IT guru is informative and entertaining.
In 2013, the popular IT programme Beartai Hitech welcomed a new host. After years of being a male-dominated show, they now had their first female guru, Saranee Sanguanruang (Faunglada). But it took some time for viewers to accept her, with most thinking that she was only there because she was pretty. The 26-year-old had to work hard to prove herself.
Now, Faunglada is a widely respected IT expert. Her YouTube channel, Faunglada Saranee, has more than 210,000 subscribers. It’s notable for its accessible content and honest gadget reviews. There are also English subtitles for some videos, which have helped to attract international viewers.
S Weekly met up with the busy host at her office where she told us about her channel and her experiences as a host.
How did you develop your hosting skills?
Faunglada: When I started out in TV, one executive said that I wasn’t capable of being a host. I felt really discouraged. Then I asked for advice from my colleagues. I learned that I didn’t have to memorise every word of the script. I just had to remember the main points, then I could explain the details in my own words. And that’s how I was able to improve my hosting skills.
Did you find it difficult working on Beartai Hitech?
Faunglada: Yes, it was tough. There were some hurtful comments that made me feel like crying. I wondered if the show was the right place for me. But I kept going, doing my best, and I was able to get through it. I spent a lot of time reading about IT, keeping up to date with the latest news and learning from my experienced co-hosts.
Can you tell us about your YouTube channel?
Faunglada: It’s aimed at people who don’t know much about IT, but would like to understand it. I want to make IT fun and easy. This year, I’ll be focusing on things like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.
Why are you interested in AI and blockchain?
Faunglada: AI is getting smarter. We should know as much as possible about it, so that we can adapt to it and protect ourselves from any threats. Blockchain is basically a new Internet. It’ll shape the future.
You give very honest product reviews. How do your sponsors react?
Faunglada: Some sponsors don’t want to send us anything after I’ve criticised their products. But I think we’re on the right track. I don’t want my viewers to lose faith in me. Some tell me that if I say a gadget is good, they’ll buy it. So I have to be honest with them.
What should we consider when buying a new gadget?
Faunglada: Think about your budget. I’m economical. I think we can stay up to date on the latest gadgets, but we don’t have to buy every one of them. We should buy what we can afford and make the most of it.
Why did you decide to include some travel content on the channel?
Faunglada: I wanted to show some places to people who haven’t been there yet. Viewers enjoy it — especially the food recommendations.
Which places did you like best?
Faunglada: I liked San Francisco and New York City. Obviously, San Francisco has Silicon Valley, but it’s also a beautiful city. In New York, I enjoyed seeing plays on Broadway. I also appreciated the way people dress and how they express themselves freely.
What’s your advice to young people who want to be IT hosts like you?
Faunglada: You should start by learning as much as you can about IT. Then try to figure out your special area of interest. Don’t worry too much about being rich or famous. That isn’t the point. You should do it because it’s what you really want to do.
