Radio, my friend

> This little device not only opens up a world of information but can also boost our happiness and energy levels

Some years back, a survey was carried out to find out what influenced the mood of Britons.

It was found that people who regularly watched television, used the computer, or listened to the radio were happier and had more energy than those who didn’t.

It was also found that radio had the most mood-enhancing effect, with listeners saying that it lifted their happiness levels 100%, and energy levels by 300%, compared to those not using any media at all.

So I had inadvertently discovered my fix when young, even before that survey confirmed my suspicions!

These days, my favourite station is the BBC, because it has very comprehensive offerings. Besides bringing me up-to-date on various developments around the world, it also has recordings of popular programmes, including outrageous comedies from the 1950s and 1960s.

On Friday nights, I usually listen to Chan Fong, one of Malaysia’s top radio personalities, on 988FM.

His phone-in programme gives me insights into real-life problems faced by people in their careers (especially unreasonable bosses), and in topics like finance, relationships, strange behaviours – the works!

I also like a programme on Radio 2 of Radio Television Hong Kong on Saturday mornings. Although run mainly in Cantonese, it does have a smattering of Bahasa Indonesia.

It provides a two-way flow for Indonesian maids to better understand the working environment in Hong Kong, and for their employers to better appreciate their employees.

Bernama Radio too has a dedicated programme especially for Indonesian residents in Malaysia on Saturday evenings.

All in, the versatile radio is very much alive these days. To me, it’s the best mood-enhancer.

Jeff Yong, after making his mark in the twisty maze of mainstream journalism, has finally decided to enjoy what he does best – observing the unusual and recounting the gleeful. He can be contacted at lifestyle.borak@ gmail.com.