Singapore Press Holdings (SPH)

[CY09]

In the US media industry, it is fragmented and the political inclination of each media outlet is tied to the political ideology of the owner. There are various media outlets which support the right or left wing political ideology. Reporters are employees after all and to keep their jobs, they are aware they have to churn content to pander to their bosses. Fortunately, in the US, it is unregulated and there are two consumers base- Republican and Democrats. This comes to show how difficult it is for a media outlet to be truly unbiased.

Pulling back to the context of Singapore, it is inevitable SPH has to follow the rules and the whims of its owner. Its employees will do what most other employees do - Just follow Lor to protect your rice bowl. As for the consumer base in Singapore, we are quite aware there are 2 consumer bases as well - XXX and XXX. However, the current legal climate in Singapore allows for only one media outlet to exist to cater to a particular consumer base.

On another note, SPH has completed the acquisition of Han Language (another enrichment center). IMO, it is quite apparent SPH is trying to diversify revenue stream to boost profitability. It is unlikely it will try to improve its media circulation (core business) for profits. I think the mgmt is quite aware what it can write and what it can't (the latter would have boost readership).

[corydorus]

In the US media industry, it is fragmented and the political inclination of each media outlet is tied to the political ideology of the owner. There are various media outlets which support the right or left wing political ideology. Reporters are employees after all and to keep their jobs, they are aware they have to churn content to pander to their bosses. Fortunately, in the US, it is unregulated and there are two consumers base- Republican and Democrats. This comes to show how difficult it is for a media outlet to be truly unbiased.

Pulling back to the context of Singapore, it is inevitable SPH has to follow the rules and the whims of its owner. Its employees will do what most other employees do - Just follow Lor to protect your rice bowl. As for the consumer base in Singapore, we are quite aware there are 2 consumer bases as well - XXX and XXX. However, the current legal climate in Singapore allows for only one media outlet to exist to cater to a particular consumer base.

On another note, SPH has completed the acquisition of Han Language (another enrichment center). IMO, it is quite apparent SPH is trying to diversify revenue stream to boost profitability. It is unlikely it will try to improve its media circulation (core business) for profits. I think the mgmt is quite aware what it can write and what it can't (the latter would have boost readership).

SPH is more nationalistic than Pro-PAP. Yea they lean to PAP more but not extreme else you will not see the constant MRT reporting.
I would still go to SPH for News in-addition to Internet news.


.

[weijian]

hi VBs,
Although by virtue that SPH is governed under Newspaper and Printing Presses Act, but this is generally an investment thread and let's not go too far into actual politics (any nations). To paraphrase what a VB once said - "Do not let this thread become a disguise for political overtones".

Do take note and don't stray out of topic.

Moderator

[tonylim]

In the US media industry, it is fragmented and the political inclination of each media outlet is tied to the political ideology of the owner. There are various media outlets which support the right or left wing political ideology. Reporters are employees after all and to keep their jobs, they are aware they have to churn content to pander to their bosses. Fortunately, in the US, it is unregulated and there are two consumers base- Republican and Democrats. This comes to show how difficult it is for a media outlet to be truly unbiased.

Pulling back to the context of Singapore, it is inevitable SPH has to follow the rules and the whims of its owner. Its employees will do what most other employees do - Just follow Lor to protect your rice bowl. As for the consumer base in Singapore, we are quite aware there are 2 consumer bases as well - XXX and XXX. However, the current legal climate in Singapore allows for only one media outlet to exist to cater to a particular consumer base.

On another note, SPH has completed the acquisition of Han Language (another enrichment center). IMO, it is quite apparent SPH is trying to diversify revenue stream to boost profitability. It is unlikely it will try to improve its media circulation (core business) for profits. I think the mgmt is quite aware what it can write and what it can't (the latter would have boost readership).

SPH is more nationalistic than Pro-PAP. Yea they lean to PAP more but not extreme else you will not see the constant MRT reporting.
I would still go to SPH for News in-addition to Internet news.


