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.

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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

(Hong Kong, August 15, 2005) SCMP.com, the Internet edition of Hong Kong’s leading English-language newspaper – South China Morning Post, will be providing exclusive English language news content podcasts to Apple Computer as it launches the region’s first-ever dedicated Podcasting site.

SCMP.com publisher Christopher Axberg said, "We are happy to partner with Apple Computer and believe that Podcasting is an effective and fresh way to reach our online readers and customers. SCMP.com is very interested in the prospects for expanding our programming beyond digital text and utilizing more of what the internet is bringing to its users – timely information in a flexible environment."

SCMP.com’s Podcast Section features downloadable audio reports and one-on-one interviews with leading decision makers and innovators in business, technology and the consumer electronics industry. Highlights of recent content include Dell chief executive Kevin Rollins’ first ever Podcast interview about Dell’s China investment and sales strategy, Chief business reporter and White Collar columnist Enoch Yiu’s interview with Executive Council member Bernard Chan Charnwut, and Lai See columnist Ben Kwok’s discussion with Marek Boguszewicz, professional kickboxer and trading floor support manager for ABN Amro.

SCMP Technology Post editor Michael Logan said, "Podcasting is the beginning of something far larger, something many in the technology and media industries have been waiting to occur since the World Wide Web’s dawn 10 years ago. Simply put, it is the convergence of text, audio and video around a single distribution channel — the Internet."

He continued, "Podcasting is very exciting for the SCMP, because it gives us a new way to reach our audience, allowing readers to hear directly from the news sources in their own voices. What’s more, podcasts are as portable as the traditional newspaper. You can listen to them on your desktop and take them on the go with your MP3 player."

All SCMP.com Podcasts are being made available for free public access and downloading until September 30, 2005 via Apple’s iTunes and from SCMP.com at http://podcasting.scmp.com

What is a "Podcast"?
A simple yet sophisticated transfer of audio content over the Internet. It allows audio files to be shared around the world with very little effort. Podcasts are typically MP3 audio files available for downloading onto computers and transferable to any portable digital-media device that can play MP3 files.

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, podcasts 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 the PANPA Awards 2005, six awards in the 10th Annual Human Rights Press Awards, five excellence editorial awards at 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.

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For media enquiries, 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

August 11, 2005, Hong Kong – The South China Morning Post last night won special praise for its outstanding Asian Tsunami coverage at the annual awards of the Asia-Pacific region’s premier newspaper organisation.

The paper’s entry was singled out for commendation in the Newspaper of the Year competition at the Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers’ Association (PANPA) annual awards, and it was also judged a "clear" winner in both of the awards’ technical categories for excellence in printing and picture reproduction.

PANPA is the biggest industry association for Asia-Pacific newspapers, and with a membership of nearly 200 newspaper groups across 18 countries it takes in every major title in Southeast Asia, the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.

The annual awards, the most fiercely contested in Asia, were presented last night in an Oscar-style ceremony on the final evening of the PANPA Annual Conference, which ran from August 8-10 in the northern Australian tourism centre of Cairns.

The South China Morning Post‘s entry in the over-50,000 circulation category of the Norske Skog Newspaper of The Year competition highlighted its news reporting in the aftermath of last December’s devastating Asian Tsunami, its Operation Santa Claus charity effort, which raised nearly $10 million for tsunami victims in just a fortnight, and the special series "Asian Tsunami: Recovery and Rediscovery", reviewing progress of relief efforts 100 days after the disaster.

The entry was alone in being highly commended by the judges following the award to the overall winner, Melbourne’s Herald Sun, one of Australia’s biggest and most successful tabloid papers.

For technical printing quality, meanwhile, the PANPA judges were unambiguous in saying that the South China Morning Post was unrivalled. "There was no contest: the South China Morning Post was clearly superior to all other entries," they said.

This is the second year in a row the paper has won the overall printing award in its category, the Award for Technical Excellence in a Newspaper Printed on a Double-Width Press up to Four Webs. It is also the fifth time in six years it has won the Award for Technical Excellence for Pre-Print/Supplement Printed on a Double-Width Press. It was also the winner in 2000 (the first year of the category award), 2001, 2003 and 2004.

