SingaporeChan Yeng Kit Takes Helm at SPH Media
Former CEO becomes executive chairman, aims to ensure continuity and stability. SPH Media reaches nine in 10 Singaporeans weekly through 120 channels.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
Chan Yeng Kit, 61, has taken on the role of executive chairman of SPH Media Trust and SPH Media Holdings, effective October 1. He succeeds Khaw Boon Wan, who retired after five years as chairman.
Chan, who was the CEO of SPH Media since July 2024, will continue with executive responsibilities to ensure continuity and stability. He hopes to relinquish his executive roles and become a non-executive chairman within the next two to three years.
SPH Media has had three CEOs in the last five years, since it became a company limited by guarantee in 2021. Chan's experience in the public service, including 11 different organisations, will help provide stability and direction.
The media organisation's strategy is to make its content accessible across a range of platforms, including apps, social media, videos, and podcasts. SPH Media reaches nine in 10 Singaporeans weekly through 120 different channels.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong thanked Khaw Boon Wan for his service, noting that he had put SPH Media on a stronger footing during his term. Khaw had strengthened the company's digital and multimedia capabilities, reaching new audiences and continuing to serve Singaporeans across the four official languages.
Chan Yeng Kit said that SPH Media's mission is to engender an informed society in a post-truth world. The company maintains print for older readers while expanding digital, supporting vernacular titles, and running community initiatives to connect and inspire Singaporeans.
SPH Media's digital reach is the largest in Singapore, recording over 300 million page views each month across its owned and operated platforms. On social media, its titles reach an average of 1.2 billion impressions.
The company's leadership and board changes took effect on October 1, with Chan Yeng Kit succeeding Khaw Boon Wan as executive chairman.
Key facts
- Chan Yeng Kit is the new executive chairman of SPH Media Trust and SPH Media Holdings.
- He succeeds Khaw Boon Wan, who retired after five years as chairman.
- SPH Media reaches nine in 10 Singaporeans weekly through 120 channels.
- The company's digital reach is the largest in Singapore, with over 300 million page views each month.
Three perspectives
Neutral
The change in leadership at SPH Media is seen as a significant development in the company's efforts to adapt to the changing media landscape. The company's ability to reach a wide audience and provide credible news sources will be closely watched. The next few years will be crucial in determining the company's success in achieving its mission.
Positive
Chan Yeng Kit's experience and leadership will provide stability and direction for SPH Media. The company's strategy to make its content accessible across multiple platforms will help it remain relevant and trusted. The expansion of digital and community initiatives will also help to connect and inspire Singaporeans.
Negative
The frequent change in leadership at SPH Media may raise concerns about the company's ability to achieve its mission. The challenge of adapting to the changing media landscape and providing credible news sources in a post-truth world will be significant. The company's success will depend on its ability to innovate and stay relevant.
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