Category: Press Release

Obama Advertising Campaign Reaches Out to Classified Post Jobseekers

Hong Kong, February 6, 2009 – Classified Post, Hong Kong’s leading job recruitment publication, today launched a compelling advertising campaign featuring newly elected US President Barack Obama to reach out and inspire jobseekers looking for a way through the challenging job market.

With the tagline, "Whatever you are reaching for in your career, reach for Classified Post", the campaign aims to inspire jobseekers to find what they are seeking, be it security, more pay, more responsibility or a more fulfilling job. The message is cleverly delivered through inspiring creative advertising featuring Barack Obama, the ultimate example of a "dreamer to achiever", someone who has the foresight, ambition and courage to reach out and realise a dream.

With rapidly increasing unemployment sweeping the globe, Classified Post is playing a vital role as the recruitment market leader in helping jobseekers stay marketable and fulfil their career goals.

"Classified Post is not just about helping jobseekers to find a job, but also inspiring them to believe in themselves and reach out for a better future," said Elsie Cheung, Advertising Director of the South China Morning Post. "We believe it is important for us to take up this crucial role to get this message across, especially during the time of gloomy economic sentiment."

The campaign debuted with a high-impact ad across the giant Leighton Road billboard and will be followed by others at MTR stations, bus shelters, and channels at 7-11 and Circle K. Online media will also be targeted by the campaign to drive traffic to Classified Post online.

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About SCMP Group Limited

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is the leading English language newspaper in Hong Kong and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership. Other publication titles of the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, Classified Post, Jiu Jik and the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, CosmoGirl! and Automobile magazines.

About Classified Post

Launched in 1973, Classified Post is Honk Kong’s job recruitment market leader targeting middle to senior management position. Its online edition Classifiedpost.com complements the print version to provide jobseekers with effective and efficient online job searching tools.

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

For media enquiries, please contact:

Joyce Chan
Marketing & Communications
Tel: (852) 2250 3115
Fax: (852) 2565 2429
Email: [email protected]

Li Ka Shing, Christopher Pratt and Tony Tyler Honoured at The Hong Kong Business Awards 2010

Hong Kong, December 3, 2010 – Hong Kong’s impressive business community turned out in full force for last night’s Hong Kong Business Awards, presented by DHL/South China Morning Post at the Grand Hyatt Hotel.

The event, now in its 21st year, honoured Li Ka-shing, Chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited and Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award, which is not given out every year, has only previously been given out twice before since the award’s inception, to Dr Chiang Chen, GBM, OBE, Chairman and Founder of Chen Hsong Holdings Limited in 2005, and Dr Hari Harilela, GBS, OBE, JP, Chairman and Founder of the Harilela Group in 2008. Victor Li, son of Li Ka-shing, accepted the award in his honour. Li Ka-shing was in fact the first winner of the Businessman of the Year award in 1990, and his son Richard Li won the same award in 1999.

Chairman of Swire Pacific, Christopher Pratt, was this year’s winner of the coveted Business Person of the Year Award, for leading the group’s strong growth to a profit of HK$13.95bn this year, HK$10.72bn higher than the same period last year. Pratt oversees the group’s diverse businesses, which include property, aviation, beverages, marine services, trading and industry, and chairs Cathay Pacific Airways.

Cathay Pacific’s own Chief Executive, Tony Tyler took home the Executive Award, for steering the company through the turbulent economic conditions of 2008 to a turnaround success in 2010, announcing the best ever half year result of HK$6.8bn in August and cementing plans for fleet expansion.

Winning the Owner-Operator Award was music to the ears of Klaus Heymann, Chairman of Naxos Rights International Ltd. Today the Naxos group of companies is the biggest classical group in the world, and from its small beginnings in Hong Kong in 1987, has developed a reputation for the highest quality original digital recordings and state-of-the-art mixed media products for classic music lovers.

