Hi friends!
Meet Kim
My name is Kimberley Alamsyah but my friends usually call me Kim.
My life has followed that of a typical Chindo up until college. I went to an international school all the way until high school and moved to Los Angeles, United States to pursue higher education.
This upbringing has made me feel like I do not fully “belong” in Indonesian society. Some may say I’m too westernized, but deep down inside I truly feel at heart I’m still very much Indonesian.
Beyond the podcast I am also an SEO specialist by trade.
I find joy in sports and fitness, particularly Olympic weightlifting and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I’m also a coffee aficionado, a foodie, and a mediocre cook.
As it turns out, speaking to friends and peers, a lot of them (in their late 20s and early 30s) are experiencing existential crises of varying degrees. Many grapple with feelings of being “left behind” or finding themselves at odds with their own (or society’s) definitions of success.
This realization prompted the launch of the Ngobrol Aja Podcast. We intend to be more than just a podcast, but also a platform aimed at fostering a sense of community for those navigating similar challenges. We’re here to remind you that amidst life’s uncertainties, you’re not alone. And that being vulnerable while being okay with it is a strength in itself.
Meet Andrew
I’m Andrew Thedy, a product designer with a tendency to stand out in a crowd. Born in Jakarta, Indonesia, I found myself navigating the cultural mosaic of Singapore at a young age, where I discovered a love for design amidst the bustling cityscape. Despite being Indonesian by birth, Bahasa Indonesia never felt like my native language, as Singapore became my home for 12 formative years.
It wasn’t until I ventured across the globe to pursue higher education in the United States that I truly began to reconnect with my Indonesian roots. Surrounded by fellow Indonesians for the first time, I found myself drawn back to the language and culture of my homeland. It’s ironic how it took going across the globe to rediscover my own roots.
My journey through college was a testament to my determination to chart my own path. Unlike my siblings, who pursued more conventional business degrees, I followed my passion for design and graduated with a BFA in product design from Otis College of Art and Design in 2015. Even during my studies, my heart gravitated towards furniture design, and upon graduation, I delved into the industry headfirst.
After a stint with a small furniture design company, I made the bold decision to return to Jakarta. The excitement of coming home soon gave way to the harsh reality of culture shock and unfamiliarity. I found myself grappling with the complexities of Jakarta’s urban landscape, spending over two years relearning the ropes and finding my footing in a city I was born in.
Yet, amidst the chaos and uncertainty, my passion for design remained unwavering. It was in Jakarta that I rediscovered my love for furniture and the joy of creating something tangible from scratch. Slowly but surely, I began to carve out my own niche in the industry, forging connections, and finding a sense of belonging in the vibrant tapestry of Jakarta’s creative scene.
Today, as I continue to navigate the twists and turns of life, I can confidently say that I am home. My journey, marked by moments of uncertainty and self-discovery, has only just begun, and I am thrilled to be embarking on it right here in Jakarta. This vibrant city, with its endless opportunities, is the perfect canvas for my aspirations and dreams. As I forge ahead into the future, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and excitement, knowing that the best is yet to come.