Highlights

• Turnover: HK$697.6 million (2003: HK$613.6 million; up by 14%)
• Operating profit: HK$136.5 million (2003: HK$60.4 million; up by 126%)
• Profit attributable to shareholders: HK$111.4 million (2003: HK$34 million; up by 228%)
• Earnings per share: HK 7.14 cents (2003: HK 2.18 cents; up by 228%)
• Interim dividend distribution per share: HK 5 cents (2003: HK 2 cents; up by 150%)

Hong Kong, September 6, 2004 – SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) ("the Group") today announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2004.

The operating results of the Group improved significantly compared with performance during the same period in 2003 when a weak economy and the outbreak of Sars adversely affected Hong Kong and the business of the Group. Turnover was $697.6 million, a 14% increase over the same period last year. Profit attributable to shareholders amounted to HK$111.4 million or HK$7.14 cents per share, 228% higher compared with the same period last year.

The Board declared an interim dividend distribution of HK 5 cents per share.

Operating costs and expenses rose slightly by 4% because of higher newsprint prices, advertising and promotion, and depreciation charges. Newsprint cost and usage increased by 7% and 23%, respectively. The Group spent more on advertising and promotions to drive circulation and to launch a new magazine in Hong Kong.

The publishing business recovered strongly led by the growth in advertising spending. Newspaper publishing revenue grew 32% while magazine publishing revenue grew 39%. In comparison, total ad spending across all media in Hong Kong grew 22% over the same period. The publishing business contributed 67% of total revenue and 93% of the operating profit of the Group.

The Hong Kong economy is expected to continue to grow, creating a favourable operating environment for the business of the Group. A recovery in consumer spending and stable unemployment rates will support further improvements in advertising income.

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About SCMP Group Limited

SCMP Group Limited is the holding company of South China Morning Post Publishers Limited, publisher of Hong Kong’s leading English language newspapers South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post, and other publishing subsidiaries. The Group’s core business is newspaper and magazine publishing. It also holds interests in retailing and other businesses and investments. The Group’s shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Prudence Lai
Manager
Marketing and Communications
SCMP Group Limited
Tel: (852) 2565 2415
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

MAXIM – THE WORLD’S #1 SELLING MEN’S MAGAZINE – LAUNCHES IN HONG KONG WITH SCMP GROUP AND UK BASED DENNIS PUBLISHING LTD

MAXIM, the magazine that investment bankers are five times more likely to read than Business Week* is set to launch this week in Hong Kong under a partnership between Dennis Publishing Ltd of the UK and the SCMP Group.

First launched in the UK in 1995, MAXIM now boasts a network of 21 editions in 32 countries, and a global circulation of 3.9million. The monthly title will launch in Hong Kong on 1st April, priced at HK$35, and in China shortly priced at RMB20.

Director of SCMP Consumer Magazines Angie Wong said, "The time is right for MAXIM. We are convinced that its unique editorial formula and strong brand recognition will make it an instant hit."

This editorial formula includes an irreverent but down-to-earth tone coupled with genuinely useful information on everything from cars, girls, gear and gadgets, to sport and entertainment, food and drink, travel and sex. And all combined with MAXIM’s drop-dead gorgeous production values.

The key to success, says Wong, is that MAXIM defines a very special time in a guy’s life. "This is the time when everything – career, relationships, partying – all comes together. It’s the time when a man knows what he wants, and has the cash to make it happen. He is as likely to hang out with friends and be admired for his wit and way with girls as his career choice and taste in clothes."

Aimed at a 23-35 year old affluent male audience, the Hong Kong edition of MAXIM will be supported with three months of promotional activity. Concentrating on out-of-home media, ads will debut on the MTR, billboards, bus-bodies and bus-shelters. There will also be a print campaign in selected daily and weekly press. Below the line, an on-pack premium will drive news-stand sales expected to reach 40,000, while there will be a glamorous launch party at Aqua, Number 1 Peking Road on Thursday, with expected attendance topping 300 clients and celebrities.

Meanwhile in China details of a local publishing partner are soon to be released and plans are well advanced for a launch in 32 cities nationwide with a projected circulation of 120,000. Aimed squarely at the market for "Young Bucks" MAXIM China hopes to take advantage of the dramatic social changes underway across the mainland. These changes have resulted in a scarcity of relevant reading for a whole generation of better-educated, later-marrying, success-driven professionals who are looking ahead and want information to guide them in their consumer and lifestyle choices.

