Latest news with #SPHMedia
Independent Singapore
9 hours ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Netizen questions if SPH Media staff celebrated for ‘keeping print alive' were also affected by layoffs
FB/SPHMediaLtd SINGAPORE: A netizen online has questioned whether SPH Media staff recently featured for 'keeping print alive' in the city-state were among those affected by fresh retrenchments announced by SPH Media on Tuesday evening (July 22). 'Not sure whether any of those staff being celebrated earlier on were retrenched by SPH,' the user wrote on r/singapore. Another commenter said, 'Ouch… Just one week apart… does not look good.' On Tuesday, SPH Media chief executive Chan Yeng Kit announced in an internal e-mail that 11 production workers would be laid off. The affected staff had been operating two of the company's six printing presses, as well as handling newspaper distribution duties, The Straits Times reported. The cuts follow the decommissioning of two 30-year-old Colorliner printing presses, which the company said had reached the end of their operational lifespan. These were made by Manroland Goss Web Systems and were first used in 1996. Printing operations are being shifted to the four remaining Commander presses from Koenig & Bauer, which were deployed in 2003. These newer machines can print up to 56 broadsheet colour pages and produce up to 72,000 copies per hour. An SPH Media spokeswoman told The Straits Times that the changes allow the company 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 added. She also noted that the company explored redeployment opportunities but found no suitable placements for the affected workers. Just last week, The Straits Times featured several decades-long serving staff behind what's 'keeping print alive' in Singapore. The featured employees included 60-year-old Abdul Razak, who joined the pre-press team over three decades ago and now works as a senior pre-press specialist; 56-year-old production manager Sumithy Kamalakaran; 64-year-old senior production manager Phua Kia Wah; 63-year-old assistant production manager Suhaimi Hamzah; and 55-year-old printing line chief Low Kok Siong, among others. /TISG Read also: SPH Media lays off 34 tech staff after reportedly claiming 'no such exercise' days earlier—The Edge Singapore reports () => { const trigger = if ('IntersectionObserver' in window && trigger) { const observer = new IntersectionObserver((entries, observer) => { => { if ( { lazyLoader(); // You should define lazyLoader() elsewhere or inline here // Run once } }); }, { rootMargin: '800px', threshold: 0.1 }); } else { // Fallback setTimeout(lazyLoader, 3000); } });
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
SPH Media lays off 11 workers with decommissioning of old printing presses
[SINGAPORE] SPH Media will lay off 11 production workers, following the decommissioning of two of the company's 30-year-old printing presses which have reached the end of their operational lifespan. 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
Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- Straits Times
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 July 22. SINGAPORE - SPH Media will lay off 11 production workers, following the decommissioning of two of the company's 30-year-old printing presses which have reached the end of their operational lifespan. SPH Media chief executive officer Chan Yeng Kit announced the job cuts in an e-mail sent to staff on July 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 July 22, 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. 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. Mr 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 July 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, Mr 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. Mr 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 July 1 that it will stop publishing its Indonesia edition from July 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 July 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.
Business Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
What Asia's Markets Are Really Reacting To
US tariffs are back with a vengeance, and this time they're aimed squarely at Asia. But in a surprising twist, markets across the region are powering ahead, brushing off policy threats and hitting record highs. Is the optimism justified, or are investors simply done holding their breath? In this week's Market Focus Weekly from The Business Times, host Emily Liu is joined by Raisah Rasid, global market strategist at JP Morgan Asset Management, to decode the latest round of tariff drama, investor sentiment, and why Japan and Malaysia may be more resilient than they appear. Why listen? Because tariffs are rising, but fear isn't Despite looming August deadlines and harsh new terms, especially for Vietnam and Japan, investors aren't panicking. Rasid explains why. Because Japan's deflation era may be ending Wage growth is up, consumer sentiment is steady, and the Bank of Japan is signalling action. The domestic story is finally turning. Because Malaysia is walking a tightrope With rates cut for the first time in five years, Malaysia is bracing for tech sector headwinds while betting on subsidies and investment to hold the line. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up Because copper just surged overnight A 50 percent tariff on copper imports shocked markets. Supply is tight, demand is rising, and prices may stay high for longer than expected. Market Focus Weekly delivers clear, timely insight on the stories shaping Asia's markets. Listen now at . Have feedback or an episode idea? Email the team at btpodcasts@ --- Written and hosted by: Emily Liu (emilyliu@ Produced and edited by: Howie Lim & Claressa Monteiro Produced by: BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Market Focus Daily and rate us on: Channel: Amazon: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube Music: Website: Feedback to: btpodcasts@ Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party's products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice. Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: BT Correspondents at: BT Podcasts at: BT Branded Podcasts at: BT Lens On:
Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
‘The Straits Times is a timeless brand, relevant across generations'
SPH Media's deputy CEO Kuek Yu Chuang says The Straits Times' brand equity and trust built up over the years are really valuable. Kuek Yu Chuang, 46 Profile Mr Kuek Yu Chuang, who joined SPH Media in July 2024 as deputy chief executive, brings over 20 years of diverse experience across both government and private sectors. He studied international relations at Peking University under a government scholarship and later pursued postgraduate studies in East Asian Studies at Harvard. He also completed a mid-career Executive MBA at Insead. His bicultural and global outlook has remained central to his career. After completing his studies, he served at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including a posting in Washington. His government career included work at the Ministry of Law on intellectual property issues. In the private sector, he held varied roles at companies such as iQiyi, Netflix, Yahoo and Icann, focusing on areas such as corporate management, digital innovation, public policy, audience growth and platform engagement. At SPH Media, Mr Kuek, 46, heads the strategy and operations division along with commercial functions like marketing, subscriptions and media solutions. He also oversees SPH's radio operations, out-of-home screens and Studio+65, a multimedia production facility created to enhance digital media capabilities. He is a strong advocate of strengthening brand equity, particularly for The Straits Times. Recollections 'In my various family chat groups, multiple links are shared daily. A common comment that often follows is, 'ST got report or not? If not, maybe it's fake news.' To me, that says a lot. It shows that Singaporeans turn to The Straits Times to fact-check information, and the important role we play in this area. The brand equity and trust we've built up over the years are incredibly valuable. Coming from the tech industry where brands are much younger and often struggle to build that kind of trust, I find what The Straits Times has achieved truly enviable. Amid global uncertainty, more readers are turning to us for accurate, reliable information. I see news and information as an evergreen business. It's not just about current affairs. People, including my own children, need trusted sources to help them understand the world around them, from practical matters like how to use CDC vouchers to broader issues such as global geopolitical shifts. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore HSA intensifies crackdown on vapes; young suspected Kpod peddlers nabbed in Bishan, Yishun Singapore Man charged over distributing nearly 3 tonnes of vapes in one day in Bishan, Ubi Avenue 3 Singapore Public healthcare institutions to record all Kpod cases, confiscate vapes: MOH, HSA Singapore Man allegedly attacks woman with knife at Kallang Wave Mall, to be charged with attempted murder Singapore Singapore boosts support for Timor-Leste as it prepares to join Asean Singapore UN aviation and maritime agencies pledge to collaborate to boost safety, tackle challenges Singapore High Court dismisses appeal of drink driver who killed one after treating Tampines road like racetrack Singapore 18 years' jail for woman who hacked adoptive father to death after tussle over Sengkang flat The world has always been uncertain, but with recent developments, I feel even more so. Singapore has always celebrated free trade and entering a world of tariffs and reciprocal tariffs is a bit of a shock to the system. It is a new world order. In such times, the need to 'sense-make' is even more crucial, and this is where The Straits Times plays a key role. The Straits Times is a timeless brand, relevant across generations. With SPH Media's broader portfolio, including lifestyle media, out-of-home solutions and radio, we now reach 73 per cent of Singapore's population weekly, or around 3.2 million people. This reach makes us not just relevant, but also valuable to our clients. But we're not standing still. We've made strong strides in our digital transformation, moving beyond traditional display advertising to offer integrated branded content, native storytelling, data-driven targeting and first-party audience solutions. Our e-paper, podcasts, social media presence and growing video footprint offer brands more meaningful ways to engage audiences. Our focus is on outcome-based solutions, aligned with client KPIs, whether that's reach, engagement or conversions, with clear metrics for success. Looking ahead, there's room for further growth. The digital space knows no borders. We have an opportunity to project Singapore's voice regionally and internationally. On the technology front, we want to use artificial intelligence (AI) to boost productivity and develop innovative consumer-facing products. Collaborating with partners on AI optimisation in an equitable fashion ensures that our content is not just cited and discovered but becomes part of the generative AI ecosystem. We want to embrace technology with an open, experimental mindset. Whether it's innovation or disruption, we'd much rather be a participant than a bystander.'
