988 general manager Woo Bee Ay (second left) and Yeow pouring the champagne as 988 Content senior manager Mannson Yong (left) and 988 client brand marketing senior manager Xuan Ng (right) look on during 988’s 27th anniversary event.
It was a star-studded evening as Chinese radio station 988 celebrated its 27th birthday, which also coincided with the 50th anniversary of its drama team.
For the first time, the radio station hosted a black-tie dinner with its DJs, radio team members, staff, agencies and clients, who enjoyed each other’s company throughout the night.
DJ Cassey cheering during the 988 radio drama award ceremony held at Sheraton Petaling Jaya.
It was also the first time the drama team’s annual award ceremony took place physically, with an Oscar-themed award show in Sheraton Petaling Jaya.
The night began with a captivating performance of “The Power of Sound” by four radio drama voice actors, who brought tens of characters to life, expressing various emotions and moods.
Their act was enhanced by sound effects created on the spot with items such as a jacket, demonstrating how radio drama was produced.
Since its inception in 1973, the radio drama team has produced over 1,000 drama series.
Guests enjoying the food and company at the black-tie dinner. — Photos: AZLINA ABDULLAH/The Star
According to 988 radio drama team manager Leon Lo, a special Brilliant Contribution Award was created in 2021 to recognise voice actors’ work and dedication.
“This year’s award goes to veterans Dang Bee In and her husband Chow Kee Moo, as well as Faye Look, who passed away in April at the age of 53 due to illness.
“Their voices and quality work have become synonymous with the radio drama team over the years.
“We want to thank them for their unwavering love and dedication,” he said.
Radio dramas that aired between May 16 last year and March 23 this year qualified for the awards, and online voting opened between April 4 and 28 for listeners to vote for their favourites.
Guests having fun posing for pictures at 988’s 27th anniversary dinner.
The seven other awards were Most Favourite Mixing/Editing, Most Favourite Script, Most Favourite Female Supporting Character, Most Favourite Male Supporting Character, Most Favourite Male Lead Character, Most Favourite Female Lead Character and Most Favourite Radio Drama Series.
Star Media Group chief executive officer Alex Yeow congratulated 988 and the radio drama team on their outstanding achievements and milestones.
He said he was impressed, as the dinner showcased “warmth and vibrance,” as if it had been shared among family members.
“Throughout the years, the radio drama team has been a hallmark of 988 radio station, engaging listeners from all walks of life and creed.
“We will continue to live up to this year’s theme of ‘keeping company’ for our listeners,” he said.
Noting that the radio station has no fear of competition, Yeow encouraged everyone to continue striving for excellence.
The lucky draw, which included RM60,000 in prizes such as smart devices, a 58-inch TV and a travel package, was also among the night’s highlights.
In addition, the radio station recognised its top five agencies and top five clients for their ongoing support.
988’s beginnings can be traced back to 1949, when it was known as Rediffusion and delivered cable-transmitted programmes directly to homes.
In 1997, it became a full-service radio station with trilingual programmes.
Today, 988 – as part of the Star Media Group – is one of Malaysia’s top Chinese language radio stations, with both online and offline listeners.988 “I listen, I choose, I love” Radio Drama 2023 Award winners list■ Most Favourite Mixing/Editing > Low Yoke Khaye
(The Mystery of Devil’s Station)
■ Most Favourite Scripting > Young and Promising (written by Chen Fook Meng and Kwan Chan Fong)
> Dream Illusion of the Red Chamber (written by Teric Wong)
> Fire Power (written by Kiko Koh)
■ Most Favourite Female Supporting Character > May Oh (Fire Power)
> Sammy Chin (Tempt or Not To Tempt of Love)
> Kwan Morna (Fire Power)
■ Most Favourite Male Supporting Character > Chan Fong (Dream Illusion of the Red Chamber)
> Danny Tan (The Exorcist)
> Hins Chong (Dream Illusion Of The Red Chamber)
■ Most Favourite Male Main Character > Jack Kee (Young and Promising)
> Lau Chun Weng (Young and Promising)
> Leon Lo (Dream Illusion of the Red Chamber)
■ Most Favourite Female Main Character > Teoh Siew Thung (Meeting Mr Right on Christmas Eve)
> Ruby Yap (The Mystery of Devil’s Station)
> Low Pooi Lai (I Want to be a God of Prosperity)
■ Most Favourite Radio Drama Series
> Dream Illusion of the Red Chamber
■ Brilliant Contribution Award
> Dang Bee In
> Chow Kee Moo
> Faye Look
