Former Singapore Cabinet minister Khaw Boon Wan is retiring after five years as chairman of SPH Media Trust (SMT) and SPH Media Holdings, closing a period of major transformation for Singapore’s media organisation.
Khaw, 73, was appointed chairman of SMT in May 2021 after Singapore Press Holdings restructured its media operations into a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. He subsequently guided the organisation through changes in its digital operations and leadership structure.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong thanked Khaw for stepping out of retirement to take on the role and for guiding SPH Media through what he described as an important period of transition. Wong said the organisation strengthened its digital and multimedia capabilities under Khaw’s leadership and expanded its reach across Singapore’s four official languages.
Digital Development and Information Minister Josephine Teo also paid tribute to Khaw, highlighting his leadership during SPH Media’s transformation and its efforts to adapt to changing media-consumption habits. She said the organisation is continuing to develop digital capabilities, partnerships and potential applications of artificial intelligence in its newsrooms.
Chan Yeng Kit Takes Over as Executive Chairman
The leadership transition took effect on Oct. 1, with SPH Media CEO Chan Yeng Kit, 61, becoming executive chairman of both SPH Media Trust and SPH Media Holdings.
Chan takes on the expanded role while continuing as CEO. Kuek Yu Chuang, previously deputy CEO, has been appointed managing director and will oversee day-to-day operations as well as the organisation’s near- to medium-term plans.
The company has also refreshed its board, adding directors with backgrounds in technology, artificial intelligence, education and community-related sectors. Four existing directors are retiring as part of the board renewal.
SPH Media Faces a Rapidly Changing News Landscape
The leadership change comes as traditional media organisations face continuing shifts in how audiences consume news.
SPH Media now operates across more than 120 channels, including websites, applications, social media, messaging platforms, video and podcasts. The organisation says its various titles reach close to nine in 10 Singaporeans each week.
Kuek said SPH Media will need to combine its established journalism capabilities with rapidly developing technology, including generative and agentic AI, while maintaining accurate news coverage.
For Khaw, the transition marks the conclusion of a five-year chapter.
He said building the organisation’s new foundation was challenging amid a changing media environment, but expressed confidence in Chan’s leadership and SPH Media’s ability to continue evolving.
The change therefore goes beyond a single leadership departure. SPH Media is entering its next phase with a new executive chairman, a new managing director and a renewed board — while the media industry around it continues to change at unprecedented speed.
WWC ONE MEDIA G,A