About SCMP Group Limited

SCMP Group Limited is the holding company of South China Morning Post Publishers Limited, publisher of Hong Kong’s leading English language newspapers in addition to SCMP Magazines and SCMP Book. The Group’s core business is newspaper and magazine publishing, with a stable of titles including South China Morning Post, Sunday Morning Post, Cosmopolitan, Cosmo Girl!, Harpers Bazaar and Automobile. SCMP Group Limited also holds interests in retailing and other businesses and investments. The Group’s shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Amanda Turnbull
Director
Marketing and Communications
SCMP Group Limited
Tel: (852) 2250 3130
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

(* according to Fortune 500 CEO’s)

Highlights

• Turnover: $ 1,280 million
• Net profit: $ 1.8 million
• Net profit before revaluation deficit: $113.8 million
• Earnings per share: HK 0.11 cents
• Earnings per share before revaluation deficit: HK 7.29 cents
• Final dividend distribution per share: HK 4.00 cents
• Total dividend distribution per share for the year: HK 6.00 cents

(Hong Kong, March 30, 2004) – SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) ("the Group") today announced its final results for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Turnover for the year was $1,280 million and net profit was $ 1.8 million, which included a provision of $112 million for revaluation deficit in investment properties. Excluding the revaluation deficit, net profit amounted to $113.8 million or HK 7.29 cents per share.

The Group’s total revenue declined 6% on continued economic weakness made worse by the outbreak of SARS. In response to the business downturn, we implemented several cost saving measures. As a result, operating costs decreased by 7%. Rental and utilities decreased by 15%. Staff costs declined by 12% and headcount was down 4% to 1,247. Cost of production and sales was down 4% primarily due to lower newsprint cost and usage. Advertising and promotion expenses declined 51%.

Besides the revaluation deficit, the Group’s reported earnings included charges for office relocation expenses of $10.9 million and charges due to changes in accounting standard for deferred tax of $8.5 million.

The Board declared a final dividend distribution of HK 4 cents per share. Together with the interim dividend distribution of HK 2 cents already paid out, dividend distributions for the year totaled HK 6 cents, representing a payout of 82% of net profit before revaluation deficit in 2003.

Commenting on the results and business prospects ahead, Mr. Kuok Khoon Ean, Chairman of the SCMP Group, said, "2003 turned out to be one of the most unpredictable and difficult years in decades for our Company and our clients. In the same year that we faced the unprecedented challenges of SARS, we also recorded an extraordinary moment in the Company’s history. In November 2003, we celebrated the centenary of our flagship publication, the South China Morning Post.

Over the last century, much has changed and much has been accomplished. We look forward to the next year and beyond with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. Although we cannot control the external forces that shape our operating environment, we can control how we manage our business and execute our strategy. The SCMP Group’s emphasis for 2004 is on profitable market share and operating discipline.

Our long-term focus remains unchanged: delivering relevant content to our readers, offering new platforms and enhancing our ability to serve our advertisers, and making strategic investments to enhance the value of our existing assets or extend our brand. These strategies combined with strong financial discipline place us in a strong position to pursue opportunities for growth as they arise."

-End-

About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

SCMP Group Limited is the holding company of South China Morning Post Publishers Limited, publisher of Hong Kong’s leading English language newspapers South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post, and other publishing subsidiaries. The Group’s core business is newspaper and magazine publishing. It also holds interests in retailing and other businesses and investments. The Group’s shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Amanda Turnbull
Director
Marketing and Communications
SCMP Group Limited
Tel: (852) 2250 3130
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

Hong Kong, March 4, 2004 – SCMP.com, the Internet edition of the South China Morning Post has launched an exciting Q&A session On the Spot which lets readers interact live online with top columnists.

As part of its second subscription renewals campaign, SCMP.com this month launched four new products including On the Spot so readers can look forward to getting more out of SCMP.com, their online and print communities.

On the Spot gives readers a chance to have their say and join in lively debate on whatever concerns them. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 11 to 11.30am, opinionated Post writers will field questions live and on the spot. The initial line up includes popular business columnist Jake van der Kamp, veteran journalist Kevin Sinclair and Technology editor Neil Taylor. "On the Spot offers a far more integrated approach with the paper and website. We feel that our on and offline products are complimentary and so our promotion is structured to reflect that. You read Jake’s column in the paper, and then you can go online to discuss it with him. Depending on what you want from an SCMP product, you have the timeliness and interaction online, or the analysis and commentary in print" said Amanda Turnbull, the Post’s Director of Marketing and Communications. Readers can look forward to an extensive line up of Post writers and contributors in the coming year.