Humble Hong Kong beginnings also reflect the story behind winner of the Enterprise Award, Neil Pryde, Managing Director of Neil Pryde Ltd. The Australian sailmaker arrived in Hong Kong in 1963 and sailed for the Hong Kong team at the 1968 Olympic before setting up his sail manufacturing company here two years later. Now with over 3000 employees spanning 40 countries, Neil Pryde Ltd is one of the world’s biggest marine and adventure sports companies.

Another notable exporter, Mr Henry Tan, CEO of Luen Thai Holdings, won the International Award. Luen Thai’s garment export business encompasses partnerships with global brands Ralph Lauren, Esprit and adidas, and exports to Europe and the US from manufacturing plants in China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

The winner of the Young Entrepreneur Award, Edwin Lee, Founder and CEO of Hong Kong Business Intermediary Co Ltd, delighted audiences with his energy and humour. Harking back to the number of failed attempts he had previously made in business, Lee was clearly ebullient about the success of HKBI, which specializes in brokering business sales and shaping companies to attract potential buyers. HKBI has grown from a one man operation in 1991 to being the largest business brokerage in the city, with over 100 employees.

Mr Kong Qingping, Chairman of China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd, won the China Company Award, after his company posted a 98 percent increase in turnover in 2009 to reach a figure of HK$37.3bn. Andrew Pang, Director of HKCOLO Ltd won the SME Award. HKCOLO Ltd is the first and largest carrier neutral provider of co-location services in Hong Kong and the Greater China region, connecting more than 300 carriers in the telecom industry.

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About DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards

The Hong Kong Business Awards were established by DHL and the South China Morning Post in 1990 to acknowledge publicly the vital contributions made by individuals and by companies in maintaining and expanding the economic viability and international stature of Hong Kong; and to encourage and sustain the Hong Kong entrepreneurial spirit and highlight and recognize excellent standards of corporate management.

There are four categories for individuals, namely, Business Person of the Year Award, Executive Award, Owner-Operator Award and Young Entrepreneur Award; and four for companies, namely, International Award and China Company Award, Enterprise Award and SME Award. Nominations are made by individuals or by public or private organizations. Nominees who meet the criteria for the respective categories will be invited to participate. Those who accept the nominations will submit supporting documents for the judging panel, who will vote for a winner for each category.

Over the past nineteen years, the DHL/SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards has successfully established its status as one of the most prestigious and authoritative business awards in Hong Kong.

About SCMP Group Limited

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s premier English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership. First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Its online platform, scmp.com, reaches a global audience of China watchers with daily breaking news, multimedia articles and interactive forums. Striving to maintain the highest standards among the world’s quality newspapers, the South China Morning Post receives constant international recognition. It received 60 awards in 2010 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability, a major achievement for any news media within the region. Other publication titles of the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and CosmoGirl! magazines.

About DHL

DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and "The Logistics company for the world". DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 300,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education. DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of more than 46 billion euros in 2009.

For further information please contact:

Anne Wong
Director of Marketing
Tel: (852) 2680 8121
Email: [email protected]

Operation Santa Claus 2010 Kicks off Today!

Hong Kong, November 16, 2010 – Hong Kong’s popular Christmas charity Operation Santa Claus, kicks off tonight with a ceremony at the ground floor of the HSBC building in Central. Guests include Executive Council convenor, the Honourable Leung Chun Ying, South China Morning Post‘s Editor-In-Chief, Reginald Chua, and Canto-pop star GEM. RTHK’s Hugh Chiverton will be the producer for the ceremony which begins at 7pm.

The kick off represents the 23rd anniversary of a charity that began in 1988 with a fundraising total of HK$140,000. Jointly organised by South China Morning Post and RTHK since its inception, and endorsed by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service, which monitors all charitable concerns through their WiseGiving programme, Operation Santa Claus has become a mainstay of Hong Kong’s Christmas charitable giving.

2010’s target amount is to exceed the $12 million raised in 2009, and will be used to support 16 beneficiaries from many aspects of the Hong Kong community, including the elderly, children, the socially impoverished and those with special medical conditions. A new addition to this year’s roster of beneficiaries are two Social Enterprise projects, one supporting socially disadvantaged women workers, and another supporting the social re-engagement and employment of disabled. Two China based charities have also been included, Chi Heng Foundation, supporting Aids affected children and orphans in China, and Operation Smile, supporting children who suffer from cleft palate and lips.

