We celebrated 75 glorious years of Radio at a gala dinner at Capella last night. I wasn’t part of the organising committee, and neither did I perform. I merely dressed accordingly, and showed up to mingle with 300 invited guests.

I think my colleagues did a brilliant job in the preparation and execution. From a quick history lesson showcasing Radio milestones and interviewing former Heads of Radio, to my managing director Florence Lian singing “Yesterday Once More”, to the veterans tribute and the video in memorial of colleagues who have passed on… With so many radio legends gathered together, and numerous former colleagues returning with their heartiest congratulations, it was a fantastic night by all standards. And I somehow managed to drink more than I usually do.

I could totally relate when Jean Danker recounted the day she discovered the magic of Radio. “How did this little black box contain so much music? And those DJs?! How did they talk like that? “

“I want to be a radio presenter when I grow up!”

We did. WOOHOO!

Hossan Leong and Vernetta Lopez closed the night with “Turn It On”- a song commissioned for Radio’s 75th anniversary. Then all the DJs were asked to go onto the stage- something that we weren’t prepared for. As we hastily wiped our mouths, we glanced around cautiously. No one wanted to be the first to rush up, and neither did anyone attempted to be the last. Hahahha. To Bobby Tonelli, I said, “Gee, you’re too good looking. I don’t want to stand beside you.” And to Shan Wee, I exclaimed, “You’re too tall. I don’t want to stand beside you either.” It was a tragic finale as I ended up sandwiched between these two guys right in the middle of the stage. The most appropriate expression would be, FML! Hahaha.

I’d always turn up my nose when people suggested that “Video Killed the Radio Star.” They came, they tried, and we survived. But we’re not taking things for granted, of course. We radio folks know that we’re facing keen competition ahead, and we’re determined to maintain a competitive edge. Thanks for the 75-year journey, and WOOHOO! to many more ahead. As my CEO Shaun Seow said, “RADIO ROCKS!”