Written by Leong Kim Weng
With careers lasting over a decade, Malaysian radio DJs Lin and Ika are among top female announcers in the country.
They both host late night shows on Star Radio Group stations, helping listeners to simplify relationships.
DJ Lin who hosts Suria Cinta on Suria FM, Sundays to Fridays 10pm to 2am, says radio gives her the opportunity to express herself while getting immediate feedback from her listeners. It has helped her to understand and reach out to them.
“Like every job, there will be challenges along the road. Overcoming these challenges will continue to reignite my enthusiasm to perform better,” said Lin.
Ika, a Capital FM announcer, goes on air weekdays 8pm to 12am, enjoys the interaction with listeners. The conversations with them have made them part of her life and she has too become part of theirs.
“There is nothing more organic and honest than talking to people whom I have considered part of my life, although I have never met most of them,” said Ika.
Both announcers, who are equally experienced, admitted that hosting a show that dealt with emotions, feelings and sentiments had indeed changed and made them more appreciative of life. It has given them a greater meaning.
One memorable experience for DJ Lin was when a caller shared the story about how she lost her to-be-husband in a car accident when he was on his way to the mosque for their wedding.
“I always put myself in the shoes of others so when I heard this story, I couldn’t help but shed some tears,” said Lin.
Lin also chokes up whenever she attends her listeners wedding who have met their match on her show.
For Ika, her most memorable experience happened when she received a letter from a lady who was trying to get back into the dating scene after her husband’s death.
“The support and encouragement that poured in, were overwhelming. I couldn’t air all of the comments unfortunately. They were all so sweet and kind,” she said.
Suria FM’s Suria Cinta and Capital FM’s Groovedown are shows that are relatable and appealing across all age groups and genders. Love is always a great discourse that brings people together, despite the difference in experience.