"We are continually moved and also motivated by the generosity of the people, communities and corporations of Hong Kong" explained Operation Santa Claus’ Project Director, Deon Lai. "So much time, effort and personal commitment goes into organising their fund-raising activities, which usually involve the participation of children, staff, family and friends. It is truly the heart of a Hong Kong Christmas."

Already committed to participating in this year’s fundraising are regular donors, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays Capital, JP Morgan, UBS, RBS Coutts, Wing Ding, The Hash House Harriers, The Kowloon Cricket Club, The Hong Kong Police Training Unit, The Five-A-Side-Football Tournament, many of Hong Kong’s schools and kindergartens, plus 8 Hong Kong universities, through an all-new University Ambassador programme co-organised by the Hong Kong America Centre.

"We’re very proud of the achievements Operation Santa Claus has made over the years" said Reginald Chua, Editor-In-Chief of South China Morning Post. "At the South China Morning Post, we enjoy a strong readership amongst the relatively privileged people of Hong Kong. Using our voice, we are able to motivate them to give back to the community. We’ve managed to build that bridge for 23 years and continue to invest our efforts into supporting what Hong Kong people care passionately about."

For more information about how you or your organisation can participate in fundraising for Operation Santa Claus, visit osc.scmp.com or call Ms Deon Lai at 2680 8159.

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About South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s premier English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership. First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Its online platform, scmp.com, reaches a global audience of China watchers with daily breaking news, multimedia articles and interactive forums. Striving to maintain the highest standards among the world’s quality newspapers, the South China Morning Post receives constant international recognition. It received 58 awards in 2010 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability, a major achievement for any news media within the region. Other publication titles of the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For further information please contact:

Anne Wong
Director of Marketing
Tel: (852) 2680 8121
Email: [email protected]

Miele Redefines Cool with a Fresh New Approach to Refrigeration Marketing

Hong Kong, November 10, 2010 – German state-of-the-art premium appliance manufacturer Miele, well known for its high-performing and ground-breaking technology, has now taken fresh steps to break through with its marketing.

The launch of its MasterCool range of refrigeration and wine storage appliances, managed by SCMP Marketing Services, takes cool to new levels as it targets a new generation of affluent young contemporary cool professionals.

The campaign, entitled "Redefining Cool", comprises multiple facets, including the "Cool Index Contest", delivered as an iPhone "Freezamatic" App* that enables users to capture an image of a valued object that they want to preserve. The captured image is then morphed into the centre of an ice cube, giving the impression that it’s been frozen. The contest encourages entrants to take photos and upload them onto a Facebook fansite with a caption. The 10 finalists with the most votes for the "coolest image" will be judged and the winner will receive a trip for two to Germany.

The comprehensive "Redefining Cool" campaign, which launched on 27th October, also includes print advertising, online marketing, eDM, a Facebook fansite, and a MasterCool minisite. To celebrate the launch of the campaign, Miele and SCMP Marketing Services hosted a private ‘VIP invitation only’ "Redefining Cool" event at Exclusives Private Lounge on 5th November, featuring guest speaker Joel Chu, who shared his thoughts about what’s cool. Guests were also treated to a first look at the "Cool Index Contest", including the "Freezamatic" iPhone App, and a private viewing of the ceramic works of artist Lucie Rie.

Ms Carmen Ho, Head of Marketing and Brand at Miele, commented: "This is the first time we have partnered with SCMP Marketing Services, and we are very excited to launch this innovative campaign. The campaign idea is very simple and focused – it is about the "cooling" attribute of the Miele MasterCool series, yet we have given it an attitude in line with the brand personality by redefining what’s cool. The definition of "cool" is different to everyone so we believe there is a room to be creative. Our customers and South China Morning Post readers will have a very cool experience via a series of communication activities from advertising, consumer activation, creative use of print and online media, and event, and, of course, via our flagship product MasterCool and the Cooling range appliances."

