Behind-the-Scenes with ArenaMalaysia : How Ex-Journalists Elaine Lo and Afif Abdul Halim Are Redefining Sports Media in Malaysia
- John Yeong
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Have you heard of ArenaMalaysia? The SportPlus.sg team was in Taipei to find out why they are one of the most respected alternative sports storytelling platforms in Malaysia
In a world where social media content often overshadows meaningful storytelling, ArenaMalaysia stands out as a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of athletes.
Founded by former journalists Afif Abdul Halim and Elaine Lo, the sports media startup has grown from humble beginnings—filming with just an iPhone—to becoming one of the most respected and influential alternative sports storytelling platforms in Malaysia and the region.
While viral clips and quick content dominate our feeds, ArenaMalaysia has carved out a space that feels refreshingly different, proving that authentic sports journalism still matters.
Their mission is simple but ambitious: to tell stories that empower athletes—beyond the medals, beyond the headlines, and into the struggles, sacrifices, and humanity behind every performance.
From Newsrooms to New Beginnings
For Elaine, ArenaMalaysia was born from a love of storytelling and a frustration with the limitations of traditional print media. Having worked for years as a writer and editor in sports publishing, she felt there was something missing in how athletes’ stories were being shared.
“We interviewed so many national athletes, but the public couldn’t really connect with them through text alone. I wanted to create something more personal—something that allowed their personalities and voices to shine.”
Afif’s background complemented hers perfectly. A cyclist and a documentary storyteller, he knew how to translate human experience into powerful visuals. When Elaine pitched the idea of a new kind of sports platform—one that leaned on video interviews and athlete-centric storytelling—Afif didn’t hesitate.
“She was passionate about sports, and I knew how to shoot and edit. So we said, why not? Let’s do it. We didn’t need much to start—just a phone and a shared vision.”
Passion Over Profit: Surviving the Early Days
Starting a media company in the middle of a pandemic was never going to be easy. For nearly a year, ArenaMalaysia operated without clients or revenue. But instead of chasing quick monetisation, Afif and Elaine focused on building trust and credibility.
Afif remembers the conversations they had during those uncertain months:
“I told Elaine, let’s not worry about money first. Let’s establish our direction—branding, storytelling, empowering athletes. If we stick to that, the rest will come.”
And eventually, it did. Their dedication began paying off when athletes they featured started landing sponsorships or international opportunities because of ArenaMalaysia’s exposure. That, Elaine says, is the most rewarding part of their work:
“Seeing athletes smile when they’re noticed by brands or fans—that’s what keeps us going. It reminds us why we do this.”
Journalism First, Content Second
In an age when anyone with a smartphone can call themselves a “content creator,” the duo insists on holding true to their journalistic roots.
Elaine explains the unseen effort behind every polished video:
“People see us attending events and posting videos, but they don’t see the research, fact-checking, and preparation that goes into it. That’s the part of journalism that often goes unappreciated.”
Afif adds: “Many confuse content creation with media. But for us, journalism comes first. Whether an athlete wins or loses, there’s always a story worth telling. That responsibility is what separates us from being just another media page or just being content creators.”
This commitment sets ArenaMalaysia apart—not only as a platform for entertainment, but as a trusted source of in-depth, responsible sports coverage.
Stories from the Field: Adventures and Challenges
Behind every video lies an adventure. Covering events often means long hours, unpredictable conditions, and plenty of improvisation.
Afif recalls one particularly grueling assignment in Milan for an ultra-triathlon event:
“We thought, wow, Milan! But reality hit hard. We had to camp in a tent for 11 days, braving storms and poor facilities. My luggage was held up in China, so I was borrowing clothes from athletes just to get by. And there was no proper wifi—I had to trek to a security post to file stories. It was a true test of perseverance,” he shares with a laugh.
Closer to home, Elaine remembers carrying heavy equipment through dense trails while filming a trail runner who insisted on reaching a hidden waterfall.
“We were carrying heavy equipment and navigating difficult terrain to get to the spot for the photoshoot. The trek was longer and tougher than the actual shoot. But those are the moments you remember—they make the story authentic.”
Athletes Who Inspire
Some stories leave lasting impressions not just on their audiences, but also on the storytellers themselves.
For Elaine, it was a chance encounter with Uncle Ong, a runner who began his journey at 50 and was still completing 10km races well into his 90s.
“At 91, he could finish 10km in an hour and a half. His energy and clarity at that age inspired so many. That interview wasn’t even planned, but it remains one of my favorites.”
For Afif, following Japanese marathon legend Yuki Kawauchi, the famed “Citizen Runner,” was unforgettable.
“He’s a Boston Marathon champion but lives so humbly, without chasing social media fame. Watching him reminded me that greatness lies in consistency and humility.”
Advice for the Next Generation of Sports Journalists
Both Afif and Elaine are quick to point out that sports journalism is far from glamorous. It requires resilience, passion, and a genuine love for the craft.
Afif advises aspiring journalists:
“Don’t enter this industry for glamour. It’s hard work—deadlines, long nights, constant research. But if you love the stories, it’s worth it.”
Elaine emphasises selflessness as the foundation of meaningful journalism:
“It’s not about you. It’s about putting stories first and making a difference in athletes’ lives. That’s what keeps this profession meaningful.”
Bridging the Gap
What Afif and Elaine are building is more than just a sports media brand—it’s a movement. By blending journalistic integrity with athlete-focused storytelling, ArenaMalaysia is bridging a gap left by mainstream outlets and inspiring other media outlets to do the same.
They are showing that stories don’t end at the finish line. They live in the early-morning training runs, the sacrifices made behind closed doors, and the quiet resilience of athletes who keep pushing forward.
And in doing so, ArenaMalaysia is proving that in a digital-first world, journalism is not dying—it’s simply evolving.
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