Xinhua, SPH Media to deepen cooperation amid 35th anniversary of Singapore–China ties
China’s Xinhua News Agency and Singapore’s SPH Media have pledged to strengthen collaboration in journalism, technology, and digital transformation as both countries mark 35 years of diplomatic relations.
- Xinhua and SPH Media agree to deepen cooperation after meeting in Beijing
- Discussions focus on storytelling, technology exchange, and tackling misinformation
- Visit aligns with Singapore–China’s 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties
SINGAPORE: China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency has confirmed plans to deepen cooperation with Singapore’s SPH Media, according to a report published by Xinhua on 8 July 2025.
Xinhua, which operates under China’s State Council, reported that an SPH Media delegation led by Chief Executive Officer Chan Yeng Kit (陈英杰) was in Beijing on Tuesday.
The delegation met Xinhua’s President Fu Hua (傅华) to discuss ways to strengthen ties between the two media groups.
Fu stated that both agencies aim to implement the “important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.”
He added that they intend to “jointly tell the story of the two countries’ development and people-to-people friendship.”
Fu further said the cooperation will include enhancing communication within multilateral frameworks and sharing industry experience.
SPH Media’s statement on visit
On 9 July evening, SPH Media issued a statement explaining that the visit aimed to gain insights into the latest developments, innovations, and trends shaping China’s media landscape.
The delegation engaged with major Chinese media organisations, including China Media Group, People’s Daily, and Xinhua News Agency.
It also visited the School of Journalism and Communication at Tsinghua University, as well as technology firms and official institutions.
SPH Media said that over three days, the delegation held discussions with senior representatives from these organisations on shared challenges such as misinformation and the need for digital transformation.
They also explored possible cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and journalism development.
Strengthening media ties between Singapore and China
On the significance of the visit, Chan said, “This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Singapore and China.”
“During Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent visit to China, both countries’ leaders expressed support for deepening linkages and strengthening people-to-people ties.”
Chan added that SPH Media “hopes to build on this momentum and expand exchanges with our counterparts in China on the common challenges facing mainstream media globally.”
SPH Media stated that key members of the delegation included Chan, Lee Huay Leng, Editor-in-Chief of SPH Media’s Chinese Media Group (CMG), and Loh Woon Yen, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of CMG.
Background on SPH Media Trust
SPH Media Trust was formed in 2021 as a company limited by guarantee to run the media operations formerly under Singapore Press Holdings.
In February 2022, Singapore’s government announced up to S$180 million in annual funding for five years to support SPH Media Trust, if it meets performance benchmarks.
The Ministry of Communications and Information said this support would help its digital transformation, boost newsroom capabilities, and maintain the viability of vernacular news outlets.
