When she was asked to emcee a charity event in her hometown of Teluk Intan, Perak she said yes—not knowing that this would open a new door into an entirely unexpected world. “I didn’t know how to be a Master of Ceremonies or emcee,” Felicia admitted. “I just thought, they needed help, and it was for a good cause, so I said yes.”
At that point, Felicia was a stay-at-home mum, caring for her two young boys, then aged five and nine. She had paused her career to raise her children and was occasionally baking from home. Hosting a public event for a large audience—wasn’t part of her daily routine. It was a leap.
What she didn’t expect was the ripple effect. That first event drew over 1,000 attendees. There was no script provided and she had to translate on stage—live—English into Mandarin. It was nerve-wracking.
But she managed. And that evening lit a spark in her.
A New Passion, Discovered by Chance
After the event, friends and acquaintances began reaching out. “They saw the photos I posted and asked if I could emcee their events too. I thought, okay, maybe I can do this,” she said.
Yet her early experience wasn’t all applause and applause-worthy. Feedback started coming in—some of it critical. “One client said I looked inexperienced. That stung.”
The comment made her question herself. But instead of retreating, she chose to grow. She enrolled in a professional emceeing class taught by a well-known Malaysian TV host and former radio DJ. That decision gave her the structure and clarity she needed.
“Only then I realised that confidence was the missing key. I was doing the right things. I just didn’t believe in myself enough to own it.” Felicia also began to dig deep, harnessing her many years of experience in the corporate world.
Bringing Corporate Confidence to the Stage
Felicia’s corporate background—particularly her work in public relations before becoming a full-time mother—proved more valuable than she had expected. She understood how events worked, how crises were managed, and how event planners thought. “That background helped a lot. I knew what was expected. I understood how to communicate with clients. And I knew how to hold my ground,” she shared.
This understanding extended to how she approached pricing and value. “I focused on building my portfolio and delivering more than promised.” In one example, when a client hesitated at her quote for an automobile event, Felicia offered to add value instead of negotiating rates. “I told them, I’ll create content for your product at no extra cost—shoot videos, share it on my social media. They saw the value and signed on.”
She also studied. “I read up. I try to get as much background as I can for the sector or area that I am emceeing for.” Felicia believe in preparation and leaving nothing to chance.
Speaking, Hosting, Creating
Felicia soon found herself doing more than just hosting. She was now creating content, doing product explainers, and appearing in videos. She developed a niche ability, what she called a “Hybrid Emcee Influencer” role— and this set her apart in a competitive space.
Her social media strategy wasn’t about going viral—it was about consistency, visibility, and credibility. “Even though I don’t have thousands of followers, people are watching. Clients noticed my videos and reached out,” she said.
Through her hybrid model, Felicia carved out a space where she wasn’t just another face on stage—she became a voice that brands could rely on.
The Weight and Wisdom of Motherhood
Motherhood remains at the heart of Felicia’s journey. “Time became so precious after I became a mum. If I’m going to be away from my kids, then the job has to be worth it. I want it to matter,” she explained.
On event days, she typically wakes up at 4 or 5 a.m. to prepare meals and bento boxes for her children. She even pre-cooks dishes to make things easier while she is away. And when it counts, bake birthday cakes!
“I try to get everything in order before I leave. That gives me peace of mind, and I can focus on the job ahead,” she said. Her commitment to preparation extends to her work. Whether navigating unpredictable traffic into KL or handling last-minute programme changes, Felicia shows up early, calm, and ready.
She also keeps herself physically active—with daily yoga and jogging routines. “As an emcee, you represent the brand. You have to feel good and be alert. It’s not just about how you look—it’s about how you carry yourself.”
Coaching and Paying It Forward
When Felicia shared her story online—how she started at 39 and how it’s never too late to pursue something new—she began receiving messages. Other women, many of them mothers, asked if she would coach them.
“At first I said no. I wasn’t looking to be a coach. But the messages kept coming.” In true Felicia fashion, she relented and has agreed to co-teach a class for aspiring English-speaking emcees. “I’m excited. I’m not doing this to be a guru, but if my story can help someone else take that first step, why not?”
A Philosophy Grounded in Grit
Felicia’s journey is not the result of being discovered at a glamorous event, nor of chasing trends. It was a journey born from heart, sharpened by humility, and sustained by hard work.
Her philosophy? “Never give up, and don’t stop learning.”
That mindset had carried her through the self-doubt, stinging feedback, the comparison traps on social media, and the logistical juggle of motherhood. It also gave her a distinct voice in a world that sometimes chooses glamour over grit.
“I don’t want to just do what everyone else is doing. I want to grow, evolve, and serve. That’s what keeps me going.”
Felicia Yeo’s story is a reminder that, the best paths are the ones we didn’t plan, discovered only because we had the heart to say yes.