*The App will be available on iTunes in mid November

Introducing MasterCool

Miele MasterCool refrigeration and wine storage appliances offer unique state-of-the-art cooling solutions for your home. The highest quality materials and cutting-edge technology have been seamlessly integrated with proprietary Miele electronics, to preserve optimal food quality and wine complexities.

Amongst the revolutionary aspects of the range of appliances is the Intuitive Touch Control food placement menu system, ergonomically located for easy viewing. This function creates optimal conditions for the specific food categories. Miele’s MasterFresh drawers have been designed to provide ideal temperature and humidity control by enabling users to select the drawer location and type of food content on the MasterCool Menu. The temperature will then be automatically electronically adjusted to ensure longer lasting food freshness. Additionally, Miele’s unique halogen BrilliantLight Illumination system ensures no blind spots even with a fully stocked refrigerator.

With wine storage, changes in storage temperature can dramatically affect the quality of wine. MasterCool’s electronic controls ensure precise and constant temperature management in three independently controlled cooling zones. Miele’s Dynamic Cooling System evenly circulates air and humidity, alleviating the problem of dried corks.

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About SCMP Marketing Services

A division of South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd, SCMP Marketing services was established to support the needs of advertisers seeking a more grounded and results driven approach to marketing. Leveraging the connections and experience of the media group, SCMP Marketing Services provides a fully integrated marketing solution, from creative and concept development, to digital and traditional media placement, promotions and events management, custom publishing and more.

For further information please contact:

Pauline Wan
Manager, Marketing Services
Tel: (852) 2565 2350
Fax: (852) 2565 5380
Email: [email protected]

Starstreet Precinct and SCMP Marketing Services Present “Starstreet- Gourmet & Wine Walk”

Hong Kong, September 13, 2010 – SCMP Marketing Services announce today that it has been appointed to co-organise Starstreet Precinct’s street-level wine and dine event. Named "Starstreet – Gourmet & Wine Walk", this fundraising event will be held on Saturday, 23 October 2010 from 2pm to 6pm, and offers wining and dining pleasures at an array of stylish restaurants for food and wine lovers. Proceeds from this afternoon event will be donated to Save the Children, which helps to support works in children’s education, protection and health.

Starstreet – Gourmet & Wine Walk, hosted by Starstreet Precinct, co-organized by SCMP Marketing Services and sponsored by American Express®, will be a weekend day out for existing fans and new converts of the area. This hip urban village, between Wanchai and Admiralty, hosts a collection of eclectic dining destinations and design-driven lifestyle stores. Through a relaxing stroll along the precinct, patrons can sample fine wines, savour delectable canapes and meet chefs at the participating 16 cafes, bistros, restaurants and wine cellars. (Please refer to the list of participating outlets below).

Food and wine lovers can purchase tickets online from 13 September onwards via events.scmp.com/starstreet. Tickets are priced at HK$375 each, which includes a custom-made wine glass and a passport to visit all participating outlets. Early birds who purchase before 25 September will enjoy a discounted price at HK$340 each and American Express Cardmembers can enjoy an exclusive price of HK$280.

Fabulous gifts will be offered to the first eight participants who complete the entire walk with a full collection of shop stamps on their passport*. The gifts include a weekend stay for two persons in a harbour-view Upper Suite at The Upper House with breakfast at Cafe Gray Deluxe, a limited-edition Lip x Kapok watch, boutique wines from Margaret River Wines and coupons from Dressed (Salads with style).

The event itself will be managed by the SCMP Marketing Services division, which has built up a strong record of organising major events, including the highly acclaimed South China Morning Post/DHL Hong Kong Business Awards and the popular CSL Networking with the Best series.

*On a first-come, first-served basis and subject to the Organisers’ final decision.

