SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SECOND NEW PUBLICATION

Following its announcement yesterday on the launch of Project Eyeball, Singapore Press Holdings releases news on the launch of a second new publication - titled Streats - in early September of 2000.

Streats is a commuter-friendly newspaper. Apart from up-todate news nuggets and entertainment features it is loaded with in-paper contests, serialized comics and freebies to engage the reader. It is available free at all news-stands island-wide from as early as 6.30 am. It will be a staple for readers who need a quick news update or looking to be entertained while commuting to work. The newspaper is available from Mondays to Fridays. It will have a mass circulation of 200,000 copies.

Says Mr Tham Khai Wor, Executive Vice President of Singapore Press Holdings, Streats offers the commuters essential and latest news to start off the day. As a bonus for the rest of the day, these readers will be entertained with the features, serials and numerous contests as well as enjoy the freebies offered. All these - treats and thrills - they will find in Streats."

Commenting on the entry of the two new Singapore Press Holdings newspapers, Streats and Project Eyeball on the media scene, Mr Seshdari Sampath, Managing Director of Advanced Techniques Group explains, " Today's youths and teenagers are looking for a vibrant way of expressing their opinions, being updated and being entertained. As the current available choices are limited, Streats and Project Eyeball will fill this void. There is definitely a niche for these two newspapers."

Providing an advertiser's point of view on what options the new publications will provide, Ms Lena Phua, General Manager (Group Marketing Services) of The Robinson's Group of Stores states, "The Robinson's Group of Stores is currently advertising in most of SPH's dailies as each newspaper provides a specific target audience through its distinct identity. This media strategy works for us. The addition of the two new publications will allow us to be more focussed in our media buy."

Commenting on Streats' entry into the media scene, Mr Hester Chew, Vice President and Managing Director of Tricon Restaurants International states, "Streats" positioning goes hand in hand with that of Tricon's - quick news, and fast food for those on the go. That, and Streats' projected circulation of 200,000 copies each day makes it an ideal platform for Tricon to promote its chain of restaurants. As a business alliance it's a good fit as Streats can tap into Tricon's many outlets whilst Tricon customers are availed to their choice newspaper."

Streats with its team of 33 journalists is headed by editor Ken Jalleh Junior. He was formerly from The Straits Times, The Singapore Monitor and The New Paper. Last April he conceptualised and launched The New Paper on Sunday. The latter has since surpassed 160,000 in circulated copies each edition.

Assistant editors Calvin Low and Ravi Shankar earned their spurs in the Singapore Press Holdings newsrooms. The former was a member of the conceptual team for The New Paper on Sunday and the latter has worked in top newspapers in Australasia and the Middle East. Celebrity writers such as Diana Ser, Thomas Ong and Lawrence Chau are also in Streats' line-up.

Singapore Press Holdings is one of the region's largest publisher and the premier information and communications company in Singapore and Asia. It currently publishes 10 newspapers in 4 languages. In Singapore alone, these reach 3.8 million readers daily with a combined daily circulation of 1.1 million copies. The newspapers are available through an island-wide distribution network as well as home delivery.

The Group also publishes six magazines including the country's best-selling women's lifestyle magazine, Her World.

Issued by : Singapore Press Holdings

For more information :

Judy Choong
Senior Manager, Advertising & Promotions
Marketing Division
Tel : 740-2344 / 9732-0771
Fax: 748-7494
Date : 7 June 2000