Hong Kong media luminary Stephen Chan Chi-wan is trading his executive role for the airwaves, lending his distinctive voice as narrator for the new music program, The Song of Time. In a recent interview with HOY anchor Wang Ling-yin, Chan offered profound insights into his storied career, the power of collective memory, and how personal setbacks ultimately forged resilience.
Chan, 66, revealed he chose to use the pseudonym “Wai Ka-ching” for the project, consciously stepping back into his roots as a disc jockey. He explained that the show serves as a vessel for viewers to revisit their youthful days—a vital exercise in finding warmth and support. He characterized The Song of Time not just as entertainment, but as a shared societal archive focused on universal themes: human connection, romantic love, and friendship.
The Enduring Power of Connection
Reflecting on his time broadcasting between 1984 and 1987, Chan described a deeply intimate connection with listeners, a contrast to the digitized interactions of today.
“We didn’t have instant messaging then,” he noted. “Audience members communicated through handwritten letters. We never met face-to-face, but there was an incredibly tight emotional bond.”
His current project, he believes, reinforces the importance of appreciating the present, as today’s experiences will inevitably become the memories that sustain future generations during difficult times.
The veteran host candidly spoke about navigating his own personal troughs, particularly the challenging seven-year legal battle that marked a significant low point in his life. The public nature of his profession exacerbated the stress.
“As a recognizable host, I became terrified of going outside,” Chan confessed, admitting to suffering from agoraphobia and immense anxiety over public perception. “But the most essential learning was rediscovering myself. What others thought was secondary; life is defined by you, not by others. Without those hardships, I would have never understood the depth of affection and trust people had for me.”
Mastering the Art of Hosting and Interviewing
During the interview, Chan offered valuable advice for aspiring broadcasters, emphasizing that finding one’s unique hosting style is the most arduous challenge, a pursuit that requires effort and time rather than just technical skill.
He also recounted the complexities of interviewing diverse personalities. While some guests naturally elaborate, others require tireless guidance. Chan cited pop star Kelly Chen as a challenging interviewee early in her career, noting her tendency toward brief, sometimes one-word answers. He observed that her long-time manager, Chung Jan, was the key to unlocking her personal reservoir of emotion.
More recently, he mentioned navigating the interview with rising star Jeffrey Ngai, who required considerable prompting. Chan expressed immense joy that Ngai’s performing career took off after appearing on his own streaming channel, Stephen’s Talk, where his talent caught the attention of superstar Sammi Cheng.
Emulating Iron Sharpness
When asked about professional inspirations, Chan immediately pointed to the late former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. He lauded her exceptional communication skills, praising her meticulous preparation and rhetorical agility during question-and-answer sessions.
“She was a master of turning the tables,” he observed. “If someone accused her of poor performance or betraying the country, she would challenge back: ‘Are you truly leveling that accusation? Are you serious?’ That technique allowed her to seize control of the narrative.”
Chan showcased his admiration by delivering a pitch-perfect impersonation of the ‘Iron Lady’s’ precise UK accent and cadence, leaving those present deeply impressed by his own breadth of performance talent.
The Song of Time, narrated by Chan, is set to offer viewers a moment of collective nostalgia, reinforcing the belief that the past’s fond memories are the emotional anchors for a complex present.