Starstreet – Gourmet & Wine Walk


Date: Saturday, 23 October 2010
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Venue: Starstreet Precinct, Wanchai
Registration: Three Pacific Place

List of participating outlets (in alphabetical order)
  1. caffè HABITŪ
  2. CASTELLO del VINO
  3. CÉPAGE
  4. cinecittà
  5. Classified Star Street
  6. Dressed
  7. Kapok
  8. Margaret River Wines
  9. 1/5 nuevo
  10. PizzaExpress
  11. Pret A Manger
  12. Slim’s
  13. Spuntini
  14. Woo Tung Yakiniku Dining Bar
  15. Xi Yan Sweets
  16. Yo Mama


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About Starstreet Precinct
Starstreet Precinct, centred around Three Pacific Place and comprising mainly Star Street, Moon Street, Sun Street, and Wing Fung Street, is a destination for those who prefer unique lifestyle choices.

Back in the 1900s, it was the location of Hong Kong Electric’s power plant in Wan Chai. Today, the precinct has evolved into an emerging dining area with strong artistic overtones, thanks to a group of creative talents, designers and free-thinking restaurateurs who have filled the area with cafes, restaurants, bars, galleries, florists and home design outlets.

Together with a thoughtfully landscaped environment and a Three Pacific Place Link connecting the precinct to the rest of the Pacific Place complex, these shops have turned the area into a Hong Kong lifestyle community.

For more information, please visit www.starstreet.com.hk

About South China Morning Post

First published in 1903, South China Morning Post is Hong Kong’s premier English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership. With a reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong and China, it has won 58 journalistic excellence awards in the past year alone. The newspaper is supported with its online publication scmp.com and its Sunday edition, Sunday Morning Post. For more information of South China Morning Post, please visit www.scmp.com.

For further information please contact:

Pauline Wan
Manager, Marketing Services
Tel: (852) 2565 2350
Fax: (852) 2565 5380
Email: [email protected]

SCMP Group Limited reports 1H 2010 net profit of $52.3m.

Hong Kong, August 26, 2010 – The South China Morning Post Group Limited today announced the audited interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2010.

The operating results improved significantly as a result of careful cost management and a more positive economy. Total revenue rose 22%, or HK$75.2m to HK$411.7m compared with HK$336.5m in 1H, 2009. Operating profit totaled HK$69.6m for 1H 2010 after staff costs, production materials, rental and utilities, depreciation, amortization and marketing costs, up from a loss of HK$8.5m in the same period in 2009, and net profit attributable to shareholders for the period was $52.3m, compared with a $14.9m loss during 1H in 2009.

Basic earnings per share from continuing operations came to HK$0.034 per share, compared to a loss of HK$0.01 per share in 1H, 2009. Interim dividend per share was HK$0.02.

The newspaper publishing division, which generated 83% of the revenue and 70% of the operating profit, reported an increase of 32% from advertising and marketing services, driven by a higher volume of display advertising. Unaudited first half circulation of South China Morning Post and Sunday Morning Post remained stable at 101,800 and 77,400, an increase of 1% and 2% respectively compared to the same period last year.

"Our continued vigilance with cost management, maintaining a quality product and creating innovative advertising solutions, has enabled us to recover from the turbulent economy of 2009" said Ms Kuok Hui Kwong, Managing Director and CEO of SCMP Group Ltd. "We are confident that with the continued stabilization of the economy, our business will also see further growth. However, we are cautious and will continue to remain cost conscious and efficiency driven as we approach the second half of the year."

The Group is aggressively developing new revenue sources from consumer products. The iPad edition of the South China Morning Post enjoyed a successful launch in July.



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For further information please contact:

Anne Wong
Director of Marketing
Email: [email protected]

South China Morning Post captures new global audience with iPad app

South China Morning Post captures new global audience with iPad app.

Hong Kong, August 20, 2010 – Hong Kong’s leading English language newspaper, South China Morning Post, has enjoyed great success with the launch of its new iPad. In the four weeks since its launch the app has been downloaded by over 17000 unique users, nearly half of which are from overseas, including USA, Canada, China, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, UK, Germany and Japan.

