Caely Yo is a Malaysian YouTuber who’s not quite what we expect to see in the conventional YouTuber sphere. Smart, driven, fashionable and is currently pursuing law, Caely seems to tick all the right boxes. With 13,000 subbies on her channel to date, she’s definitely one Malaysian “Vlawgger” which you totally check out and subscribe! Read on to learn more about her!
1. Hi Caely! Can you please tell us more about yourself?
Hi! My name is Caely Yo. By day, I’m studying to be a drug crime lawyer in LA, sitting for the Malaysian legal profession qualification exam called the CLP. I’ve obtained my LLB degree with Honours from the University of London. By night, I’m a YouTuber sharing my journey in becoming a young professional and tips on how to excel in your studies. I also talk about my interests which are books, fashion, beauty and travelling!
2. What makes you want to start your own YouTube channel?
I’ve always felt like there was no Malaysian vlogger I was interested in because a lot of Malaysian YouTubers either make skits/comedy videos or make up tutorials only. I prefer watching more low key daily vlogs.
I decided to start my own channel at first to talk about my student life. The main idea was, and still is, that you CAN be smart in school, be fashionable and be interested in other things as well. Also, I had a lot of ideas and advice I wanted to share which I’d hoped would benefit people (thankfully they have!)
3. How would you describe your channel to people who have never seen your videos before?
I think that because my channel is still relatively small and cosy, I feel like I have a special bond with my viewers because I actually do know a lot of them. What people can expect is just me bringing my viewers along with me throughout my daily life (and struggles!). My life is not about going to events or parties constantly. I love books, clothes, traveling and talking about current news especially in law, helping people in choosing a brain injury law firm; so my vlogs have these elements in them! And, you can expect the occasional rant 😉
4. You upload your videos twice a week. How do you maintain YouTube and your studies at the same time? Is it difficult for you?
Oh, it’s definitely difficult! When I’m not studying, I think of Youtube. I do sacrifice some sleep trying to edit sometimes but I love doing it. I plan my days and weeks in advance (comes from my personality) so that I can have a general idea of when to upload. But, I’d be lying if I said I stick to my uploading schedule. I feel bad for my subbies because sometimes, they have to wait very long for a vlog! They’re really understanding though. My studies have to come first which is why I’m currently on a small break from Youtube until my exams in July (it’s a sad, sad situation).
5. Things you like and dislike about doing your Law degree in Malaysia.
Since I did the University of London programme, I read English law. The things I liked would be the fact that I was close to home and have all the comforts of home with me. I mastered the crazy, deadly roads of KL over the years too since I had to drive to my law school every other day!
I don’t particularly dislike anything but what I missed out on was all the traveling as a student. My brother read Law in England and so did my best friends, so they got to travel all over Europe during the holidays as carefree students. I look forward to it in the future though.
6. 3 reasons anyone should subscribe to your channel?
In the land of Jake Paul-esque vlogs and diss tracks, you should subscribe to my channel if you enjoy being a smart and motivated individual in school/career while loving other finer and fun things in life (#girlboss).
7. Do you see yourself being on YouTube for a long time?
It’s definitely in the cards for me! My vlogs will transition and will then follow my journey to being a young professional with the same topics I’m sharing now.
8. What do you hope to achieve with your channel?
It’s something that I think I’m already achieving based on the comments, messages and real life conversations with my subbies which is to motivate them and making them feel happy.
I want my viewers to know that they too can achieve their goals, despite any setbacks because I’ve had similar setbacks and have come out of it successful. Nobody’s perfect. When they send me messages telling me that they start or end the day with my videos or they tell me I’ve inspired them to read a book or buy a certain jacket, it’s honestly the most rewarding feeling. I love my community, they’re all so encouraging and brilliant. Especially when they send me the same messages to motivate me!
I also would like to have my channel as a platform to shed light on social causes which I have done so in the past.
9. Who are your top 3 favorite YouTubers, and why.
My favourite would be Sunbeamsjess because she has an amazing fashion sense, loves to read and her vlogs are the best. I love Kailee McKenzie as well because her vlogs are very real and relaxed. Her style is definitely different which I adore. I like Elle Florence too, she’s a lawyer in Vancouver and she is very inspiring with the amount of jobs she juggles.
10. How did you get the idea of combining the course you are studying which is Law, with YouTube?
There weren’t many student vloggers back then, and the first “vlawgger” on Youtube was Shawn Burgess who motivated me through Cambridge A Levels in 2011. She sort of planted the idea in my head. A law degree is tough to do well in, especially for University of London and I had a lot of studying tips I wanted to share after the first year of my degree. YouTube is practically my religion with the amount of hours I spent on it so this is where I combined my two interests. I do enjoy reading law and vlogging is a great hobby to have.
11. What would your advice be to someone who feels nervous and camera-shy about starting their own YouTube channel?
If you want to, definitely bite the bullet and start today! The videos in the beginning aren’t going to be your best work (trust me, mine weren’t) but with practice, it’ll come naturally and you’ll get better at it. You can practice speaking to your phone’s camera or practice talking to yourself if you’re more comfortable that way. Remember to speak loud enough and clearly. Have some talking points ready if you’re nervous.
