Still, there is good in the world that largely goes unreported, and Goh Siew Mei, fondly known as Auntie Boleh, has sought out these untold stories as it has the potential to inspire and uplift.
An active volunteer with the Johor Bahru Happy and Joyous Club for the past two decades, she has conducted laughter yoga, drum circles as well as comedy skits dressed as a clown.
Now, the 63-year-old has become a citizen journalist as well, posting interviews on Facebook. “I’ve been doing this every Saturday without fail since June 2020,” said the retired accounts clerk.
So far, she has conducted 113 interviews in English, Malay and Mandarin with NGO volunteers, activists, community leaders, small business owners, politicians, and local artisans, most of whom are from Johor Bahru, where she resides.
“Once, I spotted a group of people on folding bikes. I stopped to interview them, and shared it via Facebook Live. That’s how I build rapport,” she explained, adding that she was later invited to the group’s superhero-themed ride.
In fact, she sometimes immerses herself in a group’s activities so she can experience it first-hand. “I recently followed Kechara Soup Kitchen as they distributed food to the needy. It made me more appreciative of the work that they do.”
Besides friends’ recommendations and sourcing ideas from social media, she interviews people who she meets daily. In fact, some have even approached her, asking to be interviewed.
“That feels really good and satisfying, to know that I’ve reached this stage,” she shared.
In her interviews, she is often seen wearing her signature hat and “Auntie Boleh” t-shirt. “I have about 20 hats in different colours, and I’ve noticed that more people are wearing them now,” she said, with a grin.
Goh also creates amusing content on her TikTok channel, where she explores her quirky side, for she truly believes laughter is the best medicine. “Because people accept me as I am, it’s alright,” she said, laughing.
She said one of her biggest and ongoing challenges is ensuring she has a guest lined-up every week. However, despite the occasional last-minute cancellation, she’s never missed even one interview.
“I take this role seriously and I put my heart into it. After Saturday’s broadcast, I take a break on Sunday. And on Monday, I start scouting again for potential interviewees,” she explained.
Over the two years, she has become more daring in approaching plausible interviewees, although she knows not everyone likes being interviewed. And some do respond rather rudely.
“They ask me who I am, and why should they be interviewed by me, but it’s okay, I’ll persevere,” she said, smiling.
She admitted that she contemplated stopping after her 100th interview, but she changed her mind. “I’ve been doing this for two years; I might feel lost if I stopped now.”
And it’s a good thing she hasn’t. Her followers have steadily increased since she first started, and this has encouraged her to keep going.
“They often ask questions, and they say my videos make them more aware of certain issues,” she said, adding that among her most loyal followers is a woman in her 70s.
Goh said she is sometimes recognised in public and it makes her happy. “They call me ‘Auntie Boleh’; they say I inspire them, and they seem happy to see me. It makes me happy too, knowing people watch my videos and acknowledge my work.”
In the future, she plans to interview more NGOs to highlight their contribution to their community. “It would also be great if I could interview the Sultan of Johor!” she exclaimed.
A believer in lifelong learning, she spends her free time playing the guzheng, or Chinese zither, the ukulele and dabbling in Chinese painting.
Despite not earning any revenue from her videos, Goh derives much joy in telling other people’s stories as it allows her to learn and discover new things herself.
“I learn something from every guest; their enthusiasm and passion in what they do touches me.”
Follow Auntie Boleh’s adventures on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.