<<Print>>

Malaysian stand-up comedian Harith Iskander has been crowned the "World's Funniest Person" in 2016. The BBC's Heather Chen spoke to the 50-year-old funny man by telephone after his win in Levi, Finland.

At least one person is laughing as 2016 draws to a close. This year has become the year of internet anguish and memes but for Malaysian comedy king Harith Iskander, it's all good.

"It's all about how you look back on it," he says. "My job is to see the funny sides of life and present it in a humorous way.

"I think the world of Western comedy is ready to hear the voice of an Asian comedian, I have a Malaysian voice and style of comedy."

Iskander beat four other finalists to be named the funniest person in the world by US comedy club chain Laugh Factory, which has hosted comedy greats like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle as well as American talk show host Jay Leno.

He was declared the contest winner through an online voting system, through which fans had 24 hours to cast their votes.

"There was competition from other big names from Europe and around the world so to eventually come out victorious was a truly humbling experience," he says.

It looks like he will also be laughing all the way to the bank. He is set to receive the grand prize of $100,000 (£80,000) as well as a US comedy tour.