Illustration by Emelyne

Starting a new chapter in life is never easy, especially when you’re transitioning from being a student to a “fully functioning” working adult. Frankly, it’s scary. A new environment, a new schedule—there are just so many things to adapt to and it’s not a piece of cake. In times of distress like this, there are a few key people you could potentially turn to. Maybe it’s a loved one or a passing stranger. However, it could also be an industry mentor. Well, if you’re interested in the media industry, you’re in the right place! Everybody, get ready to go on air! Come and learn insights on the media industry with Ms Jay Jamalina Mohamad Jamali, a veteran radio host and broadcast presenter.

About 20 years ago, Jay was a media rookie. In fact, she had no prior ambition to enter the media industry. Having studied Biology, Jay’s dream was to become a veterinarian but life had different plans. After wrapping up her studies, her father saw an ad on TV from the major media company, Media Prima. They were holding a competition to look for talents across the country to find the next broadcast journalist. That marked the beginning for Jay.

At first, she struggled greatly. Starting from zero, most of her training and knowledge came from her own determination and self-studying—some of which happened in a random stairwell next to a storeroom. Despite this though, Jay never gave up. She stayed resilient, a trait she emphasised as important in the media industry. In this new setting, Jay was more driven than ever. Having been a pioneering member of Media Prima’s first radio station, Hot FM, she wanted to expand her horizons further. That was when she started auditioning to become a news presenter for TV. Landing a news presenter role is not easy. Jay highlighted that to get accepted into a TV role, presenters generally require a certain look and voice. However, Jay persevered on. She went to audition after audition and finally struck gold. After three years of unwavering persistence, they gave her a chance. And decades later, to this day, she’s still on air as a news presenter. 

“It’s all in the voice”. The way you express a story or news, whether it be positive or negative, is of utmost importance for both radio and TV according to Jay. However, with TV, there are added layers to it. From your facial expression to the way you carry yourself, there are more things to be aware of—more outlets to express yourself and your emotions. Each story she has to present is different, making her emotions feel like a rollercoaster ride with highs and lows. Jay admitted that occasionally, she cries. Over the years, she has learnt how to run her emotions but certain stories, especially those about children, hit her like a truck, considering Jay herself is a mother. Keeping her emotions in check was an area Jay previously struggled with. This was a newfound benefit of being in the media industry for Jay. She loves being able to be in charge of her emotions. Jay says it truly comes in handy when dealing with unfavourable people or pressuring situations. Being patient and practising empathy with people around her has helped her stay level in her decision-making and leadership skills. 

Over the years, Jay has lived and learned. She stressed the importance of staying humble and not assuming you know more than others. Asking guidance from others and asking “silly” questions are essential for growing into the person you want to be. When she was still fresh-faced, she pushed herself beyond the limit. Working day to night, some days starting before the sun rises and ending after the sky darkens. One thing Jay has come to realise? Sleep is essential. “How am I supposed to be a team leader if I don’t feel my best because I didn’t get enough sleep”. Emphasising the importance of health, Jay is also a mental health aider at Media Prima Audio. Calming yourself down after a rough day, whether through deep breaths or an activity like yoga helps keep her grounded and ready for whatever’s to come. 

Being in the media industry is tough, you need a strong spirit to survive. Nonetheless, it continues to be extremely rewarding for Jay. She gets to be the messenger of news and stories, she’s the one who gets to announce them for the world to hear. It’s a very special role to play and it makes Jay feel happy and fulfilled. She loves delivering all sorts of news and stories to the public but a highlight for her is when she covers sports, particularly Formula One. Prior, Jay didn’t know anything about the realm of sports but to present news about it, she had to learn. From badminton, football, tennis and more, anytime she had to cover a sporting event, she would learn about the sport she was covering. Covering sports news is almost like a challenge that Jay loves! This is further apparent when she’s on the ground doing fieldwork. When announcing, you have to know technical terms relating to the sport well yet present it in a way that is easy for viewers and the public to follow. This never fails to excite her. Additionally, she loves gaining a new interest in an area she hasn’t previously explored beforehand. A notable example of this would be when she had to go to Sepang Circuit to cover a MotoGP (Grand Prix motorcycle racing) event. 

Additionally, Jay also kindly shared some tips and tricks for aspiring students:

Jay also shared some of her own insights—the importance of vocal techniques. Everyone doesn’t groggily wake up from bed only to have their voice ready to go. You have to warm up your voice, whether it’s first thing in the morning or on the way to work. The vocal exercises Jay shared were ideal for this. “Ka-Ga-Ha”, “Ma-Ma-Ma” and “Ya-Yo-Ye” are among the many keys to make sure your voice and enunciation are good to go! And the last? The one takeaway Jay wishes someone takes from her experience and life is to always be resilient, persistent and patient, in all that you do. “It goes a long way,” so don’t be afraid. Go for it because you never know what might happen when you try.

Even though many reading this are not currently studying to be in the media industry, I strongly believe much of the advice Jay shared can be applied to almost any field. In today’s competitive job market, a thought rings loudly, it’s common for fresh graduates and current students to feel intimidated when wanting to speak up or apply for an opportunity. Fear of getting reprimanded, disappointment and failure—these emotions and thoughts are normal for everyone, no matter the age. However, through Jay’s words and stories, it feels as if a big sister, who’s experienced multiple ups and downs in life, is guiding you, encouraging you to give it your all and try your best. So, it’s okay to fall a little, there will be people who will be more than glad to hold your hand to help you stand. I truly hope Jay’s personal experiences, advice and guidance have touched you all as it has touched me. In the future, I hope when you turn the pages back to this chapter in your life, you smile because it happened.