience here!)
“Set design is different. Shooting is about capturing reality, but set design lets you create it. It pushes me to think differently about storytelling.”
Beyond the Camera
Outside of work, Alimin Affendi wears many hats: plant caretaker, café co-founder and barista. To him, these passions aren’t separate from his media journey, they’re connected.
“Brewing coffee is about balance, plants are about patience, and media projects are about both. The small details matter.”
This perspective keeps his creativity grounded, reminding him that inspiration often comes from the most ordinary places.
Looking Forward
Now, as a full-time Media Executive, Alimin Affendi is excited about stepping further into directing and producing. “I enjoy seeing the bigger picture and guiding a story from start to finish,” he shared. In five years, he sees himself growing into a creative lead; someone who not only directs projects with confidence but also mentors new interns, just like he once was.
When asked what advice he’d give the next batch of IBTE interns, his words were simple:
“Be a sponge. Absorb everything. Don’t be afraid of mistakes, because they’re part of the process. Most importantly, enjoy the journey.”
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