The Bridge Between People and Numbers

Hi, Welcome to AICREATIVV! Listen to this song, chosen by Ampuan Hafiz as you read this blog entry!

Before Ampuan Hafiz joined AICREATIVV full-time, he was already a familiar presence in the office — a “floating person,” as he fondly puts it. He wasn’t officially part of the team yet, but he was already drawn to the energy that filled the space. “All I could do was observe,” he recalls, “but slowly I melded into the culture. I learned a lot just by being around everyone.”

That quiet period of observation became the start of something deeper — a connection that would later define his role in the agency. When the opportunity came to officially join, Ampuan Hafiz didn’t step into the creative or performance space he’d once known from his days at 247 Studios. Instead, he took on something completely new: finance.

“It was a huge change,” he says, “but I think that’s what made it meaningful.”

Finding Balance

Transitioning from project management and performing to managing AICREATIVV’s finances was more than a shift in job scope — it was a shift in mindset. Ampuan Hafiz describes the process as “unlearning old habits and creating new ones,” likening it to playing chess. “You have to think ahead, plan your next moves, and learn from every mistake,” he shares.

But what makes his approach different is how he brings play into precision. “I treat projects like a game,” he smiles. “It keeps me from feeling overwhelmed. Instead of seeing finance as stressful, I see it like solving puzzles or levelling up. That’s how I stay motivated.”

Over time, he built systems that not only worked for him but made the entire team’s life easier. Budget tracking, project costing, clear checkpoints — they weren’t just numbers on spreadsheets. They became tools for the team to create freely without worrying about logistics.

“Consistency is everything,” he says. “Once you build systems people can trust, the whole team can breathe easier.”

Where Creativity Meets Finance

Despite now being the bridge between creativity and structure, Ampuan Hafiz never lost touch with his artistic roots. “Finance can seem rigid,” he admits, “but I approach it with creativity. Sometimes it’s about finding new ways to stretch a budget or presenting data so people actually want to read it.”

His background as a performer continues to shape how he manages projects and people.

“Performing teaches you empathy and timing. You learn how to listen, respond, and support your fellow cast members. It’s the same here. You want everyone to feel seen and supported.”

That human element; empathy, humour, and care — seeps into everything he does. To him, AICREATIVV isn’t just an agency; it’s a cast, a production, a family that’s always rehearsing for the next big story.

Belonging Before the Title

When asked what it means to have “found his team before his role,” Ampuan Hafiz pauses. “It means belonging came first,” he says softly. “Before I had a title, I already had people who made me feel like I belonged. So when I finally stepped in, it wasn’t about proving myself — it was about contributing to something I already cared about.”

That perspective became his compass. Even during the most challenging days, when the numbers blurred and the deadlines piled up, he found comfort in the people around him.

“There was a time I was super overwhelmed,” he recalls, “and instead of leaving me to figure it out alone, the team sat with me, offered advice, and reassured me. That kind of support made me realise this isn’t just a workplace — it’s a second home.”

Advice for the Uncertain

Looking back at his journey, Ampuan Hafiz doesn’t see a straight path — and that’s exactly the point. “Don’t wait for the perfect path,” he says. “Try, explore, and be open to where life leads. Sometimes your team, your values, and the people you meet matter more than the exact job description.”

His story is a quiet reminder that growth doesn’t always look like a promotion or a new title. Sometimes, it’s learning to balance what you know with what you’re willing to learn; to hold both creativity and discipline, both people and numbers, in equal measure.

For Ampuan Hafiz, that balance isn’t just work. It’s his way of life.