Miol (second from left) is fitting in well in his new role.
HE has entertained, inspired and performed. Now, he leads.
At 39, Lester Calvin Miol has done it all.
Once serenading crowds with his soulful vocals and guitar, the Penampang-born musician and educator now finds himself in a very different spotlight – as chief executive officer of OOGA X, the Sabah-grown media network behind KupiKupiFM, CityPlus and Info X.
With nearly two decades of experience, Miol has honed his craft across every corner of the creative and media industry – from performance and production to strategic development.
Now, a month into his new role, he brings that wealth of experience to the helm of a Borneo-born media ecosystem, tasked with expanding its reach and strengthening its presence across Malaysia.
“It’s both exciting and humbling. Coming from community-based radio, I’ve always believed in connecting with people – their stories, culture and everyday lives.
“Now, it’s about taking that same spirit and scaling it across multiple platforms while staying true to our roots,” Miol said, reflecting on his leap from radio personality to chief executive.
If you’ve ever heard him speak, you’ll know his energy fills a room. His charisma, once reserved for the stage, now fuels his leadership.
Miol lives by his motto: “When nothing goes right, go left. Don’t think, just do.”
It’s a fitting philosophy for a man known for his spontaneity, creativity and sense of purpose.
In his new role, Miol’s mission is clear but ambitious – to align OOGA X’s brands under one shared vision.
“Each platform has its own identity, but all share the same goal: to inform, entertain and connect communities.
“We’re building synergy, sharing resources and creating integrated campaigns that highlight OOGA X as one connected ecosystem,” he said.
Yet beneath the corporate hat beats the heart of a true artist.
A multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, piano and even a little trumpet, Miol’s love for music – and for Sabah’s creative scene – has never left him.
Through KupiKupiFM, he continues to champion local artists and the distinct sound of Sabahan music.
“Sabahan talent is incredible, but visibility remains a challenge. We want to build proper platforms – from live sessions and digital showcases to collaborations that bring our music to national and even regional stages,” he said.
OOGA X recently collaborated with local icons Datuk Francis Landong and Elica Paujin on Daddy Masi Kaya, a Kaamatan-themed song filmed in Tambunan.
“Each year, we plan to feature different districts to promote their beauty and culture through music,” Miol shared enthusiastically.
Behind his calm confidence lies the grounding influence of family.
“My late dad taught me humility and perseverance. My mum showed me compassion and strength. And my wife and daughter remind me every day why I strive to be better. They’re my rock – my everything,” he said.
As he guides OOGA X through Malaysia’s fast-changing digital landscape, Miol envisions something more than just a media company – a lifestyle ecosystem that connects people online, offline, on-ground and on-air.
Still, no matter how far the brand grows, his heart remains firmly rooted in Sabah.
“Sabah has so much to offer – our diversity, our stories, our music. I want OOGA X to be known as a homegrown Sabahan company that thinks big while staying true to its roots,” he said.
