After 22 years behind the microphone, veteran MY FM DJ Gan Mei Yan (Mavis) has officially stepped down as a full-time radio DJ, hosting her final episode of MY FM 阳光灿烂 on July 31.
From Monday to Friday, every morning from 6am to 10am, Yan and her long-time co-host Lin De Rong showed up for listeners, rain or shine, for 22 years.
And now, that chapter has come to an end.
A new chapter beyond radio
Yan said her decision to leave was driven by a desire to take on new challenges and step outside the broadcasting industry she has known for more than two decades.
She will be moving into the health and wellness industry, where she hopes to learn new skills, develop her personal brand and continue making a positive impact on people’s lives.
She also plans to remain active on social media, sharing health-related content while promoting environmental awareness and encouraging people to take better care of themselves and the planet.
While she admitted that leaving MY FM was filled with emotion, Yan said she is also excited about the new challenges and opportunities ahead.
“From a young girl to a woman”
Looking back on her 22-year journey, Yan gave special thanks to the colleagues who had supported her along the way, especially Lin De Rong, her long-time partner on MY FM 阳光灿烂.
“Thank you for taking care of me for 22 years, and for accompanying me from a young girl to a woman,” she said.
She also credited MY FM for giving her a supportive and joyful environment, while allowing her to try different things and grow into a more well-rounded DJ. For Yan, the biggest lessons from her broadcasting career went beyond learning how to speak on air.
She said she learned how to communicate with people more sincerely and naturally, while building a special connection with listeners who grew alongside her.
“Thank you for being there with me every morning and listening to my voice. It made me feel safe,” she said.
She recalled listeners calling into the studio to chat, share their stories and open up about their lives, while she shared her own experiences with them.
Those genuine conversations became some of the most precious memories of her 22-year career.
“How many partners can walk together for 22 years?”
On Yan’s final day on air, Lin also shared an emotional farewell to his long-time radio partner.
“Every Monday to Friday, from 6am to 10am, rain or shine, for 22 years,” he wrote.
“Honestly, how many partners in this world can go through 22 years of ups and downs together?”
Lin admitted that Yan’s final day on air left him with mixed emotions, sadness, gratitude and countless memories that were difficult to put into words.
“22 years may sound long, but it also feels like it went by so quickly,” he said.
The pair had gone through career highs and lows together, laughing, arguing and working through difficult moments, while also accompanying countless listeners through different stages of their lives.
“Thank you for these 22 years of companionship. Thank you for leaving the best years of your youth in this journey.”
He wished Yan all the best for her next chapter, hoping every step ahead would be even more exciting and fulfilling.
“And the 22 years that belong to us will forever remain in the memories of all our listeners,” he said.
“Your voices have accompanied me through so many stages of life”
The emotional farewell was also reflected in the comments from MY FM listeners, many of whom said Yan’s voice had been part of their daily lives for years.
One listener shared that turning on MY FM was the first thing they did every morning while driving their children to school.
“Every morning when I take my kids to school, the first thing I do is turn on MY FM. Hearing your voices, especially the cheerful laughter of Jack Lim and Mei Yan, always makes me happy.
I remember meeting you both at the Ampang Nine Emperor Gods Temple one year. I was so excited that I went over to greet ‘Ah Beng Gor’ and ‘Beautiful Mei Yan’ and asked for a selfie. I was so happy that I shared the photo with everyone I knew.
Now that Mei Yan is leaving, I’ll really miss hearing her voice. I’m sad to see you go, but I wish you good health and all the best in your new journey.”
Another listener said they had been listening to MY FM 阳光灿烂 for 22 years, beginning around the time they got married and became pregnant.
Mei Yan, for 22 years I have only listened to Sunny Days (Yang Guang Can Lan). I started listening when I got married and pregnant, and today my child is already 20 years old. I am really reluctant to see you go, but I sincerely wish you smooth sailing all the way in your future!
A third listener described Yan and the MY FM team as companions through some of the biggest stages of their life, from high school and studying abroad, to starting work and eventually becoming a parent.
Thank you guys for bringing joy to us. Your voices have truly accompanied me through countless mornings, from my time in high school, to studying abroad, to working, and now to having a child. Although I am very reluctant to see you go, I still wish you all the best and that things will get better and better for you.
What’s next for MY FM 阳光灿烂?
From July 6, MY FM 阳光灿烂 has been featuring special segments looking back at Yan’s 22-year broadcasting journey.
Classic segments are also making a comeback, while some of her former partners and important collaborators are making surprise appearances.
From August, Lin De Rong and Joe 曾耀祖 will continue hosting the morning show together. MY FM is also expected to announce its new DJ line-up in September, bringing a fresh chapter to the programme.
For Yan, the microphone may be going quiet for now, but her next chapter is only just beginning.
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