This social media influencer wants the public to enjoy science

November 11, 2022

Biogirl MJ hams it up for the camera as she covers subjects such as the climate and wildlife from a Singaporean perspective.PHOTOS: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION, JUST KEEP THINKING
Biogirl MJ hams it up for the camera as she covers subjects such as the climate and wildlife from a Singaporean perspective.PHOTOS: WORLD SCIENTIFIC EDUCATION, JUST KEEP THINKING

Nature influencer Ms KONG Man Jing, a Life Sciences alumna (2018), recently collaborated with World Scientific Education to launch a comic book about the marine ecosystem. Titled “The Intertidal Adventures of Biogirl MJ”, the book aims to encourage children to develop a love for nature with engaging storytelling and activities within the book.

This is the latest venture for Man Jing, who co-founded @justkeepthinkingsg in 2019, a YouTube channel which combines education with entertainment through light-hearted, bite-sized videos so that everyone can enjoy learning about science and nature.

Better known by the moniker Biogirl MJ on the internet, Man Jing discovered her love for nature at a field trip to St John’s Island when she was 17 years old. That’s when she realised that she wanted to share her passion with others.

Ms Kong Man Jing (left) has been leading intertidal walks for kids and adults. PHOTO: JUST KEEP THINKING
Ms Kong Man Jing (left) has been leading intertidal walks for kids and adults. PHOTO: JUST KEEP THINKING

Man Jing says, “Studying at NUS honed my skills in scientific reasoning and communications, which I apply to my work in social media to share scientifically informed content with a touch of entertainment.”

“By dissecting the technicalities behind climate science and biodiversity, I can better educate people on environmental issues, such as pollution and climate change,” she adds.

At NUS, Man Jing also read modules in geography, social work, psychology and public health. This has brought a multidisciplinary perspective to her work to extend its impact. For instance, one of her proudest moments was convincing the government, through the videos on her channel, to implement proper legislation on wildlife etiquette.

Ms Kong Man Jing (second from right) at The Straits Times’ webinar Connecting The Green Dots in January. PHOTO: ST FILE
Ms Kong Man Jing (second from right) at The Straits Times’ webinar Connecting The Green Dots in January. PHOTO: ST FILE

Now that @justkeepthinkingsg has earned a large following that reaches out to an audience from all walks of life, Man Jing hopes to make a larger impact on society and broaden the public’s perspective on important issues.

Find out more at https://www.nus.edu.sg/newshub/news/2022/2022-11/2022-11-07/SCIENCE-st-7nov-pC3.pdf

 

Video Credit: The HomeGround Asia