Other new features are:

Tomorrow’s News – An SMS alert service delivering advance news headlines direct to subscribers’ mobile phones so they can stay ahead of the press

Timely TV Guide – A searchable interactive guide to Hong Kong TV programmes, including highlights and critics’ reviews, compiled and updated daily.

Health and Fitness E-newsletter – A weekly e-newsletter to help readers keep abreast of all the developments in the search for healthy living with links to articles on conventional and not so conventional solutions.

Christopher Axberg, SCMP.com Publisher said, "We want to change the way people interact with the news and provide them with useful information and tools relevant to live their lives. On the Spot will get readers involved and give our writers a platform to connect and interact with them. We want to turn it into a virtual auditorium for great debate."

SCMP.com was one of the first newspaper sites in Asia to make the pioneering move to switch from a free service to a full subscription-based model in February 2002. The move has been extremely positive with the site generating over 20,000 subscribers. Last February, as part of its renewals campaign, SCMP.com threw open its site for free so that non-subscribers could visit the site and the new attractions since it moved to paid subscription. New additions to the site last year included a Greater China newspaper digest, Talkback, a have-your-say forum and an expanded Greater China map.

This year the site has increased its price to HK$399 (US$51.50) for an annual subscription. Axberg said he was confident that the new subscription price would not deter readers, "Readers realise the value of paying for high-quality content and services. The price is not that expensive, and globally, consumers are warming to the notion of paying for online content". Existing subscribers can renew in the coming year at the old price of HK$249 (US$32).

The campaign is part of SCMP.com’s continual effort to grow its product and provide a useful service for its users. Mr Axberg was extremely positive that the campaign would be a success and would achieve its objective of achieving a 65% renewal rate for 1st year renewals and 80% for second year renewals.

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About SCMP.com

SCMP.com is the Internet edition of the South China Morning Post, Asia’s most respected source of English language news for almost 100 years. SCMP.com leverages the superior content of the South China Morning Post and offers unrivalled and independent local news coverage plus in-depth analysis of Greater China, regular updates throughout the day, e-newsletters, news on PDA, special reports and 10 free articles from the SCMP archive for an annual fee of HK$399 (US$51.50). In February 2002, SCMP.com went from being a free service to a subscription-based service. The site has over 20,000 paid subscribers and delivers over 25 million pageviews a month.

For further information, please contact:

Sharon Galistan
Manager, Marketing and Communications, SCMP.com
Tel: (852) 2250 3128
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: sharon.galistan@scmp.com

Hong Kong, February 19, 2004 – The South China Morning Post Fund Manager of the Year Awards 2003 today acknowledged the top performing funds and their respective fund managers, covering different global markets and all asset classes.

The investment funds award was organised by the South China Morning Post in association with Standard & Poor’s Fund Services and sponsored by Peace Mark (Holdings) Limited.

In the leading group awards, which evaluate the overall performance of fund management groups, Threadneedle Asset Management Limited took the honour for the 3-year category, while the 5-year and 10-year group awards were won by JF Asset Management.

Among the other awards, from a pool of more than 1,800 retail market-oriented funds registered for sales, 72 winners were recognised from a total of 31 sectors.

Financial Secretary, the Honorable Mr. Henry Tang, was the guest of honour at the Awards presentation ceremony and presented the award certificates to the major winners.

South China Morning Post Group Editor-in-Chief Mr. David Armstrong said, "Hong Kong’s fund market is relatively under-developed. Therefore, investor education must be enhanced to change Hong Kong people’s investing culture. Being a leading newspaper in Hong Kong, we believe the South China Morning Post, through its Business section, is an effective tool to assist industry players to achieve this goal."

Standard & Poor’s Investment Services for Asia-Pacific, Managing Director Mr. William J. Reidy commented, "With more than 1,800 funds registered for sale in the market, the unit trust industry in Hong Kong has shown significant growth over the past few years. This growth will be further fueled by the current low-interest rate environment, which will inevitably lead investors to seek investment products that will deliver higher returns at a sustained risk level. With this increasingly vast universe of funds for investors to choose from, it is now more critical than ever for there to be an objective and independent benchmark for gauging funds’ performance, a need that Standard & Poor’s and our partner SCMP believe can be filled with the Fund Manager of the Year Award."

