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Mass Communication alumnus Jian Yang reflects on learning the hard way, and why honesty matters when mentoring future creatives

When Jian Yang enrolled in Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Mass Communication (MCM) diploma programme in the late 1990s, it felt like the right place to start. “MCM was everything I wanted at 16,” he recalled. “It was for the well-spoken, the confident, the fame-ready, and that was who I wanted to be.”

Getting into the course was a high and his three-year journey that followed pushed him to grow in ways he did not anticipate. Surrounded by confident peers, Jian became acutely aware of where he did not fit in. The pressure to belong, to be seen and to measure up was intense. “It was clear I wasn’t one of the ‘cool kids’,” he said. “But that tension shaped a lot of who I eventually became.”

Today, Jian brings those early lessons back to campus in a very different role. The Class of 1999 MCM graduate now returns regularly to the School of Film & Media Studies (FMS) as an industry mentor. He is the Co-Founder and Head of Strategy at Distilleri, an integrated communications agency and long-time industry partner of the School of Film & Media Studies (FMS). Through real-world client briefs, candid guest lectures and co-assessing student pitch presentations, he offers students an unfiltered view of what the communications industry demands.

Jian’s involvement began in the early days, long before structured mentorship became commonplace. A former lecturer of his reached out after noticing his unconventional online presence shaped by openness, personal storytelling and resilience rather than conformity. Jian felt that his involvement and perspective could offer students something different from traditional industry narratives.

“There wasn’t a formal mentorship programme when I was a student,” he shared. “We had lecturers and peers. You learned from people you respected, and sometimes from those you didn’t. You figured out what kind of professional you wanted to become. As a mentor today, I try to give students what I didn’t get, alongside what I know would have helped me.”

Known for his candour, Jian does not sugarcoat the realities of agency life. In his sessions with students, he speaks frankly about high standards, unforgiving clients and the consequences of small mistakes.

“I’ve been kicked out of client presentations because of a single spelling error,” he said. “These aren’t scare tactics. This is the industry. I don’t want students to walk into it unprepared.”

Yet for Jian, mentorship is as much about empathy as it is about rigour. He often sees reflections of his younger self in the students he works with – uncertain, insecure, but determined. “I like helping them steer, but ultimately discover their own path,” he said. “Many of them want to talk about more than just work. They want to talk about life, ambition, personal branding and staying true to themselves, and those conversations matter.”

Mentoring has also shaped how Jian leads his own organisation. Distilleri, now a 60-strong communications agency, operates on a people-first philosophy informed by years of working closely with students and young professionals.

“Our industry doesn’t sell a product. Our people are the product,” he explained. “To build a great organisation, you need a great team. Staying close to emerging talent helps us understand Gen Z mind-spaces and values, and it makes us better leaders.”

After nearly a 30-year love affair with advertising, what keeps Jian returning to campus year after year is a deep love for the craft and a belief that the industry’s future depends on a well-prepared next generation.

Calling NP Alumni and Industry Partners   Like Jian, you can give back by supporting the next generation of creatives. If you’re from the media or creative industry and keen to mentor in any capacity, we invite you to contribute your experience and industry perspective. Find out more at Career_Services@np.edu.sg.