Triple J’s afternoon presenter Vijay Khurana is leaving the network to work overseas, and will be replaced by Lewi McKirdy. He is moving to Cambodia to share his knowledge and experience with a not-for-profit radio station in Phnom Penh, where he will train staff in research and production. He reflects on his time at triple j this week on radioinfo.

After graduating from AFTRS,  Khurana began on casual shifts for the national broadcaster’s youth network, and eventually got a permanent shift.

What shifts have you done on triple j?

I’ve been at triple j for 5 wonderful years, presenting first the Weekend Lunch show, followed by my current Lunch shift. I feel really lucky and privileged to have been part of a station that is such a big part of the Australian musical landscape.

Highlights and achievements?

From travelling to Karratha for one of our AWOL shows, to doing live OBs for the Hottest 100 and at various music festivals, to getting shipwrecked for four days on a small coral cay with Zan Rowe, my life here has been full of adventure and excitement. Okay, the shipwreck thing never happened, but it’s been a great few years.

I’m also especially proud of producing and presenting triple j’s first ever FIFA World Cup show, World Cup Safari.

My only regret is not starting a community garden on the level 7 balcony of the ABC building.

What will you be doing overseas?

I am looking for new adventures and challenges, so I’m off to Cambodia to work for a non-profit radio station over there. I’ll be working behind the scenes, doing training in producing and presenting, and helping to develop some new shows with a focus on youth and the environment.

I’m really excited about the job and about living in an interesting place like Phnom Penh.

Do you have any tips for people looking to work at triple j?

Do community radio, and do it as well as you can. Show up every week, or every day, and kick ass even though you’re not getting paid. Then, when you think you’ve got some skills, keep your eye out for any jobs that are going. Even if it’s not a triple j job, you’ll be one step closer to your goal, (and there are stacks of incredible young people doing great work in other parts of the ABC too!)

What have you learned about radio?

Radio is a lot of things. In one sense it’s simply a combination of music, sound effects, talking and silence. In another sense it’s a way of using stories to entertain, educate and change people’s lives for the better. Stories are powerful things. That’s what I’ll be taking with me to Cambodia.