Launched on 23 July, South China Morning Post‘s new iPad edition became the second most popular app in the Hong Kong App Store on its debut day and has been consistently adding 3000+ unique downloads each week.

"The premiere of our iPad app represents our commitment to becoming the globally trusted authoritative source for English language information about Hong Kong and China", said Anne Wong, Director of Marketing for South China Morning Post. "Now, anywhere in the world, iPad users with an interest in the region can easily tap into the news that local Hong Kong business decision makers trust."

Reginald Chua, South China Morning Post’s Editor-in-Chief said: "We’re excited about the new opportunities the iPad provides us as a news organization. Our geographic location in Hong Kong makes us uniquely positioned for in-depth reporting on China, and we are now able to provide that information at a touch of a finger for those discerning China watchers."

iPad users around the world can currently download the South China Morning Post app on iTunes, free of charge for a limited period. Updated daily at 06.30 Hong Kong time, the complete edition is designed to be downloaded within a couple of minutes, to enable each page to be instantly viewable and fully accessible offline.

Download at:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/south-china-morning-post/id382805033?mt=8



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About South China Morning Post

First published in 1903, South China Morning Post is Hong Kong’s premier English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership. With a reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong and China, it has won 58 journalistic excellence awards in the past year alone. The newspaper is supported with its online publication scmp.com and its Sunday edition, Sunday Morning Post.

For further information please contact:

Anne Wong
Director of Marketing
Email: [email protected]

South China Morning Post announces new iPad app on the same day as iPad launches in Hong Kong

South China Morning Post announces new iPad app on the same day as iPad launches in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, July 21, 2010 – South China Morning Post launches its new iPad app on Friday 23rd July, available as a free daily downloadable trial version timed to coincide with the first day Apple iPad releases in Hong Kong. iPad users will be able to take advantage of the free trial until early August when the full version will be available on iTunes.

Marking the launch with an unprecedented full front page takeover of the printed newspaper, the Post will be the first English-language Asian newspaper to develop a dedicated iPad app. While some publications have transferred websites, basic pdf-style executions or their iPhone apps to the new format, South China Morning Post‘s app capitalises on some of the unique functionality of the iPad.

Featuring user friendly up/down and side-to-side navigation, touch zoom-in, and all the key news sections in the paper, the app will enable users to scroll through pages using an easy touch navigation panel, or flip through the Business, City and Main sections intuitively.

Dr Mario Garcia, one of the news media industry’s most highly respected newspaper design veterans, having collaborated on 450 projects over the past 30 years, including The Wall Street Journal and Die Zeit, commented: "The South China Morning Post can now use this new and vibrant platform of the iPad to continue its long tradition of excellence in journalism, and the English language voice for all things Hong Kong and China. Particularly today, with a global audience to tap into its wealth of information, the Post can truly become a journalistic global player."

Reg Chua, South China Morning Post‘s Editor-in-Chief said: "The iPad is at the forefront of a major development in reader options, and we are very excited about the new challenges and opportunities it provides us as a news organisation. With tablets, readers can consume news in a way more akin to the tactile and serendipitous newspaper reading experience, and yet provide deeper, richer content and more readily updatable information".

He added: "While we still believe that there will always be a market for the printed paper, which readers can enjoy in a relaxed, offline way, we want to offer them the benefit of a great news reading experience in whichever platform they choose."

Anne Wong, Director of Marketing at the Post said: "Our web analytics show that the iPad is already the second highest-used mobile device for downloading our website, scmp.com, despite the device not having launched yet in Hong Kong. It also showed that those users visited more pages than users of any other device. This clearly indicates that our readers are iPad-ready, so when the device launches on Friday in Hong Kong, we want to be there for them with a great purpose-built solution."

Ms. Wong also stressed the opportunity iPad provided for advertisers. "Our new app will enable our advertisers to really bring their messages to life, and target South China Morning Post readers with more engaging creative executions."