The South China Morning Post Fund Manager of the Year 2003 was assessed using a methodology known as Relative Risk-Adjusted Ratio as was the case last year. This calculation evaluates the performance of a fund and the consistency of that performance relative to other funds in its peer group sector. Three time periods, namely three years, five years and ten years, were analysed for this year’s Awards.

 

-End-

About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited publishes the South China Morning Post and the Sunday Morning Post, the premier English language daily and Sunday newspapers with the highest circulation and readership of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post, with its first edition published in 1903, is a leading commentator on Greater China and is read widely by government officials, business people, professionals and academics. It is also the market leader for display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Through its subscription-based online service, SCMP.com, a global audience is offered access to unrivalled, independent, local news coverage and in-depth analysis of Greater China. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited whose shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

Contact:

Prudence Lai
Corporate Communications Manager
South China Morning Post
Tel: (852) 2565 2415
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

Hong Kong, February 3, 2004 – The South China Morning Post announced the appointment of Fanny Fung as Deputy Editor, with the responsibility for the newspaper as a whole, effective from today. She will be largely responsible for the daily newspaper operations while simultaneously driving news coverage, and leaving David Armstrong, Group Editor-in-Chief, to focus more closely on the editorial strategy and direction for the newspaper.

Ms Fung who is a highly experienced English-language journalist, has a track record in both print and electronic media. Prior to joining the South China Morning Post, she was a deputy editor of The Standard.

CK Lau, formerly Executive Editor, News will take up a new senior writing role as Executive Editor, Policy. He is an experienced writer in the public policy field and with his additional international exposure, will help the South China Morning Post carry out its role as the leading newspaper for policy discussion and debate.

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About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited publishes the South China Morning Post and the Sunday Morning Post, the premier English language daily and Sunday newspapers with the highest circulation and readership of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post, with its first edition published in 1903, is a leading commentator on Greater China and is read widely by government officials, business people, professionals and academics. It is also the market leader for display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Through its subscription-based online service, SCMP.com, a global audience is offered access to unrivalled, independent, local news coverage and in-depth analysis of Greater China. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited whose shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Prudence Lai
Marketing and Communications Manager
South China Morning Post Publishers Limited
Tel: (852) 2565 2415
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

Hong Kong, December 9th, 2005 – The South China Morning Post today announced the launch of a new monthly glossy lifestyle magazine to debut on January 6, 2006. STYLE will be distributed free with the South China Morning Post on the first Friday of every month.

“At a stroke we’ll be creating the biggest circulating upscale glossy in Hong Kong,” (Jan-June 2005 ABC 103,964) says Amanda Turnbull, SCMP’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “From an advertisers’ perspective STYLE’s high quality glossy paper stock, glorious colour treatment and month-long shelf-life will provide stand-out advertising opportunities.”

Produced by the team behind the award-winning Post Magazine, STYLE is the savvy consumers’ guide to the finer things in life. “Each mouth-watering issue will have personality columns, the latest news and the hottest must-haves, plus a selection of profiles and exclusive feature articles. STYLE promises to be the ultimate guide to good living.” said Desiree Au, STYLE magazine’s editor.

“STYLE aims to capitalize on the ad revenue success that we’ve had with our special reports over the last few years, but with its regular publishing date, we hope to leverage it for circulation gains as well,” said Turnbull.

And she continued, “SCMP readers have high personal and household income and are the biggest credit card spenders of all daily newspaper readers in Hong Kong. They spend on dining, travel, clothing, entertainment, beauty & health, and personal gadgets. STYLE’s contents will reflect these interests by providing an upscale lifestyle magazine.”

The launch issue in January, titled “The Luxe Life” will encompass all the lifestyle subjects to be featured over the year and set the scene for the next 12 months. Double issues will be produced in March and September, featuring both Men’s and Women’s Fashion, while other months will cover topics including Health and Beauty, Travel, Living, Motoring and Career Women.

-End-

ABOUT SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

The South China Morning Post is Asia’s premier English language daily with the highest circulation of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. With 100 years of history, the South China Morning Post is widely read by affluent and well-educated decision makers, managers and executives in Hong Kong. According to the AC Nielsen 2005 Media Index Report, it has 96% of the English language newspaper readership in Hong Kong. It is also the market leader in display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Its subscription-based Internet edition, SCMP.com offers global access to the editorial content of the newspaper, breaking news updates throughout the day, e-newsletters and news on PDA.

The South China Morning Post receives constant recognition for its editorial and technical capability. Awards recently won included two excellence technical awards in PANPA Awards 2005, six awards in 10th Annual Human Rights Press Awards, five excellence editorial awards in SOPA 2005, two design awards in the IFRA 2005, two design awards from 26th Best of Newspaper Design Competition, and Hong Kong News Awards 2004 including for Best News Writing and Best Business News Writing.