David Armstrong, the South China Morning Post‘s Director, Editorial, hailed the awards. "Our success underlines both our commitment to quality journalism for the community we serve and our superlative printing standards," he said.

"The entry we submitted for Newspaper of the Year was recognised as outstanding for its depth of coverage and the contribution we were able to make in helping to harness Hong Kong’s generosity for victims and those affected by the Asian Tsunami. It is also, therefore, a tribute to our readers’ response, and a source of great pride that we continue to be able to make a difference in our community.

"The two technical award wins also cement our unrivalled reputation for printing quality, and continue our tradition of leading the field in a relentlessly competitive newspaper market.

"All in all, the awards highlight the Post‘s position as an all-round market-leader and one of the best newspapers in Asia."

The awards continue a hugely successful year for the South China Morning Post, with its reputation for editorial excellence recognized over the past six months with a long list of awards, including:

• One category win and five merits in the 10th Annual Human Rights Press Awards
  
• Five category wins for excellence and two honourable mentions from the Society of Publishers in Asia Editorial Awards 2005
  
• Two top design awards in the IFRA Asia Media Awards 2005, and two in the Society for News Design’s 26th Best of Newspaper Design Competition
  
• 12 winners and runners-up for journalism and photography at the Hong Kong News Awards 2004
  

The South China Morning Post is Hong Kong’s leading English-language daily newspaper. It is the only English-language newspaper officially audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulations. Its circulation from January to June 2005 was 101,872.

The Pacific Area Newspaper Publishers’ Association is an industry association, founded in 1969, representing newspapers in the Asia-Pacific region. A not-for-profit organisation, PANPA seeks to connect its members with the world’s best industry practice and to promote awareness and understanding of newspapers within the community. It acts as an information exchange for the newspaper industry through a regular magazine, specialist workshops and seminars covering all aspects of the newspaper industry, and the Annual Conference.

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For media enquiry, please contact:

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

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.

South China Morning Post will launch two new regular supplements this autumn. Footy, a weekly supplement will kick off on August 13 to coincide with the start of the English Premiere League season and China Business, a monthly supplement to the Business section, will be launched on September 5.

Commenting on these developments, Managing Director Nancy Valiente said, "We work continuously to provide news, analysis and features that are of great value and interest to our readers. 70% of our readers read our China news coverage regularly and 38% of our readers are avid sports fans. We’re building on these strong interests with these new supplements."

Footy, the first of the two to debut, will be edited by Deputy Sports Editor Donal Sculley. He expects the new product to set his readers up perfectly for the weekend’s games in England and beyond. "Footy is packed with match previews, statistics and behind-the-scenes gossip," he says, "It also boasts two world-famous football columnists in John Dykes and Nick Pulford who will ensure that whether you’re a partisan fan or an armchair critic you’re never at a loss for insightful tips and expert analysis."

To top off the Footy launch, SCMP.com will simultaneously launch an online fantasy football competition. SCMP.com readers can become virtual team managers with a £100 million budget and stand to win fabulous monthly prizes. At the end of the season, the overall winner will receive a free return ticket to London to watch an EPL match live.

Meanwhile, China Business will focus each month on a specific sector, with the first issue covering the telecommunications industry. China Business Editor, Elaine Chan describes the supplement as giving "an Asian perspective of China and the cultural climate that affects the way business is done".

SCMP sees a need in the market for in-depth analysis, different perspectives, and thought-provoking treatment of current business issues in China. "Unlike other business publications who re-purpose editorial content or use wire stories, our content will be 100% original, written by 24 journalists based in our three China bureaus", says Chan. "We will provide customized ‘news you can use’ to give our China business readers ‘hands-on’ information which they can convert into a competitive advantage."

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 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.

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For further information please contact

(English press)
Amanda Turnbull
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 2250 3130
Email: amanda.turnbull@scmp.com

(Chinese press)
Prudence Lai
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 2565 2415
Email: pruence.lai@scmp.com

Hong Kong, June 23, 2005 – SCMP Book Publishing Limited is pleased to announce today the official release of Silent Witness – The Spirit of Hong Kong at the 3/F Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse.

