Latest news with #ChanYengKit
Independent Singapore
6 days 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
7 days 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
7 days 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.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SPH Media leaders in China for exchanges with counterparts there
SINGAPORE – A group of senior executives from SPH Media is meeting media agencies in China to discuss challenges faced by mainstream news outlets, including misinformation and the need for digital transformation. During the four-day visit to Beijing, which started on July 7, they have also discussed collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence and journalism development. The group is led by SPH Media chief executive officer Chan Yeng Kit. It includes Ms Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH Media's Chinese Media Group (CMG), and Ms Loh Woon Yen, CMG's deputy editor-in-chief. In a statement on July 9, SPH Media said the purpose of the visit is to gain insight into the latest developments, innovations and trends shaping China's media landscape through engagements with mainstream media outlets there. These include China Media Group, People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency. The trip also includes visits to Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication, technology and media companies, as well as official entities, it said. Mr Chan said: 'This is the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China. During Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's recent visit to China, both countries' leaders had expressed support for deepening linkages, as well as continuing to enhance our people-to-people ties.' He added: 'SPH Media would like to build on the positive momentum of this bilateral cooperation and deepen sharing and exchanges with our counterparts in China on common challenges faced by mainstream media globally.' PM Wong was on a five-day official visit to China in June. It is his first visit to the country as prime minister. He had told Chinese President Xi Jinping that amid a turbulent and uncertain world, the relationship between Singapore and China is more important than before. Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the SPH Media delegation met its president, Mr Fu Hua, in Beijing on July 8. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing media cooperation under the guidance of the leaders of Singapore and China, it said. It quoted Mr Chan as saying that SPH Media will work with Xinhua to 'promote cooperation in news reporting, artificial intelligence and other fields'. It also reported that Mr Chan said under the guidance of both countries' leaders, both organisations will 'tell the stories of China, Singapore, Asia and the world, and accurately and objectively reflect the development and changes of the world'. Xinhua's Mr Fu said the news agency is ready to work with SPH Media to jointly tell the stories of the two countries' development and people-to-people friendship, and enhance communication under the framework of multilateral mechanisms and experience sharing. Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction Discover how to enjoy other premium articles here
Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
SPH Media leaders in China for exchanges with counterparts there
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE – A group of senior executives from SPH Media is meeting media agencies in China to discuss challenges faced by mainstream news outlets, including misinformation and the need for digital transformation. During the four-day visit to Beijing, which started on July 7, they have also discussed collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence and journalism development. The group is led by SPH Media chief executive officer Chan Yeng Kit. It includes Ms Lee Huay Leng, editor-in-chief of SPH Media's Chinese Media Group (CMG), and Ms Loh Woon Yen, CMG's deputy editor-in-chief. In a statement on July 9, SPH Media said the purpose of the visit is to gain insight into the latest developments, innovations and trends shaping China's media landscape through engagements with mainstream media outlets there. These include China Media Group, People's Daily and Xinhua News Agency. The trip also includes visits to Tsinghua University's School of Journalism and Communication, technology and media companies, as well as official entities, it said. Mr Chan said: 'This is the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China. During Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's recent visit to China, both countries' leaders had expressed support for deepening linkages, as well as continuing to enhance our people-to-people ties.' He added: 'SPH Media would like to build on the positive momentum of this bilateral cooperation and deepen sharing and exchanges with our counterparts in China on common challenges faced by mainstream media globally.' PM Wong was on a five-day official visit to China in June. It is his first visit to the country as prime minister. He had told Chinese President Xi Jinping that amid a turbulent and uncertain world, the relationship between Singapore and China is more important than before. Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported that the SPH Media delegation met its president, Mr Fu Hua, in Beijing on July 8. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing media cooperation under the guidance of the leaders of Singapore and China, it said. It quoted Mr Chan as saying that SPH Media will work with Xinhua to 'promote cooperation in news reporting, artificial intelligence and other fields'. It also reported that Mr Chan said under the guidance of both countries' leaders, both organisations will 'tell the stories of China, Singapore, Asia and the world, and accurately and objectively reflect the development and changes of the world'. Xinhua's Mr Fu said the news agency is ready to work with SPH Media to jointly tell the stories of the two countries' development and people-to-people friendship, and enhance communication under the framework of multilateral mechanisms and experience sharing.
