Hello and Welcome To My Online Portfolio!

Within this blog, you will find all the posts that I had written during my time as Community Manager at Electronic Arts. I communicated and promoted the racing game, Need for Speed World, via Facebook, Twitter and on the game's website. I launched Facebook and Twitter upon being hired and in less than a year, grew the Facebook page to 260,000+ likes and attracted nearly 33,000 followers on Twitter. In terms of online influence, I had a Klout score of 75.

In addition to writing content to promote new car releases and recording podcasts, I came up with weekly initiatives to engage the community:

Mega Mondays / Wicked Wednesdays / Fab Fridays: thrice weekly feature to crowdsource car related videos so that it could be shared with the community.

Tweet It Up Thursday: weekly Twitter contest where the community must retweet our tweet in order to be a random winner of a promo code.

Fun Fridays: weekly contest on Facebook where the community must answer a car related trivia question in order to win a promo code.

Community Spotlight: a weekly feature to help the community get to know their fellow gamers.

Initially, I was contracted to work for EA for 6 months, but had my contracted extended three times, up to the one year maximum period.

Being a part of a large team, I worked with members in the production, development, marketing, engineering, art, audio and quality assurance department, on a daily basis.

I managed global community leaders for Germany, Russia, Spain, France and Poland. I came up with and oversaw community contests for our partnerships with Audi, Tony's Pizza and Amazon.com.

Unfortunately, as contractors are only able to legally work for a maximum of one year at Electronic Arts, I am now looking for my next great job!

If you're offering an exciting and dynamic opportunity and are looking for someone passionate, innovative and dedicated, please get in touch. We could be a great fit together!

Happy reading and hope to hear from you soon!

~Ling Chan

Community Spotlight: Denis Chernov

The Need for Speed World Community Spotlight is back! This week we've got Denis Chernov telling us a little about himself.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Denis Chernov. I'm 18 years old and from Almaty, Kazakhstan. My nickname in NFS World is DCRACER777. I’m studying in one of the UK's colleges in Oxford. I am a hardcore gamer and I have all parts of NFS on my laptop and other games, of course.

How long have you been playing NFSW?

I started playing in late October and am still playing because I love this game so much. My interest will not fade because this the best game where I can relax and race with my friends from around the world. It also helps me to improve my English and French.

What's your favourite car(s) in NFSW?

It is very hard to choose because I love all the cars in my garage. My Lamborghini Diablo SV and BMW M1 Sportcar (1979) are the best choices for highway races. I drive my Easter Lamborghini Gallardo and Valentine Lexus ISF when I want to find players who have great vinyl customizations on their cars. My Ford Mustang Boss 302, which I won from the Amazon Golden Starter Pack contest, makes for perfect drifting and enough power to win a race.

Your most memorable experience in the game?

When I first joined the game, I saw that players can play together in Team Escape. I made some new friends and then we started racing together. It was awesome because we all stayed together throughout the escape. We helped each other and nobody was arrested. Then after the race, we thanked each other. Since then, I always drive on Team Escape and I can say that I am a professional there.

What do you like most about NFSW?

Good car models, tracks and I believe that new locations will be added soon. Also, I like that we can meet people of different age groups.

What other console or online games do you play?

I have a PSP and PS2. On the first one, I like to play NFS games and Call of Duty. On my PS2, I also play NFS and other racing games.

Favourite cars/driving scene in a movie?

The first one is the second race in Death Race, when Ames on his Fifth-generation Ford Mustang, teams up with Machine Gun Joe to destroy a massive 18-wheel tanker with many weapons. The second is the race between Daniel and the gangsters in two silver Mercedes-Benz. Lastly, all races from all of The Fast and Furious movies.

What song or music do you rock out to while playing NFSW?

I listen to Nickelback, Marilyn Manson and Depeche Mode while playing NFSW.

When you’re not playing NFSW, what else are you up to?

I am a student. When I have free time, I play basketball with my friends or we go to Starbucks to chat and enjoy good coffee.

LeBron James or Shaquille O'Neal?

I will go with LeBron James because I like his game style. Like in NFSW, each player has their own style.

Cadillac Makes Its Debut In NFS World!

