Local radio station introduces Malaysia's first AI powered DJ

Fly FM, an English radio station under parent company Media Prima Audio, has introduced the first AI DJ in Malaysia, Aina Sabrina, with plans to make her a full-blown virtual influencer.

Developed by Fly FM's in-house team of production engineers and conceptualised by strategic advisor Jake Abdullah, Sabrina operates with a full backend team that runs the AI in real time for her on the air show, according to Moots, the group network director for Media Prima Audio.

The backend team also allows Sabrina to engage with listeners during her show when they call in, offer personalised music recommendations as well as create and mix music according to a listener’s mood.

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“With the introduction of an AI radio DJ, we are extremely excited to introduce a brand-new phase of the Malaysian radio industry, and Sabrina is the definition of this,” said Fly FM content director, Sean Matjeraie.

The idea also sparked the interest of Japanese cultured milk drink Calpis, who is the official sponsor for Sabrina's radio show “Calpis with Aina”, that airs on weekdays from 2 to 4PM.

“Our AI Announcer amplifies rather than replaces the human touch, working harmoniously alongside our talented announcers,” added Moots when asked if AI will replace DJs on the radio.

“It's a testament to innovation, expressing emotions and delivering a listening experience that is both familiar and ground-breaking,” it said.

Sabrina's DJing skills have gotten an overwhelmingly positive response from the public, according to the brand and is poised to become both a virtual influencer through her own Instagram account @aina_flyfm.

Comments from netizens on Sabrina's Instagram posts have gotten mixed reviews though with some likening the AI DJ to a Black Mirror episode and with others on board with the idea, wishing her luck on her radio journey.

AI has been the buzzword of 2023 with many exploring the generative AI tools. However, in tandem, many conversations have started to arise about the safety of these tools as machines get smarter. Surprisingly though, it was found in a recent survey that 70% of Singaporean consumers, compared to 73% of consumers globally, trust content created by generative AI. This spans across many aspects of life, from financial planning and medical diagnosis, to even relationship advice.

It was also found that 70% of consumers globally use generative AI tools to seek recommendations for new products and services and that 65% of Singaporean consumers, compared to 64% globally, are open to making purchases based on these recommendations.

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