Soo Kui Jien, better known as just Jien, is one of television’s most recognisable faces. He got his start as one of the hosts on Astro’s Disney channel. He’s since moved on to doing hosting stints for ESPN, Malaysian Idol and numerous private function events.

These days Jien travels back and forth between KL and ESPN’s studio in Singapore. He shares with us some of his favourite gadgets and why he carries two phones.

Oon Yeoh

MW: What phone do you use now?
J: I have two. A Motorola V3i and a V3x.

MW: You have two phones, why?
J: It’s because I’m currently based in Singapore and have been working on projects there for the past three to four years. It makes sense to have a local line. Roaming is just too darn expensive.

MW: What do you like about your phones?
J: I have always liked a flip phone. I like the look and feel of it and I can just slip it in my pocket and carry on with the day.

MW: Why that brand?
J: Because they treat me well! Ha ha! Thank you, Motorola.

MW: What do you use it for aside from voice calls and SMS?
J: Nothing really. I’m a meat and potatoes kind a guy when it comes to phones. Just call and text.

MW: What do you think of 3G?
J: Not much really!

MW: Have you had any use of 3G?
J: I tried it at the beginning. I feel there isn’t enough content to entice me to be a user.

MW: What’s your dream phone?
J: Haven’t got one. I am happy with the ones I’ve got.

MW: What projects are you working on now?
J: A few! Working on Football Crazy on ESPN Star sports till the end of the football season. Also a tennis magazine show called Ace on Star Sports until December. I will be back in KL soon to start work on a late night talk show for three months on a local TV channel as well as do some work with my company, The Talent Factory.

MW: Do you use the Internet a lot?
J: Yes I do. Mainly for work.


MW: What are some of your favourite websites?
J: Espnstar.com, soccernet.com, google, channelv.com, bbc.co.uk and Talentfactory.com.my

MW: Do you have a blog?
J: No!

MW: What do you think of blogs?
J: I guess each to your own. I don’t think much about it. How do people find the time to blog?

MW: What kind of portable music device do you have?
J: I have an iPod mini and Nano.

MW: Why that music device?
J: Well one was a present and the other I bought. It fits in my car and my bag. Easy, convenient and rather cool I think.

MW: What songs have you got on your music device?
J: Loads, a lot of really good tunes. From smooth groovy tunes to really cheesy ones. But hey, it’s my iPod and I play whatever I want too! Even Barry Manilow! Oops … I’ve revealed too much.

MW: What kind of camera do you own?
J: A Kodak that was given to me in 2002. I don’t remember the model exactly and I don’t take a lot of photos.

MW: Are you planning on having your own website beyond having info onthe talent factory site?
J:No! Don’t think anybody would check it out. Maybe only my mom!

MW: Did you always want to be a TV host?
J: No, I originally thought I would be in the hospitality industry. I have a diploma in hotel management. I was working in hotels, put in long hours and not getting paid well. I got passed over for a promotion and decided that scene wasn’t for me.

MW: What’s the best part of your job?
J: Everything! The flexibility, the travel, the people, the adrenaline rush, the money! However all these are also the reasons why it can suck as well, come to think of it.