When you think of “Cadillac”, you might conjure up images of ‘land yachts’ from the 70s and 80s. Not so when you speak about the Cadillac CTS-V! This best in luxury performance car, refined on Germany’s famed Nürburgring, will meet and exceed the expectations of even the most avid driving enthusiast.

With its LS-6 V8 engine with aluminum block producing 400 bhp and 390 lb. ft of torque, the CTS-V absolutely thunders down the road! The steel mesh grilles adorn the front fascia and allows for air flow into the engine compartment.

The ultimate in sophistication, the CTS-V is the chariot you’ve been waiting for! Get it now with a SpeedBoost top up!

A Thoroughbred With V12 Power

The Aston Martin DBS is a technological masterpiece. Besides boasting a supremely powerful V12 engine and 510hp, this race-bred exotic also made extensive use of ultra-light carbon fiber to keep its weight as low as possible. A new front bumper helped channel airflow while a widened front and rear track gave the car its solid stance. Hand-assembled Germany, it’s also the first time carbon ceramic matrix brakes were employed on an Aston Martin. You won’t be using them much, as you’ll have the throttle pinned and adequate down force to rocket you around the track.

For pure Tier 3 performance without compromise, add the Aston Martin DBS to your garage today! Once for top-up, it’s now available in the Car Dealer!

Introducing NFS World's First Elite Cop Car!

Sure to please die-hard Viper and road-racing enthusiasts, we present NFS World’s first Elite Cop Car, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR!

The SRT Viper ACR, boasting an 8.4l V10, cranking out 600hp and 560ft lbs of twist in stock trim, has been completely reworked to deal with the high power and high speeds required for pursuits.

The front mount intercooler is visible in the gaping maw of a front bumper while the hood bulge has increased in size to allow for the additional plumbing of a forced induction system. New twin tipped, side exit exhausts have been added to expel the hot gases and spit flame on the over run and a beefed up transmission puts the pursuit power to the ground through the massive rear wheels. There are carbon fiber splitters and winglets on the front bumper and side skirts while front and rear fenders have been extended out to allow the fitment of larger tires/wheels.

The rear diffuser has been modified to include venting for the rear brakes and differential, as well as to allow flow through from beneath the car. The lower section of the rear bumper is in carbon fiber and the steel bumpers in the diffuser are integrated to ward off rear impacts.

For the first time ever, a player will have access to a fully functional, roof mounted light bar. Additional police lighting has been added, with a red flasher in the lower section of the rear bumper. A set of large integrated bull bars has been built into the design of the front bumper, and directly mounted to the chassis for added ramming strength. Furthermore, we’ve added red/blue flashers in the front bumper opening, the bull bars, and the front fenders to alert your perpetrator to your presence. Large yellow fog lamps have also been added to the front fascia for added visibility in poor conditions. In addition, the interior will feature upgrades as well, such as the police spec laptop.

But that’s not all, we've also added a fully functional police siren so you can put fear in the minds of everyone you chase down!

Bold exterior styling, fear inducing sirens, groundshaking and tire-smoking, this Elite Cop Car simply dominates! Get yours today in the Car Dealer!

Sharp Styling Revisions!

The fun and compact Scion TC raises the bar in sports coupes with its sharp styling revisions. From its eye-catching rear tail lights to the upper mesh grille, projector type low beam headlamps and lower lattice work, the TC will be sure to leave an impression on your competitors!

The strut-type front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension will ensure responsive handling and smooth power delivery. Not to mention a fun to drive performance!
If you have a passion for tuner cars, you don’t want to miss out on the Scion TC! Get it in your garage today! Now available in the Car Dealer.

On Sale Now!

Sale alert! The following cars are now on sale for 30% off!

Ford GT
Lexus LFA
Nissan GTR (R35) SpecV
Renault Sport Megane R.S.
Audi TT RS
Volkswagen Golf MK1 GTI Uber Bunny

The sale is for limited time only, so don’t miss out! Get these cars in your garage today!

Mega Monday - May 14

Calling all adventure junkies! The Nissan Juke is built to thrill! Thanks to Erkan Samanci for today's Mega Monday!

Fab Friday - May 11

I know what car I want to be driving in the event of a zombie apocalypse! I mean, look at what the Marauder can do! Props to Johnson De Fruz and Kenji Tan for today's Fab Friday!

