Strings and Scripts

Ryan Han, the emcee who can also perform with a yoyo, has faced many challenges in life. Understanding that life has its ups and downs, Han goes into further detail about it.

From yoyo tricks to mic clicks

As we mature, so do our wisdom and perspective. We are carefree one day and then forced to give up what makes us happy the next. The same is true for Ryan Han, an accomplished professional yoyo player who had to sacrifice his passion to support his family.

“When I was younger, all I wanted to do was to have fun. I would achieve what I wanted. Back then, with yoyo, I felt like I could be a part of something. However, it isn’t enough to sustain what I need right now,” said the 36-year-old.

He believed that if we as humans are unable to be what the world expects of us, we will struggle to achieve success. “Regardless of how good you are.” Han expressed sadness upon leaving the yoyo performing industry, recalling the struggle of clinging onto something he needed to let go of. Nonetheless, his identity as a yoyo player remains in different forms.

At every event Han hosts, he keeps a yoyo tucked under his shirt.

“When I left the YoBlitz, Sarawak’s yoyo team, I told my students that no matter what life throws at them, their identity as yoyo players will never be taken away. It is a part of you, whether you are the champion or not, and if you are still active,” he said.

Though he no longer plays the yoyo full-time, Han revealed that he still carries a yoyo with him 99 per cent of the time.

Recalling an occasion when he was offered an employment opportunity that coincided with a talent show competition, Han said that he was tempted to join. However, his wife advised him against it as it was not a guaranteed win.

“Age is catching up to me. I’m not as energetic or powerful as I once was. Back then, I could go all out on stage, lighting fires and tearing down the stage. But I can’t guarantee it right now. I just know I can put on a good show.”

Ryan Han

Ryan Han

Ryan Han in his 30s

Though Han is no longer a full-time yoyo player, he pursues a different passion. A full-time emcee and event manager, he developed a passion for the stage over his years of performance. Having hosted yoyo events since 2010, his knowledge as an emcee stems from his numerous stage experiences.

While Han had previously hosted yoyo competitions unofficially, he decided to take the task more seriously in 2017 by properly managing the event.

“I felt that I ought to make an effort to host a proper event, but I had no idea how. So I spent time browsing on the internet, learning how to break the ice, how to do the segment, how to raise or lower the mood, how to say goodbye, and everything else,” he said.

Han remembered that his first experience hosting an event other than yoyo was a disaster because he froze and wrongly mentioned the names. Nonetheless, his determination to succeed as an emcee remained unshaken.

“So I started arriving at events before the scheduled time. I would observe what the emcee does. I went to roadshows, weddings, and other events. There, I would sit in the front row and observe, then begin taking notes.”

After practising for six months, Han got assigned to his first hotel event in 2017. He described the job as a good one. The following year, the hotel hired him once again.

“Despite this, I didn’t think I could emcee full-time as I wanted to play safe. Thoughts of what if I don’t do well, or if I get screwed over, loomed.”

No regrets

When the recent pandemic lockdown hit Sarawak, Han was dismayed as he lost the opportunity to host events. Undeterred by the uncertainty, he decided to rebrand himself as an emcee.

“I revamped my presentation style, including my logo, portfolio, and profile. In 2022, I noticed that the lockdown had been partially lifted, and I realised that I needed to seize the opportunity. If I don’t, I will never have another chance.”

Han described himself as being the type of person who does not give up easily.

“No matter how painful the consequences would be, or how many times I cried backstage. I would still go through it because I want to be one of Malaysia’s best emcees.”

As a master of ceremony, Han typically ensures that the entire venue is properly set up and that everyone understands the mechanism and the complete itinerary of the programme.

“I would manage the singers, the timing, the PA system, the microphone, and everything else. I make sure the programme goes smoothly, coordinate the performances, and run the entire segment from beginning to end.”

An emcee who plays yoyo

Han’s love for yoyo never fades, and he remains enthusiastic about the sport. His passion is no longer in competition, but in a different direction — as an emcee who plays the yoyo.

“I used to want to do this or that. But now that I have a wife, I can’t think selfishly anymore. Thus, while emceeing is a job that I am partially passionate about, yoyo has always been something I really love.”

Juggling two different passions, Han merged the best of both worlds so that he could earn a living as an emcee, “and that is also how yoyo would never leave me because that’s how people know me — the emcee who plays the yoyo!”