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited. SCMP Group is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Prudence Lai
Marketing and Communications Manager
South China Morning Post
Tel: (852) 2250 2415
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

Hong Kong, October 20, 2005 – SCMP/IFPHK Financial Planner Awards 2005, the first of its kind in the region, today acknowledged the top performing financial planners from the banking, insurance, and the independent financial advisory industry sectors. The award was co-organised by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK).

Three industry winners were Mr. Man Kit, Albert (banking), Mr. Ho Ka Kei (insurance) and Mr. Lo Kam Cheung, Enoch (independent financial advisory). The Award of the Year 2005 went to Mr. Lo Kam Cheung, Enoch.

Executive Director of Securities and Futures Commission Mrs. Alexa Lam was the guest of honour at the Awards presentation ceremony and delivered a speech on industry related topics.

Business Editor of SCMP, Mr. Simon Pritchard said, “Hong Kong had no objective standard for measuring financial planning contributing to an under-developed industry without firm standards. This reflected a very traditional approach to wealth management emphasising simple stock, cash and property investing. However, in recent years the wider acceptance of managed saving products has increased the need for high quality, objectively-based, advice. For this reason the South China Morning Post feels proud to be associated with these awards which have the capability to significantly change industry practice and adviser behaviour.”

“The SCMP/IFPHK Financial Planner Awards forms a crucial part of our efforts to heighten the level of professionalism in Hong Kong, while raising the public profile of the financial planning community. With its focus on financial planning excellence and standards, the Award will no doubt set a benchmark for the whole industry to follow,” said Ms Angeline Chin, Chief Executive Officer of IFPHK.

The award competition, which commenced on May 5, 2005, attracted over 110 contestants submitting their entries. The contestants were divided based on their industry and experience. Each contestant was asked to provide an actual written financial plan. Contestants, who successfully entered the second round, were required to give oral presentation in the finals. Assessment criteria included presentation and communication skills, understanding of client’s situation, and identification of client’s needs with appropriate recommendations.

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ABOUT SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST

The South China Morning Post is Asia’s premier English language daily with the highest circulation of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. With 100 years of history, the South China Morning Post is widely read by affluent and well-educated decision makers, managers and executives in Hong Kong. According to the AC Nielsen 2004 Media Index Report, it has 96% of the English language newspaper readership in Hong Kong. It is also the market leader in display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Its subscription-based Internet edition, SCMP.com offers global access to the editorial content of the newspaper, breaking news updates throughout the day, e-newsletters and news on PDA.

The South China Morning Post receives constant recognition for its editorial and technical capability. Awards recently won included two excellence technical awards in PANPA Awards 2005, six awards in 10th Annual Human Rights Press Awards, five excellence editorial awards in SOPA 2005, two design awards in the IFRA 2005, two design awards from 26th Best of Newspaper Design Competition, and Hong Kong News Awards 2004 including for Best News Writing and Best Business News Writing.

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited. SCMP Group is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

About IFPHK
IFPHK was established in June 2000 as a non-profit organisation to develop and maintain the high professional standards and self-discipline for providers of financial planning services in Hong Kong. The Institute is authorised by the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) to be the sole licensing body in Hong Kong and Macau that grants the highly-regarded and internationally-recognised CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM certification to qualified financial planning professionals.

It represents the financial planning practitioners in Hong Kong with close to 5,500 members from such diverse professional backgrounds as banking, insurance, investment, stockbroking, accounting, and legal services.

For media enquiry, please contact:
Prudence Lai
Marketing and Communications Manager
South China Morning Post
Tel: (852) 2250 2415
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com

(Hong Kong, September 28, 2005) SCMP.com, the Internet edition of Hong Kong’s leading English-language newspaper – South China Morning Post, has taken digital marketing to a new level by combining the MP3 player platform with podcasting, to promote the launch of its new products and services.

SCMP.com is distributing 100 MP3 players through a partnership with Creative Labs to some of Hong Kong’s top executives in the media and advertising industry, as part of its "Hear All About It" promotion.

SCMP.com publisher Christopher Axberg said, "This promotion clearly demonstrates our commitment to innovative digital marketing, by providing unique opportunities for advertisers and partners to deliver their message across emerging digital platforms."