.

http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/kha...ain-delays

SINGAPORE — Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (July 27) hit out at the mainstream media’s coverage of recent MRT train delays linked to the trial of the new signalling system on the North South Line (NSL), saying it has “magnified the problem unfairly”.

[Behappyalways]

Something to lighten the day...^^^^


Pages 59, Straits Times

Another shareholder questioned the appointment of Ng Yat Chung as the new executive, asking why he has been selected and what he brought to the group from his previous work experience.

Non-executive and independent director Bahren Shaari said:" We have a thorough process of selecting candidate"
"And given the background and experience of Yat Chung, and what he had achieved in his career ...we find him to be the most suitable candidate."

[Problem.Kid]

Something to lighten the day...^^^^


Pages 59, Straits Times

Another shareholder questioned the appointment of Ng Yat Chung as the new executive, asking why he has been selected and what he brought to the group from his previous work experience.

Non-executive and independent director Bahren Shaari said:" We have a thorough process of selecting candidate"
"And given the background and experience of Yat Chung, and what he had achieved in his career ...we find him to be the most suitable candidate."

Dr Lee added that he strongly supported the appointment of Mr Ng, who has served on the SPH board since August 2016 and been involved in many of its discussions about the group's strategy. Mr Ng was the "most appropriate candidate" for the job, of those whom the board had considered, he said.

It is interesting that he has been 'involved' and not leading the discussions... and the reporter purposely put the quotation mark on "most appropriate candidate"...

[kichialo]

Something to lighten the day...^^^^


Pages 59, Straits Times

Another shareholder questioned the appointment of Ng Yat Chung as the new executive, asking why he has been selected and what he brought to the group from his previous work experience.

Non-executive and independent director Bahren Shaari said:" We have a thorough process of selecting candidate"
"And given the background and experience of Yat Chung, and what he had achieved in his career ...we find him to be the most suitable candidate."

It is a meaningless template reply.

[vingaard]

"Most suitable candidate" for handling asset sales, I guess. Well, that would be good for the businesses being sold off. They become profitable after getting sold off. Lol!

[BRT]

SPH REIT’S ACQUISITION – THE RAIL MALL
http://infopub.sgx.com/FileOpen/SPH%20RE...eID=502584

Singapore, 30 April 2018 – SPH REIT Management Pte. Ltd., the
Manager of SPH REIT (‘the REIT Manager”), is pleased to announce that
DBS Trustee Limited, in its capacity as Trustee of SPH REIT, has today
entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Pulau Properties (Pte)
Ltd., to acquire a 99-year leasehold estate commencing from 18 March
1947 in The Rail Mall, for S$63.238 million (the “Purchase Consideration”,
“Proposed Acquisition”).

so they only have a good 20+ years to milk this? anyway i should visit the place before the car park is no longer free lol.

[cyclone]

SPH Acquires UK Student Accommodation Portfolio for Approximately £180.5 Million

Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH) today announced that it has, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Straits One (Jersey) Limited, Straits Two (Jersey) Limited and Straits Three (Jersey) Limited, entered into a sale and purchase agreement on 7 September 2018 to acquire a portfolio of Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA) in the U.K. from Unite Group PLC (Unite) for a cash consideration of approximately £180.5 million (approximately S$321 million).

The portfolio comprises 14 buildings across 6 towns and cities in the U.K. and has a total capacity of 3,436 beds for student accommodation. The properties include 10 freehold assets and 4 leasehold assets, and are situated in established university towns and cities with large full-time student populations, including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Huddersfield, Plymouth and Sheffield.

The student accommodation in the U.K., which stands at the national average of 2.8 students to each bed, presents growth potential, with demand expected from both domestic and international students. The rising demand for PBSA is driven by an increase in first year, international and postgraduate students enrolling for higher education in the U.K. At the same time, in England, a record 27.9% of the 18-year-old population have been accepted for higher education this year, with enrolment projected to grow by 23.0% by 2030.

This transaction is expected to complete on or around 13 September 2018.

More details in :
1. http://infopub.sgx.com/FileOpen/SPH%20An...eID=524548
2. http://infopub.sgx.com/FileOpen/SPH%20Me...eID=524549