Endorsed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, this high-quality book traces the career of Silent Witness, a horse recognised everywhere as the world’s best turf sprinter, and records the roles of the major players associated with his record-breaking success.

Silent Witness’s popularity has gone way beyond traditional racing fans, thanks to his incredible 17 straight wins. This book records the triumphs, the thrills, the tributes, the awards, and ultimately the pain and reality in defeats at the highest international level.

Alongside the fabulous photos of Silent Witness in glorious action are chapters on the champion’s sire and dam, and where it all began on a stud farm in New South Wales, Australia. The book highlights the champions he surpassed on the way – former Hong Kong idol Co-Tack (10 wins) and mighty Italian champion Ribot (16 wins) – and shares the agony of his first defeat and then another heroic effort in the Yasuda Kinen in Japan.

And the book gives a rare insight into the private lives of the people who have made Silent Witness a thoroughbred icon.

Silent Witness, the Master of the Elite, represents the spirit of Hong Kong.

To celebrate this prestigious book launch, our guests of honour, Mr Ronald Arculli, JP, Chairman of Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mrs Betty da Silva, co-owner of Silent Witness, Mr Tony Cruz, the trainer, and Mr Felix Coetzee, the jockey, are invited to autograph copies of the limited edition.

Whether or not you are a horse lover, this book, packaged with a genuine gold-plated cover and each with a unique serial number and signatures of Mr. Ronald Arculli, Mrs Betty da Silva, Mr Tony Cruz and Mr Felix Coetzee, is a valuable addition to your library.

Publication Date: 23 June: Limited & Regular Editions display and receive orders at the Book Launch
26 June: Regular Edition pre-sale at Sha Tin Racecourse
27 June – 4 July: Limited Edition pre-sale at http://racing.scmp.com
5 July and onwards: Regular Edition available at major bookstores

ISBN: Limited Edition 962-17-8950-8
ISBN: Regular Edition 962-17-8947-8

Retail price: Limited Edition HK$988
Retail price: Regular Edition HK$488

About SCMP Book Publishing Limited
Established in 1981, SCMP Book Publishing Ltd. has a history of more than 23 years in Hong Kong. With over 100 new titles published each year, SCMP Books has accumulated over 2,000 titles in its catalogue. Being one of the pioneers in the book publishing industry, its mission is to publish and develop new books to fit the needs of readers from all walks of life. Three brand names have been developed for different target readers.

BOOK VISION This is a well-known brand aimed at more mature readers, focusing on selected famous writers both local and overseas, covering a wide range of categories including translated Japanese novels, prose, cookery books, travel guides and language learning series.

BOOK ONE Established in 1999, it is a fast-growing and widely accepted brand among Hong Kong youngsters. Book One introduces new writers to bring fresh air to the book industry, with categories like love stories, thrillers and mysteries, beauty guides, photo albums of famous artists, and trendy products like calendars, which are all youth-oriented.

SCMP BOOKS Launched in 2004, it is a new brand, focusing on English non-fiction publications and including books on travel and leisure as well as trade directories.

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For media enquiries, please contact
Ms Cathy Chow
Sales and Marketing Executive
SCMP Book Publishing Limited
SCMP Group Limited
Tel: (852) 2565 2545
Email: cathy.chow@scmp.com

Highlights

• Turnover: $1,375 million
• Recurring operating profit: $264 million
• Operating profit: $363 million
• Net profit: $317 million
• Earnings per share: HK 20.32 cents
• Final dividend distribution per share: HK 7 cents
• Special dividend distribution per share: HK 3 cents
• Total dividend distribution per share for the year: HK 15 cents

(Hong Kong, April 1, 2005) – SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) ("the Group") announced today its final results for the year ended December 31, 2004.

Profit attributable to shareholders was $317 million or HK 20.32 cents per share on turnover of $1,375 million. The operating results of the newspaper publishing business improved significantly. A gain of $77 million from the sale of its retailing business and a revaluation surplus of $ 18 million further boosted operating profit.