Community Spotlight: Nasrul Muhammad

Our spotlight falls once again on the country of Indonesia! A happy coincidence in scheduling, this player is as passionate a student as he is a hardcore gamer, addicted to racing games like NFS World.

Let's get better acquainted with Nasrul Muhammad from Indonesia!

Tell us about yourself.

Indonesian. Love Desi. Cat addict. Money maker. No chili. Cheese please. Hate dust. Happy Mondays. Vektor jumper. 24 Hour computer online. White car. There's my brief babble. But actually, my name is Nasrul Muhammad. I'm 18 years old and from Pekalongan, Indonesia. My nickname in NFS World is T33J33. I'm a student at one of the leading universities here and I'm majoring in International Accounting. I am a HARDCORE gamer, especially racing, because it's very exciting. Gets my adrenaline pumping.

How long have you been playing NFSW?

I can say that I'm late in playing NFSW, which is about a year ago. But that does not reduce my interest in playing this game. For me, it's never too late when it comes to playing an online game. Moreover, NFSW is a world-class game. And finally, with effort, I have reached the highest level.

What is your favourite car(s) in NFSW?

The first time I played NFSW, I immediately fell in love with the Lexus IS F. Unfortunately, there are not too many people who love this car. I am also pleased with the Pontiac GTO - very, very American Muscle

Your most memorable experience in the game?

I really like the atmosphere of this game. My most memorable moments are getting to know people from around the world. To estatblish communication with them, even if you don't speak the same language. That also gives me a chance to improve my English which helps in preparing for my college final tests.

What do you like most about NFSW?

There is so much to talk about when it comes to NFSW. One is that a lot of people can play this game. Old, young, students, office workers, even my parents, irrespective of status. Everyone can try to be the leader.

What other console or online games do you play?

I have a PSP, PS3, and X-box, which I play on with all my friends. As a child, I also played SEGA, especially SONIC games.

Favourite cars or driving scene in a movie?

Definitely the race between O`Conner and Dom, with the safety deposit box and the Dodge VIPER SRT-8 in Fast Five.

What song or music do you rock out to while playing NFSW?

I like the in-game music, but sometimes, I also liketo listen to The Script and Skillet. It brings out the spirit when it speeding in NFSW.

When you're not playing NFSW, what else are you up to?

I am a student. When there is spare time, I play basketball with friends, head to a cafe or hunt for antiques in secondhand stores. Everything is exciting. Experience, dream, risk, close your cyes and jump! Enjoy the Freefall!

Iron Man or Iron Monkey?

Of course, Iron Man! He possesses powered armour, which gives him superhuman strength, ability to fly and an array of weapons. Like NFSW, we need them all to defeat our enemy.

The Rare Murcielago Roadster!

With only 50 units ever produced, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster is rare and sought after the world over. The 6.5l V12 engine produces 650hp, hence the moniker, and was increased from 640hp in previous Roadsters.

The Murcielago LP 650-4 Roadster will turn heads with its Grigio Telesto bodywork and bright orange Arancio LP 650-4, featured on the front spoiler and sills.

Get behind the wheel of this rare Roadster and get ready to race! Now available in the Car Dealer!

The Rare Jaguar E-Type Lightweight!

It may have been first conceived as a road car, but that didn’t stop the Jaguar E-type Lightweight from becoming a regular fixture at the race tracks. With its distinctive shape and engine derived from the 3 time Le Mans winning D-type, it fitted right in. The 3.8L engine fitted with Lucas fuel injection help to propel it over 300 bhp, while a separate ‘hard top’ roof was added to improve dynamics.

With a winning combination of good looks and high performance, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most sought after cars today, demanding seven figures easily. Get behind the wheel of one of the most beautiful cars in the world today! Now available for Top-Up!

Wicked Wednesday - May 9

We've all seen Mini Coopers drive down subway steps, jump through tunnels, evade a helicopter and drive up a concrete embankment a la The Italian Job 2003. But how about launching a man in a wingsuit over a canyon?

Thanks to Lokesh Kumar Singh for today's Wicked Wednesday!

The Return of 350Z 'Underground 2'

First introduced in World last February, the ‘Underground 2’ Edition Nissan 350Z (z33) makes its triumphant return!

