The GRAZIA Game Changers initiative honours visionaries who challenge the status quo across fashion, beauty, technology, the arts, and sports. Embodying the spirit of women uplifting women, last year’s trailblazers have personally selected this year’s honourees.
Here, we speak to Kong Man Jing, the co‐founder and charming face of science and educational channel Just Keep Thinking.
What inspired you to pursue this path?
I honestly never thought about becoming a content creator or a social media figure—I simply wanted to work in an environment‐related field because of my deep passion for nature and biodiversity. If anything, I envisioned myself as a wildlife biologist or a scientist. After earning my degree in environmental biology and working with various nature organisations, I became a science teacher. That experience made me realise the importance of science communication. I had to teach complex scientific concepts in a way that was engaging and fun, ensuring that my students found joy in learning. When the opportunity arose to start my channel and reach a wider audience from all walks of life, I took the leap and I’ve never looked back.
Was there a defining moment that set you on this journey?
There were two defining moments. The first was the decision to start Just Keep Thinking. It happened during a snorkelling trip in the Philippines when my co-founder Raye Ng randomly filmed me explaining coral skeletons on a GoPro. When we reviewed the footage, we realised it was a refreshing way to share educational information through video. That’s when the idea of starting the channel was sparked.
The second defining moment solidified my purpose. A year into making videos, while I was passionate about my work, I hadn’t yet seen the bigger picture. That changed when a young girl named Naomi told me she was inspired by my videos to start her own nature club at school. That was when I truly realised the impact my content could have on the next generation, and it gave me the motivation to push forward.
Your work has reshaped the landscape of sustainability and science education in Singapore. What motivated you to challenge the status quo?
After spending time in the nature community, I noticed a significant gap between scientists and the general public. Outreach efforts weren’t always effective, and I realised that scientists are often trained to communicate in a structured, technical way—through research papers, reports and presentations filled with jargon. While this is valuable in academia, it can be overwhelming for a lay audience. That was when I decided to create engaging, bite‐sized educational videos using social media. I wanted to help the nature community share its incredible knowledge in a way that’s accessible and exciting. I also wanted to shift the perception of social media—many see it negatively, but I wanted to show that it can be a powerful tool for education and mindset transformation. In fact, many families now watch my videos together, using them as learning moments for the kids.
Have you ever faced a moment of self-doubt? How did you push past it?
To be honest, I’ve been lucky not to experience too many moments of self-doubt, but there were two moments that stood out for me.
The first was when I started my channel. Surprisingly, the nature community—people I looked up to—wasn’t entirely supportive. Some criticised my content for not being detailed enough or for not using proper scientific terms. I initially felt disheartened, but over time, people began to recognise the value of my work in bringing more public interest to the field. Today, there is a lot more support, and I am grateful to each and every one of them.
The second moment came when I faced public scrutiny. An acquaintance once publicly called me out online for something I had never claimed. Instead of responding with anger, I took a step back, arranged a meet-up, and listened to their perspective. That experience helped me reshape how I present myself online. I firmly believe that public figures have a responsibility for the content they put out, and while we don’t have to change our entire lives for others, we should be open to listening, evolving, and making responsible choices for our audience.
Have you ever been told “no” along the way? How did you turn that into fuel for success?
Absolutely! In the early days, we heard “no” countless times, whether it was from potential collaborators or during grant applications. What stood out to me was how we were told “no.” Some rejections were discouraging, while others were constructive. I learned from those experiences and now apply that lesson when mentoring youths—I always aim to be encouraging, even when declining an opportunity.
I also thrive on challenges. When someone tells me “no,” my instinct is to prove them wrong. And that’s exactly what happened. We worked hard, built our brand, and eventually, some of the same organisations that once turned us down later approached us for collaborations. It was a full-circle moment.
What does success mean to you, and has that definition evolved over time?
When I first started, I equated success with growing my following online—it was a tangible way to measure my reach. But over time, I started receiving stories from viewers about how my videos impacted their lives—businesses that adapted sustainable practices, students who chose their university majors based on my content, and families who bonded over my videos. That’s when success took on a new meaning for me. Now, my goal is to ensure that every single video has purpose, and that every viewer enjoys and learns something from my content. Ultimately, I hope to inspire younger generations to care for our planet, just like how we fondly remember the figures who shaped our childhoods.
What’s a failure that turned out to be a blessing in disguise?
I wouldn’t call it a failure, but I initially thought I’d end up working directly in conservation—perhaps as a wildlife biologist or with an environmental organisation. Instead, I became a science teacher for three years. I didn’t expect to enjoy it, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
Teaching helped me develop skills that are now central to what I do, such as explaining complex concepts in an engaging way, storytelling, and inspiring young minds. Looking back, it was exactly what I needed to prepare for my current role.
What’s one habit or ritual that keeps you grounded amid chaos?
I always make time for my friends and loved ones. It’s easy to get caught up in work, but I never want to neglect the people who have supported me from the beginning. I make it a point to have regular meet-ups with those who add value to my life and those I look up to, which also includes friends that I’ve made during various Just Keep Thinking collaborations. They keep me grounded by reminding me where I started and what my core values are.
What’s a system, standard, or stereotype you hope to completely rewrite?
There’s still a stigma around social media in Singapore. Some schools prohibit me from mentioning my social media channels when I speak to students because they see it as harmful. But social media isn’t inherently bad—it’s how we use it that matters. Today, there’s an abundance of educational content online. We should be guiding younger generations to navigate social media effectively, identify harmful content, and use it as a tool for learning and growth.
What’s next for you? How do you plan to keep changing the game?
We’re expanding our reach beyond English-speaking audiences. Our recently launched Chinese channel has been well received, not just by Mandarin speakers, but also by parents using it to help their kids learn Chinese and overseas viewers learning the language. Beyond media, we’re growing our programmes team to offer more in-person learning journeys and workshops. We’re also giving back to society through initiatives like Eco-Train, an exhibition transforming a decommissioned MRT train into an interactive environmental learning space.
I am deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of youths and children, which is why I actively take on youth mentorship roles. This includes co-leading youth panels and the Singapore Youth Delegation team for COP29 (the 29th United Nations Climate Change conference). I aspire to grow into a respected leader in the field; one who can give back to the community by guiding young people, just as I have benefited from mentorship throughout my own journey. The sky’s the limit, and I’m always open to new opportunities to collaborate and grow!
PHOTOGRAPHY DARREN GABRIEL LEOW
ART DIRECTION MARISA XIN
STYLING KELLY HSU
PRODUCED BY CHERYL LAI-LIM, DANISHA LIANG, AND PAMEYLA CAMBE
MAKEUP SVETA KLYN OF THE SUBURBS STUDIO, USING FENTY BEAUTY
HAIR KAT ZHANG OF THE SUBURBS STUDIO, USING KEVIN MURPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT MELVIN LEONG
FASHION ASSISTANT NUR ASWANI
This story first appeared in the March 2025 issue of GRAZIA Singapore.
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