Elaborating, she added: "We’ll assist our advertisers to develop iPad versions of their advertising executions, which can incorporate more dynamic versions of their colour magazine imagery, the ability to touch and manipulate the various colour schemes or styles, flip through brochure pages, include moving images, music and narrative, and appeal more deeply to their consumers’ senses. They will also benefit from the knowledge that their target audiences are likely to spend more time interacting with their products."

One key benefit for South China Morning Post readers is the anytime, anywhere availability of their trusted paper. A large proportion of the Post readers are frequent business and leisure travelers, and the new app will enable them to keep in touch with local Hong Kong and China news.

In addition, South China Morning Post continues to offer scmp.com, its online website, and SCMP Today, its direct to inbox news headline alert service; it will also be introducing a new user-friendly iPhone app in August. Supporting the most widely used mobile device for scmp.com readers, the new iPhone app will provide a further reader benefit of free headline news.



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For further information please contact:

Anne Wong
Director of Marketing
Email: [email protected]

10 Honours for South China Morning Post in the Society of Publishers in Asia Editorial Awards

Hong Kong, June 9, 2010 – The South China Morning Post is recognized once again for newspaper excellence by scooping five prizes and five honourable mentions at the 2010 Society of Publishers in Asia Awards for Editorial Excellence. The winner announcement was made on Jun 8, 2010 during the gala dinner.

With an exclusive series revealing a plot to assassinate Democratic Party founder Martin Lee Chu-ming and media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, the Post‘s team consisting of Fox Yi Hu, Barclay Crawford and Ambrose Leung captured the Scoop Award this year.

The panel of judges praised "Over three months the articles ably provided an exclusive of the putative hit, an evocative response from [Martin] Lee, a reconstruction of the plan and details of cross-border arrests and prosecution. A clean scoop bagged by strong sourcing and confirmed by the subject himself."

Stories from China continued to be a major global focus in 2009 and 2010. South China Morning Post‘s undisputable strength of coverage in the mainland earned a number of awards. The China desk received an honourable mention in breaking-news reporting for their work on the Xinjiang riots in July. He Huifeng, Shi Jiangtao and Choi Chi-yuk scored twice with their series examining the harrowing effects of chemical pollution on villagers in Hunan. The story gained them an award for excellence in reporting on the environment and an honourable mention in the human rights category.

Alan Morison, Chutima Sidasathian and Maseeh Rahman, former international editor Ian Young and chief Asia correspondent Greg Torode swept the human rights reporting category for the Post by winning the award for excellence. They exposed a secret Thai army policy of detaining Rohingya boatpeople from Myanmar, towing them to sea and abandoning them. Recognition of this entry coupled with the award for excellence in investigative reporting.

Greg Torode additionally picked up an honourable mention under the opinion-writing category with his series of columns on the rise of China.

South China Morning Post’s photography and creative design were recognized, with K Y Cheng, Dickson Lee and Sam Tsang being mentioned in news photography, and Terry Pontikos in the information graphics category.

Commenting on the outstanding achievements, Editor-in-Chief Reginald Chua said the overall results were a credit to the SCMP team. "I’m very pleased that our good work is recognized by our peers in the region and around the world." said Chua.

The awards, established in 1999, are open to English- and Chinese-language papers across Asia and this year attracted 564 entries from regional and local print and digital publications as well as news agencies.

List of the 10 awards won by South China Morning Post
1 Excellence in Investigative Reporting – Award for Excellence
"Thailand’s secret refugees" by Alan Morison, Chutima Sidasathian, Maseeh Rahman, Ian Young, Greg Torode
2 Excellence in Reporting Breaking News – Honorable Mention
"The Xinjiang riots" by Choi Chi-yuk, Shi Jiangtao, Will Clem, Josephine Ma, Al Guo, Kristine Kwok
3 Excellence in Business Reporting – Honorable Mention
"Grand illusions" by Olga Wong, Joyce Ng, Peggy Sito, Maria Chan, Chloe Lai, Sandy Li, Fox Yi Hu
4 Excellence in Human Rights Reporting – Award for Excellence
"Thailand’s secret refugees" by Alan Morison, Chutima Sidasathian, Maseeh Rahman, Ian Young, Greg Torode
5 Excellence in Human Rights Reporting – Honorable Mention
"Hunan’s village of the damned" by He Huifeng, Shi Jiangtao, Choi Chi-yuk
6 Excellence in Reporting on the Environment – Award for Excellence
""Hunan’s village of the damned" by He Huifeng, Shi Jiangtao, Choi Chi-yuk
7 Excellence in Opinion Writing – Honorable Mention
"China’s rise" by Greg Torode
8 Excellence in News Photography – Honorable Mention<
"China’s pollution plague" by K Y Cheng, Dickson Lee, Sam Tsang
9 Excellence in Information Graphics – Award for Excellence
"China’s economic miracle" by Terry Pontikos
10 The Scoop Award – Award for Excellence
"Hitman targets Martin Lee, Jimmy Lai" by Barclay Crawford, Ambrose Leung, Fox Yi Hu