This month, SCMP.com debuts the following websites:

• SCMP Media Post, featuring views of media and advertising professionals
• SCMP Podcasts on the latest trends in business, technology and lifestyle
• SCMP Greater China Outlook, daily news summaries of SCMP stories in Traditional and Simplified Chinese
• Destination China featuring the best in business travel
• Cartoon Caption Contest, offering subscribers the opportunity to win fabulous prizes.

Axberg continued, "We’re very excited about what’s going on with SCMP.com and its new products and services. With SCMP Media Post we’re targeting a defined, advertising and media buying market, and our simplified Chinese-language content will target the mainland China market."

What is unique about the "Hear All About It" promotion is the tying together of the MP3 digital content distribution platform with podcasting to inform media buyers and advertisers of SCMP.com’s new products and services.

"Our advertisers have asked us to bring them a high-end, affluent audience interested in purchasing and interacting with digital media. The successes we’ve had with our marketers in being able to do advertising and direct marketing toward this audience has been quite powerful," said Axberg.

In addition to the 100 MP3 players that are being distributed, local media and advertising representatives will be invited to register for a complimentary trial of SCMP.com until the end of the year.

About the South China Morning Post

The South China Morning Post is Asia’s premier English language daily with the highest circulation of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. With 100 years of history, the South China Morning Post is widely read by affluent and well-educated decision makers, managers and executives in Hong Kong. According to the AC Nielsen 2004 Media Index Report, it has 96% of the English language newspaper readership in Hong Kong. It is also the market leader in display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Its subscription-based Internet edition, SCMP.com offers global access to the editorial content of the newspaper, breaking news updates throughout the day, e-newsletters and news on PDA.

The South China Morning Post receives constant recognition for its editorial and technical capability. Awards recently won included two excellence technical awards in PANPA Awards 2005, six awards in 10th Annual Human Rights Press Awards, five excellence editorial awards in SOPA 2005, two design awards in the IFRA 2005, two design awards from 26th Best of Newspaper Design Competition, and Hong Kong News Awards 2004 including for Best News Writing and Best Business News Writing.

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited. SCMP Group is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

-End-

For media enquiry, please contact:

Amanda Turnbull
Director
Marketing and Communications
South China Morning Post
Tel: (852) 2250 3130
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: amanda.turnbull@scmp.com

Highlights

• Turnover: HK$536.5 million
• Recurring operating profit: HK$138.7 million
• Operating profit: HK$141.3 million
• Net profit: HK$112.3 million
• Earnings per share: HK$0.072
• Dividend: HK$0.05

(Hong Kong, September 13, 2005) – SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) ("the Group") announced today its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2005.

Profit attributable to shareholders was $112.3 million or $0.072 per share on turnover of $536.5 million. Earnings growth in the Newspaper and Magazine Divisions was offset by reduced contributions from other businesses.

Operating costs and expenses increased 9% because of higher newsprint expense, advertising and promotion spending, and staff cost. Production costs rose 20% mainly due to a 21% increase in average newsprint cost from US$452 to US$545 per metric ton. Newsprint consumption increased by 3% as a result of higher advertising volume, which was partly offset by production efficiencies.

The Board of Directors declared an interim dividend of HK$0.05 per share.

The Newspaper Division reported a profit of $108.5 million in the first half compared with $95.8 in the same period last year. Revenues grew 9% on satisfactory growth in ad revenues. Circulation of the South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post grew 3% to 103,000 and 80,900, respectively based on unaudited figures for the first half of 2005. Display and recruitment ad revenues increased 13% and 14%, respectively. Results announcements accounted for 4% of total newspaper revenue and 5% of total ad revenue in the first half of 2005.

Capital expenditures were $56.9 million, of which $49.9 million was invested in new printing presses. The new presses will be commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2005. The total cost of the new presses is $94.5 million.

The second half is likely to see a pick-up in advertising demand driven by continued consumer spending and low unemployment levels. The Group is well-placed to benefit from this favourable business environment.

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About SCMP Group Limited

SCMP Group Limited is the holding company of South China Morning Post Publishers Limited and other subsidiaries engaged mainly in newspaper and magazine publishing. South China Morning Post, its flagship publication, is the leading English language newspaper in Hong Kong with a circulation of 103,000 and the most affluent and influential readership. SCMP Group also publishes Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, CosmoGirl! and Maxim for the Hong Kong market.

This press release can be downloaded from www.scmpgroup.com.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Prudence Lai
Manager
Marketing and Communications
SCMP Group Limited
Tel: (852) 2565 2415
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: communications@scmp.com