Beyond the Backlash: Sofyank, Brian See and Ms Puiyi Reflect on Surviving the Pressures of Online Fame
Malaysian creators open up about criticism, resilience and the realities behind the digital spotlight
KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 — In Malaysia’s fast-growing creator economy, the idea of becoming a digital personality has become increasingly appealing, particularly among younger generations who see social media as a pathway to influence and opportunity.
Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram have enabled ordinary individuals to build personal brands, attract millions of viewers and even turn their creativity into a full-time career.
Yet behind the polished videos and viral moments lies a far more complicated reality.
For many creators, the most difficult part of the job is not producing content that captures attention, but maintaining resilience when public scrutiny intensifies and criticism floods the comment sections.
Malaysian content creators Sofyank, Brian See and Ms Puiyi recently shared their experiences of navigating online backlash and how they learned to adapt in an environment where public opinion can shift overnight.
Sofyank’s Journey from Comparison to Creative Identity
Muhammad Sofian Abdullah, better known as Sofyank, first gained widespread attention through creative illusion videos that combine visual effects with storytelling.
However, the early days of his career were marked by persistent comparisons to international illusionist Zach King, whose videos had inspired Sofyank’s own style.
Those comparisons led some viewers to question whether Sofyank had developed a distinctive creative identity.
“At that time many people said I didn’t have my own identity,” he said.
Instead of responding to criticism directly, Sofyank chose to focus on improving his skills and refining his approach to content creation.
Through persistence and experimentation, he gradually developed a unique style that resonated with audiences.
More recently, Sofyank faced another wave of criticism after releasing a promotional video connected to Singapore.
While the video drew negative reactions from a small group of viewers, he noted that the majority of the audience responded positively.
“There will always be some negative feedback,” he said.
“But I prefer to focus on the majority who understand the intention behind my work.”
For Sofyank, maintaining perspective has been essential in navigating the highs and lows of internet fame.
Brian See on Learning to Handle Digital Criticism
Fashion and lifestyle creator Brian See also encountered criticism during the early stages of his digital career.
According to the 32-year-old creator, negative comments initially affected his confidence and made him question his direction.
“When I first started, harsh comments sometimes made me doubt myself,” he said.
Over time, however, Brian learned to separate public opinion from personal purpose.
He explained that remembering the original passion behind his work helped him remain motivated.
“Passion is the reason we continue,” he said.
The encouragement he receives from followers has also played a significant role in sustaining his career.
Brian believes that as creators mature, their focus gradually shifts from chasing popularity to building meaningful engagement with audiences.
Ms Puiyi’s Path from Criticism to Expansion
For Siew Puiyi, known widely as Ms Puiyi, public scrutiny has been a constant part of her journey.
Her early content attracted enormous attention online, but the visibility also brought intense criticism.
“In the beginning it really affected me because negative comments can hurt,” she said.
At one point, the pressure nearly pushed her to step away from content creation altogether.
However, taking time to pause and reflect helped her regain clarity.
“I realised that creating content is still something I truly enjoy,” she said.
Rather than withdrawing from the digital space, Ms Puiyi expanded her creative ambitions.
She has since ventured into acting and international DJ performances, appearing in Malaysian films such as Pulau (2023) and The Honey Trap (2025).
Her DJ career has also taken her to several countries including Myanmar, Nepal, Indonesia and Singapore.
Lessons for the Next Generation of Creators
As social media continues to attract a new generation of aspiring creators, Sofyank, Brian See and Ms Puiyi believe many newcomers underestimate the discipline required to sustain a career online.
For Sofyank, storytelling remains the most important element of successful content.
Brian emphasises authenticity and passion as essential foundations for long-term success.
Meanwhile, Ms Puiyi highlights resilience as one of the most important qualities for anyone entering the industry.
Although digital trends change quickly, the trio agree that perseverance, creativity and authenticity remain the defining traits of creators who manage to stay relevant in the ever-evolving online landscape.
-wilayah.com.my