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About South China Morning Post

SCMP Group Limited (SEHK: 583) is a leading newspaper and magazine publisher in Asia. Its flagship publication, South China Morning Post, is Hong Kong’s premier English language newspaper and has the city’s most affluent and influential readership. First published in 1903, the newspaper has developed an enviable reputation for authoritative, influential and independent reporting on Hong Kong, China and the rest of Asia. Its online platform, scmp.com, reaches a global audience of China watchers with daily breaking news, multimedia articles and interactive forums. Striving to maintain the highest standards among the world’s quality newspapers, the South China Morning Post receives constant international recognition. It received over 40 awards in 2009 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capability. Most recently, the South China Morning Post received 6 awards at the 31st International Annual Creative Design Competition for Newspapers and Magazines, and scooped 12 awards at the 2009 Society for Publisher’s in Asia (SOPA) editorial excellence awards, more than any other media company. Other publication titles of the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar and CosmoGirl! magazines.

For media enquiry, please contact:

Earl Lui
Manager, Brand Marketing
Tel: (852) 2680 8121
Fax: (852) 2680 8158
Email: [email protected]

New SCMP Wah Kiu Yat Po Journalism Scholarship Fund to support Professional Journalism Training and Education

HONG KONG May 27, 2010 – SCMP Group formally inaugurated the newly established SCMP Wah Kiu Yat Po Journalism Scholarship Fund during a dedication ceremony at The University of Hong Kong on May 24.

Hong Kong’s leading English language newspaper, the South China Morning Post is the SCMP Group’s flagship publication, and is respected internationally for its award-winning journalistic excellence and insights into Greater China and the region.

In addition to its other corporate social responsibility programs, such as Operation Santa Claus and Homes For Hope, SCMP Group took this opportunity to focus on enabling students to gain quality training in the area of journalism. The original funds created by Wah Kiu Yat Po to financially assist school students were taken over by SCMP after the Wah Kiu Yat Po publication was acquired by the Group in 1991. Subsequently the SCMP Wah Kiu Yat Po Journalism Scholarship Fund is formed. The SCMP Group collaborated with The University of Hong Kong and Professor Lap-chee Tsui, its Vice-Chancellor, and more specifically with their Journalism and Media Studies Centre (JMSC), headed by Professor Yuen-ying Chan.

The purpose of the scholarship fund is to support students interested in pursuing a tertiary education in the field of journalism. The fund will be used to subsidise the fees and expenses of Undergraduate and Masters students at the JMSC. The scholarship will be administrated by the university, and is open to both local and overseas students.

Kuok Hui Kwong, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SCMP Group in her dedication speech said, "As a trusted member of the news media industry, we at the SCMP Group understand the vital role journalism plays in our daily life. Investigating, analyzing, accurately reporting and making sense of what’s happening; these are the reasons all of us need highly trained professional journalists to continue their important work."

Ms. Kuok and Shum Choi-sang, Chairman of the Allocation Committee of the Wah Kiu Yat Po Fund for the Relief of Underprivileged Children presented a cheque for HK $2 million to the university during the ceremony.



Media Enquiries
Earl Lui
Tel:(852) 2680-8121
Email: [email protected]