Men’s Folio Malaysia welcomes Stuart Danker as its new managing editor, who is looking to continue building the brand’s illustrious presence in the market. He brings with him a diverse perspective, having spent more than a decade in various niches within the publishing industry. We speak with him to learn more about what he has in store for the title.

Congratulations on your appointment at Men’s Folio Malaysia! Talk to us about this new role and environment.

Thank you! I’m excited to be on board, especially seeing how fast the Men’s Folio team moves. While I’m honoured to take on the role of the new managing editor, I’m also eager to expand my perspectives through the dynamic team that has 20 years of youth on me.

You’ve had quite a diverse career. What can you draw from that to apply to your new tenure?

Very few people know that I used to be a hairdresser, auditor, or roadie. My publishing career alone spans across newspaper journalism, travel writing, digital marketing, and fiction. This diversity works great in a field where you need to adhere to strict print standards while also adapting to new platforms like social media and video. So what I bring to the table is the technical knowledge and soft skills required to propose solutions across various departments in the company.

What drew you to Men’s Folio Malaysia?

I’ve always been into lifestyle, which is why the role is a natural fit. I already enjoy watches, fashion, alcohol, cars, and grooming, so it’s a bonus that I get to work in a publication that covers these topics. Another huge pull was the people over at Heart Media. I already knew half the people in the Malaysian office — most of them leaders in their own right — so saying yes was one of the easiest decisions I’ve made.

In your opinion, what is the future of print, especially with the advent of ChatGPT?

I’m all for progress, but what many writers don’t understand is that ChatGPT has a very distinct voice, no matter what prompt you throw at it. It’s the equivalent of a chess engine making moves no normal human would. Writers of today are only shooting themselves in the foot when they fully rely on AI. This is because everything is recorded now, and it’s so easy to look back and find out who was cutting corners. Humans will always want to experience art made by other humans, so the written word still remains the domain of humans. As for the future of print, I believe that its full potential lies in its synergy with digital, but it will never truly die.

Speaking of synergy, what do you think about the digital side of Men’s Folio Malaysia?

We have so many digital channels in today’s media landscape, and while many may look at that as the death of print, I actually see it as an avenue for the true fans to get to know the title better. There’s so much added value we can provide in the digital realm, ranging from behind-the-scenes videos to short-form articles that wouldn’t otherwise fit the confines of print. Plus, we have so many happenings in Malaysia — let alone the entire world — that don’t make it into print, so platforms like our website and social media play an important role in bridging that gap.

What is your working style like?

I trust people. This means giving them the freedom to find their own solutions. Giving them ownership often turns into better results. We have to rely on others in order to achieve great things, and that will never be the case if I lay out rigid guidelines for every assignment. When it comes to working with management, I maintain an open dialogue so that I can be afforded the same freedom.

What inspires you?

I remember working in the salon back in 2006, flipping through another local men’s title. There was a writer who decided to fight a professional boxer after only training for a week. I was so entertained I began harbouring my own dreams of becoming a writer, which led me to where I am today.

That’s what inspires me: the knowledge that every interaction could shape someone else’s life. Knowing that it only takes one issue to inspire a young aspirant to pick up a camera for the first time, or to send in their headshots to a modelling agency. It’s a privilege that ensures I don’t cut corners or take opportunities for granted.

What plans do you have for Men’s Folio Malaysia?

Men’s Folio has been around for 27 years now, so the title’s vision of championing local talent is clearly resonating with the audience. I plan to carry on the torch of highlighting the wealth of Malaysian stories that have yet to be in the limelight, and to show the reader a good time in the process. Another often neglected area is the entire ecosystem surrounding the title. Fashion brands, photographers, printers — everybody flourishes if Men’s Folio does. In that sense, I want to ensure that Men’s Folio Malaysia continues growing so that we can all build beautiful things together.