Featuring a V6 engine and RWD, this classic car is packed with performance upgrades and exclusive livery inspired by NFS Underground 2. No doubt, this car will take you back to NFS roots. Get yours today in the Car Dealer!

Mega Monday - May 7

He may be the coolest wheel man EVER. Of course, I'm talking about Jason Statham in Transporter. Thanks to Bartosz Pasternak for today's Mega Monday!

NFS World's First Roadster!

NFS World welcomes its first Roadster!

The lightest model in the entire Porsche range, the Boxster Spyder 6-cylinder engine outputs 320hp, 10hp more than the Boxster S. It also offers firmer suspension and a lower centre of gravity than other Boxster models, making this Spyder supremely agile.

With its sleek silhouette and 2 signature hump running along the back, it looks as good as it drives! Get behind the wheel of this fast and powerful sportscar today!

Community Spotlight: Kevin Boerma

Many of our players may know of Kevin Boerma. Not only has he been with NFS World since its Beta stage, he races daily in the game and is a member of World Garage. His love of learning new languages will come in handy when he becomes a globe-trotting photographer one day. It could be then (but hopefully sooner), that he'll get to see the car of his dreams in real life!

Let's get better acquainted with Kevin from Indonesia!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kevin Boerma. I'm 16 years old and I live in Jakarta, Indonesia. My driver name in NFSW is NORMALAATSRA, which is also my profile name in World Garage. If anyone noticed, I was one of the winners of a few Tweet it Up contests! I have won 6 prizes, the most recent being the Amazon Gold Starter Pack. Don't worry, I've lost some RT contests and all the other contests NFSW has done, so the contest isn't rigged for me to win!

My motto being: "If you get what you want, it belongs to you. If not, it does not belong to you."

How long have you been playing NFSW?

I've joined NFSW during their Beta stages. I've joined CB5, even though I got no email from NFS or EA about my acceptance! The website just told me to download the Beta! I didn't receive a SpeedBoost code to redeem for World, so I started as a free player with a Nissan Silvia and a Nissan Fairlady Z [Z33]. However when the game was released to the public, I magically received SpeedBoost! I've reviewed every rental car with it and gave my review. I wish rental cars can return! I love to test cars!

What's your favourite car(s) in NFSW?

Anything in my garage to start with. I've highlighted the Golf GTI and Gendarmerie Mégane, which are the best in tackling corners with its FF drivetrain. They must have surpassed 2 Gs! My Donald Duck Aston Martin V12 Vantage cop car that I won through Twitter, recovers quickly with amazing acceleration, after power-sliding around a sharp hairpin corner. The GT-R SpecV is the best Team Escape car! The LFA is a fun car while the Zonda F is a demon. My first favorite muscle car, the Mustang Boss 302 that I won from the 1st Amazon Gold Starter Pack Twitter contest, is my real Gymkhana car. It can do amazing drifts!

Your most memorable experience in the game?

When Team Escape was released, a lot of World Garage members showed up online to test the long awaited pursuit mode. A few of us, including FrozenStar and myself took on Most Wanted. We've rammed others in the rear in case they were slowed down by the cops, and we all stayed together throughout the escape! When we entered Highland Trails in Rosewood, we split up on the dividing routes! It was so cool because we were synchronized so well. It looked like it was from a heist film! When the escape ended, we all spammed the event chat with the word "epic".

What do you like most about NFSW?

NFSW is always in development, so there’s new stuff every day! I hope to see new features and landscapes in the future.

What other console or online games do you play?

Need for Speed World is the only online game I play daily on my Alienware M11x. I also have ProStreet and a copy of The Run. My PlayStation 3 is loaded with titles like Ridge Racer 7, Ridge Racer Unbounded, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Driver San Francisco, Shift 2, Gran Turismo 5, and Midnight Club Los Angeles. Indonesia still has arcades here, so I even play Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune, Initial D Arcade Stage and other classics. I also try to branch out from racing games with Mirror's Edge and Portal 2 that I have in my laptop, and also Tekken Tag Tournament 2 in the arcades.

Favourite cars or driving scene in a movie?

The Lexus LFA is my obsession! I have been eyeing this car ever since its first concept version. Ten years had passed and it's still one of the most awesome cars on the planet! I hope to see it one day with my very own eyes. I am also a fan of Cannonball Run, as it had classic humor and lots of racing action throughout!

