Iconic landmark glows pink as station marks 30 years on air
KUALA LUMPUR: The iconic Menara 118 lit up in 988 radio station’s signature pink as thousands of music fans cheered, sang and raised their phones to the sky during the After Work Fest 2026.
The festival transformed the historic Stadium Merdeka into a lively festival ground last night, featuring performances by local and regional artistes, creative markets, food stalls and interactive activities.
It also served as a tribute to the listeners who have supported the Chinese radio station throughout its three-decade journey.
From day to night, festival-goers explored creative booths, sampled food and drinks, took part in activities and enjoyed performances by a diverse line-up of artistes.
As night fell, excitement reached a high when the nearby Menara 118 was illuminated in pink, creating a striking backdrop for the festival.
Thousands of fans turned towards the landmark, with many pointing their phones skywards, cheering and capturing the colourful moment.
The evening concert featured performances by Elaine Lee, JunJun, Layla Sania, Hua Chen, Danny Wan, YELLOW, icyball, Bestards, Hana Hope, Firdhaus and Taiwanese sensation Accusefive, who closed the night with an energetic performance.
988FM senior general manager Woo Bee Ay said the event represented more than just a concert – it’s a celebration of the station’s journey alongside its listeners.
“After Work Fest 2026 is our way of saying thank you for 30 years of trust, companionship and shared memories,” she added.
She said the 988 team had spent more than six months preparing the festival to create an unforgettable experience for listeners and supporters.
Also present was Star Media Group (SMG) group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, who presented appreciation tokens to main sponsor Alliance Bank and co-sponsors Joy Paradise and Toshiba in recognition of their role in making the festival a success.
For first-time attendee Lim Wei Jian, 28, the festival was an opportunity to experience the energy of a large-scale music event with friends.
“I usually listen to 988 while driving, but being here and seeing the deejays and artistes live feels very different.
“The atmosphere is really exciting because everyone is here for the same reason – to enjoy music and have a good time.
“When Menara 118 lit up pink, everyone around me started cheering and taking photos. It was a very memorable moment,” he added.
Retired technician Wong Chee Keong, 65, said he had followed the station since it first went on air and was delighted to see it continue connecting with younger audiences.
“The station has kept up with the times while staying true to what listeners enjoy.
“Seeing people of all ages singing along tonight shows that 988 still has a strong impact on many Malaysians,” he said.
