A Heartfelt Farewell to a Radio Legacy

SINGAPORE – Veteran radio stalwart The Flying Dutchman, known off-air as Mark van Cuylenburg, has opened up about the emotional challenges of ending his 10-year on-air partnership with fellow DJ Glenn Ong. Their collaboration, which began during their Mediacorp days in the early 2000s, came to a close on January 6 when FD transitioned from Kiss92 to One FM 91.3.

The Challenge of Change

Reflecting on this difficult separation, the 68-year-old DJ expressed the daunting nature of adapting to a new co-host, Lavinia Tan, and later Carrie Chong, as he navigated his new role on One FM’s The Morning Drive.

"If you add up all the years we’ve been together, it’s a difficult separation," he admitted. "But surprisingly, I found myself comfortable with Carrie quite quickly. It’s a transition that feels like a homecoming for me. I enjoy working with her, especially since she shares a similar laid-back attitude towards the job."

Nostalgia Over Playful Sparring

Despite the excitement of new beginnings, FD misses the playful banter he had with Ong, which was a hallmark of their show. "I miss the digs, like when he would jokingly comment on my age," he reminisced fondly.

A Lifetime of Achievement

In recognition of his impressive 45-year career in radio, which began at Rediffusion in 1980, FD received the Lifetime Achievement Award at SPH Media’s EMTM Group awards ceremony on April 4. Celebrating this milestone, he reflected on the privilege of his career, stating, "Not many people can say they’ve had such a fulfilling journey. This award isn't the end; it's a tribute to all that I’ve achieved."

The Thrill of Broadcasting Persists

FD shows no signs of slowing down, expressing his love for being on air: "The moment I start feeling this is work, I’ll consider retirement." He emphasized the joy he experiences when he receives positive feedback from listeners, likening it to a breath of fresh air after a long shift.

Mentoring the Next Generation

With his wealth of experience, FD now takes on the role of mentor for younger DJs at SPH Radio. He shares his wisdom on essential presenting skills, reminding aspiring broadcasters of the allure of the profession. "Radio is aspirational; listeners want to be like you, to sound like you," he noted.

The Resilient Spirit of Radio

Despite the evolving media landscape that includes podcasts and streaming services, FD believes radio will always maintain its audience. "Nothing will kill the radio star. We are the comforting voices that connect people, reminding them that life is okay," he affirmed.

Balancing Work and Family Life

Beyond his radio career, FD manages several businesses, though they require little of his time due to reliable partners. Emphasizing the importance of family, he enjoys quality weekends filled with Netflix and time spent with his four daughters and four grandchildren.

"I sleep, binge-watch shows, and cherish my time with my family—it’s incredibly important to me," he concluded.