Operating costs and expenses rose by 1% because of higher newsprint expense, advertising and promotion spending, and depreciation charges which were partly offset by lower cost of sales and savings on rent. Average newsprint cost per metric ton increased 13% from US$420 in 2003 to US$476 in 2004. Newsprint consumption increased 16% due to higher ad volume and circulation sales. The Group spent more on advertising and promotions to drive circulation and advertising and to launch the Hong Kong edition of Maxim. Staff costs were flat. The Group had 1,035 employees as of 31 December 2004.

The Board of Directors declared a final dividend of HK 7 cents per share and a special dividend of HK 3 cents per share. The dividend is payable on 26 May 2005 to shareholders of record on 24 May 2005.

The newspaper publishing business accounted for 67% of the operating profit and 90% of the recurring operating profit of the Group. Unaudited second half 2004 circulation figures for South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post were 101,782 and 82,208, respectively representing an increase of 6% and 8%, respectively compared with the same period in 2003. Display and recruitment ad revenues increased 23% and 51%, respectively. The strong growth in recruitment ads reflects a full recovery from Sars which weakened the market in 2003.

The economic recovery in 2004 also led to improved results for existing magazine titles. Advertising revenues increased across all titles but operating profit declined after taking into account an operating loss for Maxim which was launched in April 2004.

In November 2004, the Group completed the sale of its retailing assets which constituted the Daily Stop chain of convenience stores. The Group realised a gain of $77 million from the sale. The net proceeds from the sale will be distributed as a special dividend to shareholders.

Capital expenditures in 2004 were $38 million, of which $15 million was invested in new advertising and circulation systems. The Group is investing in four new presses which will be commissioned in late 2005. The estimated cost of the new presses is $93 million of which $9 million was paid in 2004, $80 million will be paid in 2005 and $4 million in 2006.

The prospects in 2005 are positive although the Group expects its publishing businesses to grow at a slower pace than in 2004, which started from a very low base. Ad spending is expected to continue to grow in 2005 fuelled by stable economic growth and strong consumer confidence.

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About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

SCMP Group Limited, through various operating subsidiaries, publishes South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post, Hong Kong’s leading English language newspapers, SCMP.com and the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, CosmoGirl!, Maxim and Automobile. In addition, the Group has investments in other publishing-related businesses and properties.

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

Hong Kong, February 21, 2005 – The South China Morning Post Fund Manager of the Year Awards 2004 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 American International Assurance.

In the leading group awards, which evaluate the overall performance of fund management groups, Fidelity Investments Management (Hong Kong) Limited took the honour for the 3-year and 10-year categories, while the 5-year group award was won by UBS Global Asset Management.

Among the other awards, from a pool of more than 1,900 retail market-oriented funds registered for sales, 72 winners were recognised from a total of 31 sectors.

Chairman of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited Mr. Charles Lee was the guest of honour at the Awards presentation ceremony and presented the award certificates to the major winners.

South China Morning Post Business Editor Mr. Simon Pritchard said, "We are very pleased to take this opportunity to recognise the outstanding fund managers for their hard work last year. Our Business section will continue to provide the latest market news and offer in-depth analysis and insights on key issues affecting fund managers and their investors."

"Since we introduced the event 12 years ago, the SCMP/S&P annual fund awards have become widely regarded as the industry standard for recognising excellence in Hong Kong’s expanding investment fund industry," said Mr. Surinder Kathpalia, Managing Director and Head of Standard & Poor’s in Asia. "For the 2004 award, approximately 3,000 funds authorised by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission vied for the honours. On a global scale, the Standard & Poor’s Fund Awards have come to be accepted as the performance standard by which fund managers and investment management groups around the world are measured."

The South China Morning Post Fund Manager of the Year 2004 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, and is used for all investment funds awards S&P conducts around the globe.

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For photo download, please visit http://press.scmp.com.

