Radio presenter Jimmy Koh was involved in the occasion, providing a fitting connection to a brand whose story centres on the enduring appeal of radio.
A Childhood Fascination That Became a Brand
For founder Zeng Dejun, the fascination began at seven years old. His early encounter with radio eventually led him to work repairing sets, followed by years of experimenting with his own designs.
In 2015, a crowdfunding campaign helped bring the Muzen Original radio to life. The project reflected a belief that a radio’s appeal extended beyond its sound: its craftsmanship, appearance and physical controls could all become part of the listening experience.
Celebrating the Voices Behind the Dial
Muzen also explored radio’s cultural appeal through its “Radio Renaissance” broadcasts. The 24-hour format brought together presenters from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Kingdom, celebrating the personalities and conversations that give the medium its character.
That emphasis on the human side of broadcasting gave Jimmy’s involvement a natural relevance. For a radio presenter, the connection between a voice and its listeners is a familiar part of daily work.
A Retro Radio for Modern Listening
The Muzen On The Road radio, or OTR, translated that nostalgia into a compact, portable design. Alongside FM reception, it offered Bluetooth connectivity and an AUX input, allowing listeners to move between broadcast programmes and their own music.
With a stated battery life of around 10 hours, it was designed to travel beyond the living room. Wood and metal versions offered different takes on the same retro aesthetic, giving the device an appeal as both a speaker and a display piece.
Muzen’s Singapore Debut at IT Show 2019
The Muzen OTR made its Singapore debut at IT Show 2019, held from 7 to 10 March at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. The brand’s showcase was located at Booth 6215 on Level 6, with the wood edition priced at S$129 and the metal edition at S$139.
At a show focused on new technology, Muzen offered a different kind of discovery: a familiar object reimagined for contemporary life. Its story made room for both the convenience of Bluetooth and the quiet satisfaction of turning a dial to see what was playing.