What song or music do you rock out to while playing NFSW?

I prefer video game music over most of the songs aired on the radio, especially from the legendary Namco Sound Team. They always make the best songs! But I like to anything, really. The genre that takes most of my time on my earphones is trance music, like Above & Beyond.

When you're not playing NFSW, what else are you up to?

I attend art college, studying photography. I enjoy taking photos, as you can see in my Flickr photostream. I hope to make a living as a freelance photographer one day. Other than that, I spend my time learning new languages. Currently, I'm learning French and hoping to resume with Dutch soon. Maybe I will learn Japanese too!

Ethan Hunt or Jason Bourne?

David learns more about himself every time he becomes Jason, so I'd pick Bourne. And who wouldn't be interested in Rashomon-style stories? Even Need for Speed Carbon was told in Rashomon fashion!

Tweet It Up For A Gold Starter Pack With GameFly!

To coincide with this week’s cross-promotion with GameFly, let’s give away some Gold Starter Packs for today’s Tweet It Up Thursday.

So what's in the GameFly Gold Starter Pack?

Ford Mustang Boss 302
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec (R34) “Underground” edition
8000 SpeedBoost
Uniquely skinned “SUPR PWR” License Plate exclusive

What is Tweet It Up Thursday?

Every Thursday, we’ll tweet something on Twitter and all you need to do is simply retweet that message in order to become eligible for a random draw for a promo code.

How do I participate?

Step 1. Follow @NFSWorld on Twitter

Step 2. Either type out our whole tweet or click the Retweet button, found just underneath our post (between Favourite and Reply)

Step 3. Voila! You're automatically entered into our random draw for the week

We're giving away our 25 GameFly Gold Starter Pack codes! For more chances to win, follow producer @marcdevellis on Twitter, as he'll also be giving away 15 codes.

One retweet is all that's needed. Anyone spamming our Twitter will be automatically disqualified. Make sure you re-tweet the whole tweet, including the bit.ly link!

This week’s Tweet It Up Thursday ends Friday May 4 at 5pm PST! Winners will be announced Wednesday May 16.

Iconic UK Police Styling!

In 1914, Aston Martin’s founders wanted to build a distinctive, high quality sports car. The V12 Vantage keeps with that tradition, being the leanest and most agile car in Aston’s line-up.

With its V12 engine, bonded aluminum structure and high levels of torque, this supercar is truly an exhilarating drive. As an added bonus, hit “L” on your keyboard to turn on the cop lights!

Take the law into your own hands. Enforce, Chase and Dominate Tier 3 today! First released for top-up, the Aston Martin Vantage Cop is now available in the Car Dealer!

The Lotus Europa Is Here!

Coming in at 995kg, this lightweight Lotus Europa S delivers high levels of performance and refinement. The 2.0L turbo engine revs at 200rpm, giving this mid-engine coupe “supercar” levels of acceleration. With its extruded and bonded aluminum chassis, complete with composite body panels, the Europa is one spectacular sportscar!

Get yours today in the Car Dealer!

Wicked Wednesday - May 2

Ferrari loves their fans. All 8,000,000 of them. They even made this "wicked" video dedication to show their appreciation! Feelin' the love! Thanks Warren Tan for today's Wicked Wednesday!

Car Style Packs Are Now Available!

Car Style Packs are now available for purchase!

This Aftermarket pack contains: a neon, window tint, license plate, lowering kit and a set of wheels. The neons and license plates are designed specially to match the following car styles:

Cop cars

Sports cars

Tuner cars

Muscle cars

Exotic cars

Car Style Packs can be purchased in the Card Pack store in the Safehouse or from the SpeedBoost store. This offer is for a limited time only. Don't delay, get yours today!

A High-Powered And Lightweight Car!

Many of you have seen the 2006 model in NFS World and we are now proud to offer the 2009 model! Featuring a unique “freestyle” 4-door design, sculpted front fascia, front and rear headlamps, larger exhaust pipes, side sills and aluminum alloy wheels, this RX-8 is equipped to challenge your toughest Tier 1 rivals!

At 9,000 rpm, the high-revving and naturally aspirated RENESIS engine would make any driving enthusiast happy. This sports car is high-powered, lightweight and delivers pure driving excitement. Now available for Top-Up!