By UOW Malaysia 

A group of 30 Mass Communication students and staff from UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College embarked on an academic exposure and industry learning trip in August 2025 that took them far beyond the classroom. It was just past midnight when the bus rolled out, the road stretching endlessly into the dark. Inside, however, laughter and chatter filled the air. Ahead lay Angkasapuri, the iconic headquarters of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM)—the beating heart of the nation’s broadcasting industry.

By dawn, the bus pulled up to the towering complex. Angkasapuri stood tall and proud, a building where voices, music, and stories reach millions of Malaysians every single day. The early arrival meant time for selfies and snapshots, and any traces of fatigue soon melted away. Excitement was building—this was where the magic of broadcasting truly happened.

The tour began inside RTM’s radio station. Engineers took the students deep into the science and art of radio—explaining everything from sound mixing and frequency modulation to the intricacies of live broadcasts. Students were captivated by the blinking lights of massive soundboards and the hypnotic waves dancing across monitors. What once seemed as simple as “switching on the radio” now revealed itself to be a complex symphony of skill and technology.

The next stop brought the group face-to-face with a familiar presence: a Radio Jockey (RJ) whose voice many of them had grown up listening to. Warm, witty, and full of anecdotes about on-air bloopers, the RJ peeled back the curtain on life behind the mic. A few lucky students even got to test their voices in front of the microphone—a heart-pounding moment that left smiles etched on their faces.

From there, the students entered RTM’s grand auditorium. Vast, bright, and breathtaking, the hall exuded a sense of national pride. Standing beneath the stage lights, many couldn’t help but imagine what it would feel like to perform before thousands, their voices echoing across the nation.

The exploration continued with hands-on encounters with RTM’s state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment. High-definition cameras, modern lighting systems, and a sprawling green screen studio gave the students an insider’s glimpse into the tools of the trade. More than just machines, they discovered the real ingredients of broadcasting: teamwork, timing, and an unwavering passion for storytelling.

After nearly four hours of exploration, the group climbed back onto the bus. This time, the energy was subdued. Sleepy heads leaned against windows, but their minds were alive replaying the day’s unforgettable moments: the glow of soundboards, the RJ’s warm voice, the grand stage, and the thrill of holding broadcasting in their own hands.

For the students, this was no ordinary field trip. It was a planned part of their academic journey—an opportunity to bridge classroom theory with industry practice. More than a visit, it was an experience filled with discovery, inspiration, and memories destined to last a lifetime.