Borak Kopitiam, TV3’s newest talk show, targets young audiences on weekends and complements Malaysia Hari Ini very well, writes Dennis Chua
HAVING read sports news on Astro Arena for a year, Fiona Cheong feels her latest project, TV3’s new weekend talk show Borak Kopitiam, is a breath of fresh air.
The 27-year-old, who shares the stage of Studio C in Sri Pentas, Bandar Utama with seven co-hosts, loves its informal atmosphere.
“Being a fan of homegrown movies such as Gila-Gila Remaja and series such as Pi Mai Pi Mai Tang Tu, I feel lucky to be part of Borak Kopitiam’s team.
“The producers said it’s going to be full of surprises and we’ll get to meet many iconic actors and singers from time to time,” she said at the launch of the show in Sri Pentas recently.
Cheong, who was born six years after Gila-Gila Remaja was released, watched the popular movie about “mat motor” Azroy (played by Faizal Hussein) on terrestrial television.
“It defined the 1980s and featured two of my favourite actors — Faizal Hussein and Datuk Rosyam Nor.
“While we do not have a target date for the cast to reunite in our studio, it’s an event I can’t wait to witness.”
Cheong, a broadcasting graduate, landed her first hosting job two years ago with Anugerah on TV1.
Meanwhile, Era FM announcer and Dewi Remaja 2016 finalist Fify Azmi is overjoyed to be appearing on TV for the first time in Borak Kopitiam.
The 21-year-old Johor native, a tourism diploma graduate, previously participated in reality shows Fear Factor and Juara Joran, finishing in the Top 10.
“I’m an outgoing person and Borak Kopitiam fits my personality well. It has fresh and interesting segments that I strongly identify with, and one of them is Kelas Bahasa where we get to learn new languages with help from linguists who come on air every week.”
Fify also loves the motoring segment as it gives her an opportunity to take a drive with prominent singers and actors.
“I’m a big fan of Nabila Huda Suhaimi and her father, Amy of Search. Going for a drive with them will be a dream come true.
“I will also be giving advice to viewers who highlight neighbourhood grouses in the Tolong Kami segment.”
Besides Cheong and Fify, Borak Kopitiam’s other hosts are Astro On Air’s Hefny Sahad, Haziq Hussni of Hot FM, Muaz Mohamad of Kool FM, Sarah Adiba of Clever Girl as well as Dayah Bakar and Zack Merican.
Producer Syarida Sharif said Borak Kopitiam targeted young audiences who form the bulk of TV3 fans.
“It is Malaysia Hari Ini’s ‘weekend sibling’ which has a more relaxed and informal environment and lighter topics,” she said.
Syarida said the relatively new co-hosts (with the exception of Hefny, Haziq and Muaz) would appeal to young audiences.
“Every Friday to Sunday, we’ll have two co-hosts and they will partner the other seven in successive episodes.”
Besides interviewing guests in the studio, the co-hosts will also report from the ground at various events such as awards ceremonies and concerts.
There will be some segment presenters such as Anwar Afiq — who will handle the traffic report — and physical fitness instructor Hanif Shaun a.k.a. Mr Fit,” she said.
Syarida felt that Hanif would likely become a hit with audiences as he gives hilarious nicknames to his physical exercises, among them potong bawang (cutting onions) and gosok baju (ironing clothes).
“Different segments come on different days. Friday has Tolong Kami while Saturday has Dapur Kalut where hosts join cookery demonstrations by guest chefs and learn new recipes. There is also Hero Juara where Internet celebrities share tips on using social media effectively.”
Sunday, she said, is for sports and besides Mr Fit’s segment, there is #KitaJuara where the hosts interview famous sportsmen and sportswomen.
“Last but not least, there is 1, 2, 3 Steady, which is about nutrition and presented by fitness icons.”
Borak Kopitiam will also have interesting quizzes and games.
“Viewers will be asked to guess film dialogues and match theme songs to local dramas and films. We hope this talk show will bring families together, since it has segments for parents and children to enjoy,” said Syarida.