SINGAPORE – Changes in the media landscape in recent years have impacted traditional mainstream media and stiffened competition.
The younger generation prefers instant news bites over long analyses and articles, and many choose to get information through social media or other websites.
In the face of these challenges, Lianhe Zaobao must make adjustments, but at the same time stick to the core principles that have made it successful over the years, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the centennial celebrations of the flagship Chinese-language newspaper of SPH Media Trust on Wednesday.
“While making news interesting and exciting, you must maintain high standards of journalism to provide readers with quality and credible news,” he said in Mandarin.
“At the same time, through objective analyses and reliable reporting, Zaobao should cultivate readers’ interest in in-depth reporting, and encourage them to understand news events in a more comprehensive way.”
He said he is heartened to see Zaobao move with the times and maintain its competitiveness in various ways, such as producing videos and adopting other digital elements to woo young readers.
Another important role that Zaobao plays is the promotion of Chinese culture and language in Singapore’s multiracial society, said DPM Wong, who said he reads at least an article in Zaobao daily or watches its videos to learn Chinese.
“I believe many people learn Chinese from reading newspapers or watching videos,” he said.
“The Government will continue to support and work closely with partners like Zaobao to promote the use of Chinese and Mandarin. We can make learning Chinese easier and more fun through various ways.”
At Wednesday’s event, Mr Wong launched the daily’s commemorative projects at the Afro-Asia Building, the former site of Nanyang Siang Pau’s office.
Zaobao was formed in 1983 through the merger of Nanyang Siang Pau and Sin Chew Jit Poh, which were founded in 1923 and 1929 respectively.
The commemorative projects are Zaobao’s centennial oral history website, Chinese-language book Our Story, An Oral History Of Lianhe Zaobao, an online interactive graphic titled A Scroll Through A Century, and an online documentary series,The News Catcher.
The oral history research materials were donated to the National Archives of Singapore at the event.
To mark its 100th anniversary, Zaobao unveiled on Wednesday a refreshed look and new logo across its print, Web and mobile editions on Wednesday.
Content will be presented in more relatable and informative ways, such as the introduction of explainers “LHZB Knows” to explain current issues.
More video and audio content will accompany news articles to facilitate better understanding of complex issues. There will also be more insights and analyses for its domestic and global audiences.
Zaobao editor Goh Sin Teck said: “Zaobao stands as a testament to the power of transformation, offering not just text, but a fusion of visuals, sounds, and interactive experiences that caters to different audiences.
“Our new brand promise and content strategy signify our commitment to continue to adapt and innovate with our audiences, as we embark on our next centennial.”
Mr Wong said Zaobao has produced extraordinary achievements and is today a household name in and beyond Singapore, and a trusted brand.
“Zaobao will continue to exert its influence in our society in future”, he said.
“This is one of the goals behind the Government’s funding to support SPH Media Trust.
“We hope to help Zaobao cultivate more talent, upgrade its skills, and produce more quality content to benefit more readers.”
