SPH enters into joint venture with the Star for the provision of digital media services in Malaysia

SINGAPORE, 7 April 2008

SPH II is a fully-owned subsidiary of Singapore's foremost media company Singapore Press Holdings Limited (

The joint venture is called "

The signing was done this morning at the headquarters of Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd, Menara Star, which is situated in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Signing on behalf of SPH was one of SPH II's directors, Mr Leslie Fong, who is also SPH's Senior Executive Vice President of Marketing. Representing the Star was their Chief Operating Officer Datin Linda Ngiam. SPH Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Chan and Chief Executive Officer of the Star Datuk Steven Tan were also present to witness the signing.

Mr Fong said: "Malaysia has one of the highest Internet penetration rates in Southeast Asia. More than half of its 28 million people enjoy ready access to the Internet. In absolute numbers, this is more than Singapore's entire population. Together with the country's growing economy, these make investing in the online business an attractive proposition."

"Furthermore, SPH has found a very good partner in The Star. As Malaysia's leading English-language newspaper, it is a strong brand name. With its intimate understanding of the Malaysian business environment and its well established network of readers and advertisers, it will have much to contribute to the success of our joint venture," added Mr Fong.