The station's origins can be traced back to Radio Malaya Singapore's Green Network—which broadcast programming in Chinese dialects.

The station later became the Chinese Service of Radio Television Singapore, and began to be relayed on 95.8 FM on 15 July 1967.

[2] Strictly speaking, an all-Chinese service was announced in December 1950, with the launch date set for 1 January 1951.

[7] With the launch of the contemporary mandopop station YES 933 on 1 January 1990,[8] Radio 3 pivoted its programming to include more infotainment programmes during the daytime and early-evening hours.

A new block of arts and cultural programming would now air from 8 to 10 p.m., including a programme of news bulletins in Hokkien, Cantonese, Teochew, Hainanese, Hakka and Fuzhounese at 8 p.m. (each of which lasting three to five minutes), and Chinese operas.