SPH Media lays off 11 workers with decommissioning of old printing presses
SPH Media chief executive officer Chan Yeng Kit announced the job cuts in an e-mail sent to staff on Tuesday (Jul 22). He said the cuts were the result of operational reviews taking place as the company progresses on its transformation journey, and not driven by major restructuring or cost-cutting.
The affected workers, who were notified on Tuesday, include those operating two of the company's six printing presses and involved in distribution of its newspapers.
The Colorliner printing presses, made by Manroland Goss Web Systems GmbH and in operation since 1996, are being decommissioned, with printing operations to be consolidated on the media company's four other Commander presses from Koenig & Bauer (KBA).
The newer KBA presses, deployed in 2003, can print up to 56 broadsheet pages in colour and up to 72,000 copies of the paper per hour.
This is more than what the older Colorliner presses were able to achieve at 40 pages in full colour and up to 72,000 copies per hour.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
Sign Up
An SPH Media spokeswoman, in response to queries from The Straits Times, said upgrades to the KBA machines have allowed the company to consolidate its daily printing operations onto the newer presses.
'These changes allow us to maintain quality printing operations and improve process efficiency. Regrettably, the changes have also resulted in redundancies across 11 job roles in SPH Media's production division,' she said.
The spokeswoman added that the company had explored redeployment opportunities, but did not manage to find suitable placements for the affected workers.
Chan, in his internal e-mail, said the company's significant investment in refreshing the KBA presses over the past three years will ensure that SPH Media can maintain quality printing operations.
'Print continues to be an important format and channel through which we engage our audiences daily,' he said.
He added that even as the company makes these changes, it remains committed to meeting the demand for print formats and will continue to find new and better ways to do so.
SPH Media has said in the past that the introduction of the newer printers had substantially improved the capacity of its print centre, located in Jurong.
The 11ha facility is one of largest printing plants in the Asia-Pacific, with some of the most advanced and state-of-the-art printing facilities that print The Straits Times and 16 other internal publications as well as foreign newspapers on contract.
More than a hundred people are involved in every shift of the print centre's operation, seven days a week, 363 days a year. The plant shuts down only on Chinese New Year and Christmas Day.
The 11 workers were told they would be let go on Jul 22 by SPH Media head of production Lim Swee Yeow. SPH Media deeply appreciates the contributions of the affected staff, said the spokeswoman.
The company has informed the unions and NTUC of the layoffs, and is committed to supporting the workers during this period of transition 'through comprehensive severance packages aligned with tripartite guidelines, career coaching, job placement assistance, CV enhancement services, and emotional support through professional counselling', she added.
In his e-mail, Chan also said SPH must continue with reviews of its various divisions as needed.
These reviews are necessary to ensure operations remain fit for purpose given technological advances as well as changing customer preferences, he said.
Not all such reviews will result in job redundancies, he added, and that the company's human resources department will explore all alternatives - including redeployment and retraining - before considering job cuts as a last resort.
Chan also reiterated a point he made at an internal townhall in May that the reviews are not driven by major restructuring or cost-cutting.
'I am committed to building our strategy and business with all of you. This includes putting in place new directions, initiatives and investments to drive SPH forward,' he said.
'As we do so, we must continue to spend prudently and seek efficiencies where we can as part of our regular operations.'
The organisation must navigate this tension well in order to succeed, he added.
In November 2024, SPH Media laid off 34 technology workers across various teams and ranks, amid a structuring of the company's technology division. The affected workers made up about 10 per cent of employees in the division.
More recently, SPH Media-owned Tech In Asia announced on Jul 1 that it will stop publishing its Indonesia edition from Jul 15, and will wind down operations in the country.
The move, which affected 18 per cent of Tech in Asia's team, came amid an exercise to streamline operations and focus on its international edition. Tech In Asia was acquired by SPH Media in 2024.
On Jul 22, SPH Media said it remained focused on strengthening its capabilities to serve audiences across both print and digital platforms, and on investing in sustainable and future-ready media operations. THE STRAITS TIMES
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Sheng Siong to open first store in Orchard by end August
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Renovation works for the store were first spotted in May. SINGAPORE - Supermarket operator Sheng Siong is set to open its first store in the Orchard Road area at The Cathay shopping mall. A spokesperson for the supermarket told The Straits Times that the 6,500 sq ft store is expected to open by the end of August. The spokesperson added: 'Sheng Siong previously operated a store in the Tekka area, and over the years, customers have expressed their hope for Sheng Siong to have a presence in the central area. 'The Cathay is surrounded by residential developments, and we believe it is a convenient spot for daily grocery needs.' Renovation works for the store were first spotted in May, when a Reddit user posted photos of the ongoing construction at Basement 1 of the mall. According to Sheng Siong's website, the supermarket currently has 82 outlets across the country, with the majority located in the North-east. The supermarket operator recorded a 6.1 per cent increase in net profit to $38.5 million for the first quarter ended March 31, from $36.3 million the year before. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 60 years of building Singapore World Trump deploys nuclear submarines in row with Russia Singapore Man in army uniform allegedly vaping on bus released from SAF custody; investigations ongoing Asia 'Like me? Approach me directly, okay?': Inside a matchmaking event for China's wealthy Opinion America is tearing down another great public institution Life The story of you: What might Singapore look like for those born today? Opinion Quiet zones in public spaces can help people recharge in the city Revenue grew 7.1 per cent to $403 million, from $376.2 million in the corresponding period in 2024. This was thanks to contributions from eight new stores opening in the quarter and FY2024, as well as higher festive sales during Hari Raya in March, said the company on April 29.
Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Straits Times
It's mind over matter for Australia's diving champion Maddison Keeney
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Maddison Keeney diving her way to gold in the women's 1m springboard final at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore on July 26. SINGAPORE – A fear of heights is a common phenomenon, with some studies published in the Journal of Neurology saying that roughly one in four people have it. What is far less common, however, is twisting and somersaulting in mid-air before plunging into a pool of water while carrying that fear. Yet Australian diver Maddison Keeney somehow manages to do just that. In an interview with The Straits Times, the 29-year-old said: 'When I was a kid, I didn't really do platform (dives). I didn't like going in planes (either). I don't like standing backwards on the five-metre (platform) so anything higher than that, I'm like 'no thanks'.' She compromised by becoming exclusively a springboard diver at more comfortable heights of one and three metres. Naturally a sporty kid from a young age, taking part in athletics, basketball and field hockey in school, her mother enrolled her in an after-school beginner diving programme after discovering her affinity for the water. She said: 'We had a pool at home and a pool ring. I liked jumping into the ring, so she thought that (diving) would be a good idea.' It turned out to be a lot more than that. Keeney is one of Australia's most decorated divers and her latest silver medal in the mixed 3m synchronised at the World Aquatics Championships (WCH) in Singapore on July 30 adds to her already outstanding medal tally. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Tech Reporting suspected advanced cyber attacks will provide a defence framework: Shanmugam Business Singapore's US tariff rate stays at 10%, but the Republic is not out of the woods yet Asia Asia-Pacific economies welcome new US tariff rates, but concerns over extent of full impact remain Business ST explains: How Trump tariffs could affect Singapore SMEs, jobs and markets Singapore Thundery showers expected on most days in first half of August Singapore SPH Media awards three journalism scholarships to budding newsroom talent Singapore Synapxe chief executive, MND deputy secretary to become new perm secs on Sept 1 Singapore 5 women face capital charges after they were allegedly found with nearly 27kg of cocaine in S'pore She won 11 medals (four gold, three silver, four bronze) in 2019 , her 'best season ever'. But in a cruel twist of fate, her tireless training took a toll on her body, ultimately resulting in agonising injuries. Her left knee suffered cartilage damage while her left shoulder had internal impingement and she required surgery in both places, forcing her out of the pool from September 2020 to January 2021. 'My shoulder was sore for a long time (after the surgery). I remember I did a forward entry on (the) three metre. It was scary putting my arm up again because I wasn't sure if something was going to go wrong,' said Keeney, who failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 . She added: 'It felt like the end of the world because you tie so much of your self-worth to diving and your results and when you can't dive, everything just feels awful. I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to get to that level again.' Having to watch her compatriots on TV was disappointing, but at the same time, she was relieved to have a break. Striking double gold medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games – her second major competition since injury – was just the start of her comeback arc, ultimately culminating in a silver medal in the women's 3m springboard at the Paris 2024 Olympics. 'Everything was all worth it,' recalled Keeney, who won the women's 1m springboard title at the 2025 WCH on July 26 and will be eyeing her third medal in Singapore when she competes in the 3m springboard on Aug 2. 'It was a testament to my character, kind of how far I've gone because it had been eight years since Rio (2016 Olympics). I'm always afraid that as I get older, I'm not going to get any better.' But with age comes experience and the Perth native has since turned big sister following the retirement of her synchro partners Anabelle Smith (women's) and Domonic Bedggood (mixed) after the Paris Games. 'It's weird. Now I'm the older mature one, so it's something I need to get used to,' she said. Cassiel Rousseau , her new mixed 3m synchronised partner, has found her to be 'amazing', adding: 'Standing next to Maddison just makes me a lot more confident with my dives.' In a sport dominated by China, Keeney has consistently shown her ability to compete with the world's finest even when injury struggles threatened to slow her down . 'I work very hard. I want to be one of those people that pushes everyone to get better. I like to think that I'm pushing them (the Chinese) to get better as well,' said Keeney, who is friends with China's Chen Yiwen and Chang Yan i, the two divers she shared the podium with in Paris . Another chapter in their friendly rivalry was written at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on July 29 when Chen and partner Chen Jia won the women's 3m synchronised final, while Keeney and her teammate Alysha Koloi finished fourth. Their friendship is a heartwarming reminder of the spirit and mutual respect derived from sport. With a smile, she said: 'We're always just standing on the boards, having a laugh (with) each other. I visited them when I went to Beijing at the end of last year. 'Yiwen's English is really good, so she bridges the gap between a lot of the Chinese athletes and us, a really good character outside of the pool as well. She's such a hoot.'
Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Straits Times
Mexico's Osmar Olvera Ibarra ends China's dominance in men's 3m springboard
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Osmar Olvera Ibarra of Mexico in action during the World Aquatics Championship Men's 3m Diving final held at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on August 1, 2025. SINGAPORE – Waking up in the morning of Aug 1, Mexican diver Osmar Olvera Ibarra had only one thing in mind. Having claimed three silver medals at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, the 21-year-old was determined to win the gold in his last event and end China's near two-decade stranglehold on the men's 3m springboard. At the OCBC Aquatic Centre later in the evening, he accomplished what he had set out to do as he somersaulted, twisted and piked his way to history. Garnering 529.55 points from six dives, he became the first Mexican winner of the event, thwarting China, represented by Cao Yuan and Wang Zongyuan, from making it 11 consecutive wins. Cao, who was just 6.85 points behind Olvera, had also finished second in 2019 and 2022 while Wang, who had won in three consecutive editions before this meet, slipped to third with 515.55 points. 'Yeah, I believed it,' said Olvera when The Straits Times asked him shortly after the medal ceremony if he had believed that he would be the one to end China's streak, which stretched back to the 2007 edition. 'When I got up, I told myself that I will get a gold medal today. And that today, I will be a world champion and I got it, so I'm so happy. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Tech Reporting suspected advanced cyber attacks will provide a defence framework: Shanmugam Business Singapore's US tariff rate stays at 10%, but the Republic is not out of the woods yet Business ST explains: How Trump tariffs could affect Singapore SMEs, jobs and markets Singapore Thundery showers expected on most days in first half of August Singapore SPH Media awards three journalism scholarships to budding newsroom talent Singapore Synapxe chief executive, MND deputy secretary to become new perm secs on Sept 1 Singapore 5 women face capital charges after they were allegedly found with nearly 27kg of cocaine in S'pore Business Sumo Salad had valid insurance coverage for work injury claims: MOM 'I don't know (why I felt this way) but yesterday when I went to sleep, I thought, it would be a really great day and in the morning, I was really sure today I would beat the Chinese divers. I know that they are the best, the best country in this sport, and I am always training, thinking that I want to beat them. And today I got it. 'It's a dream come true.' Olvera had finished second behind Wang in the 2023 edition in Fukuoka and was third in Doha in 2024, behind Wang and Xie Siyi. Finishing behind China had become an all-too-familiar feeling to him. At the Paris Olympics last August, he also placed third behind Wang and Xie in the 3m springboard and partnered Juan Manuel Celaya Hernandez to a silver in the synchronized 3m springboard, as Wang and Long Daoyi claimed the gold. Even in Singapore, he had to settle for silver in the men's 3m synchronised springboard, 1m springboard and mixed 3m and 10m team – all behind Chinese rivals. The script looked set to stay that way on Aug 1. Going into the penultimate dive, it was the Chinese divers who had the upper hand with Cao and Wang racking up 344.80 points and 335.85 points respectively, while Olvera garnered 329.45. But the Mexican saved his best dives – and the most difficult ones – for the last two rounds, as he overtook his rivals to become the first non-Chinese winner in the event since Canada's Alexandre Despatie in 2005. Standing atop the podium with the Himno Nacional Mexicano blaring through the speakers was an emotional moment for him. 'Honestly, I was almost crying. I felt my country, I felt my family. I think they are really proud and I want to just enjoy the moment,' said Olvera. Despite finishing second, Cao said he was very satisfied. 'It's also a breakthrough for me. I really wanted to help the Chinese team win the gold medal, but there may be some details that I didn't do well enough,' said the 30-year-old. 'For me, second place is actually very satisfying, but I hoped to help the Chinese team win the gold medal.' During the preliminaries earlier in the day, Singapore's Avvir Tham and Max Lee finished 22nd and 44th respectively out of 65 and did not make it to the semi-finals. Only the top 18 progressed to the semi-finals before it was further whittled down to 12 for the final showdown.