About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

The company publishes the South China Morning Post and the Sunday Morning Post, Asia’s premier English language daily and Sunday newspapers with the highest circulation of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post, with 100 years of history, is a leading commentator on Greater China and is widely read by government officials, business people, professionals and academics. According to the AC Nielsen Media Index 2004 Mid-Year Report, the South China Morning Post has 96% of the English language newspaper readership in Hong Kong. It is also the market leader for display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Its Internet edition, SCMP.com, is an award-winning subscription-based Website which offers global access to the editorial content of the print edition, breaking news updates throughout the day, e-newsletters and news via PDA and SMS. The South China Morning Post receives constant recognition for its editorial and technical capability. Awards won include three excellence design awards from 25th Best of Newspaper Design Competition and Hong Kong News Awards 2003 for Best News Writing, Best Business Writing, Best Headline and Best Sports Photography.

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited. Through other subsidiaries, SCMP Group Limited is also involved in the publication of magazines, commercial and business video production and property investments. SCMP Group’s shares are listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited.

Media contact:

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

Hong Kong, January 12, 2005 – Having achieved great success in the past two years, the South China Morning Post and Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management proudly present the third human resource conference – "Human Capital Management in Greater China: Maintaining Competitive Advantage and Adding Value to the Pearl River Delta" – which will be held at the Island Shangri-La Hong Kong from 9:15am to 5:25pm on Wednesday January 26, 2005.

The one-day conference aims to provide more updated information and insights on human capital management in Greater China and the Pearl Rive Delta in particular. It also explores how the pools of human capital from Hong Kong and the mainland can add value to the Pearl River Delta, at the same time, maintaining their individual competitive advantage. The session will cover forum on how business leader view HR’s contribution to business strategy and the bottom line; trends & challenges of people management in China; creating offices in mainland to support HR goals; alignment of corporate culture and understanding of local practices in China; scrambling for talents in; and top trends in compensation and benefits.

Experts from leading companies in both Hong Kong and China will gather at the conference to share their experience and insights. Confirmed speakers include:

• Daisy Dai, Human Resources Director, L’Oreal China
• Vincent Gauthier, General Manager, Hewitt Associates LLC, Hong Kong
• James M Hulbert, Talent Strategist, Human Resources, Greater China, Nortel Networks (Asia) Limited
• The Hon Arthur Li, Secretary for Education and Manpower, Government of the HKSAR
• Dr. David Kwok-Po Li, Chairman and Chief Executive, The Bank of East Asia, Limited
• Jack Li, Senior Director, Human Resources, Agilent Technology
• Ping-On Mak, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, GE Consumer Finance Asia
• Brian Pilley, Director, M. Moser Associates (Shanghai)
• Hua Ping, Human Resources Director, Hitachi Global Storage Technologies
• Xie Dong, Group Vice General Manager, China Vanke Company Limited

All conference delegates will receive a free copy of Classified Post’s annual recruitment industry yearbook which is a review of the industry in 2004 and a look ahead to trends for 2005.

Enrolment free for the conference is HK$1,800 per person and HK$1,500 per person for HKIHRM members. Interested parties please contact Ms. Kin-Sum Kong at (852) 2250 3126 for registration or visit http://conferences.scmp.com.

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About South China Morning Post Publishers Limited

The company publishes the South China Morning Post and the Sunday Morning Post, Asia’s premier English language daily and Sunday newspapers with the highest circulation of any English language newspaper in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post, with 100 years of history, is a leading commentator on Greater China and is widely read by government officials, business people, professionals and academics. According to the AC Nielsen Media Index 2004 Mid-Year Report, the South China Morning Post has 96% of the English language newspaper readership in Hong Kong. It is also the market leader for display and recruitment advertising in Hong Kong. Its Internet edition, SCMP.com, is an award-winning subscription-based Web site which offers a global audience access to the editorial content of the print edition, 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 won include three excellence design awards from 25th Best of Newspaper Design Competition and Hong Kong News Awards 2003 for Best News Writing, Best Business Writing, Best Headline and Best Sports Photography.

South China Morning Post Publishers Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCMP Group Limited. Through other subsidiaries, SCMP Group Limited is also involved in the publication of magazines, commercial and business video production and property investments. SCMP Group’s 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