HONG KONG, 1 December 2014 –

SCMP Group Ltd (SEHK: 583), Asia’s leading media holding company, today announced that its monthly luxury lifestyle magazine STYLE has won the Excellence Award for Best Feature on Timepieces at the coveted Asian Publishing Awards 2014.

Penned by STYLE Luxury Editor Ms. Vivian Chen, the award-winning feature story titled “INDEPENDENT MINDS” brings readers into the world of independent watchmakers, drawing upon interviews with sought-after horological masters. The 1,250-word story highlights that the veterans are carving out a niche in an industry largely ruled by formidable conglomerates. The exquisite handiwork and innovative movements of the independent masterpieces are rare and attracting serious collectors. “INDEPENDENT MINDS”, first published in STYLE July 2014 issue, is available at scmp.com. (To read, click here.)

Ms. Elsie Cheung, SCMP Group Chief Operating Officer, said, “This is a significant achievement for a relatively young magazine, and this win is an appropriate statement of its growth towards becoming a must-read for discerning readers. For luxury brands, STYLE’s quality content consistently helps them to reach a group of affluent and trendsetting clients. We’re very proud of what STYLE has achieved.”

“This is another significant milestone for STYLE as we have always aimed for high quality editorial content that is not only informative, but also timely and well-written,” said Ms. Winnie Chung, Editorial Director, SCMP Specialist Publications. “This recognition reinforces the hard work we have expended – and the credibility we have earned – in a category that is not only highly specialised but also a leading segment of the world of high-end luxury.”

Ms. Chung, a well-respected veteran journalist at the SCMP Group, commended STYLE Luxury Editor Ms. Vivian Chen for a well-researched feature that sheds light on an emerging trend in the world of watchmaking. Ms. Chen has an in-depth knowledge of haute horology. A regular at international watch fairs, her extensive and unbiased view of top watch brands and their novelties fuels her stories on luxury timepieces and other subjects.

Published on the first Friday every month with the South China Morning Post, STYLE is Hong Kong’s best monthly guide to the world of culture and luxury, targeting a discerning demographic for the avant-garde. STYLE is packed with insightful, in-depth articles that delve into the business of style and the meaning of true value in the world of luxury. Feature articles provide an intellectual take on topics that span the realms of fashion, art, travel, luxury goods and more. STYLE, edited by Ms. Jacqueline Tsang, has previously won a number of awards including:

· Gold Award for Best New Print Product (Global) at the INMA Awards 2014

· “Best Magazine Relaunch of the Year” at the 2013 Magazine of the Year Awards

The Asian Publishing Awards 2014 received over 180 submissions from 22 publishing companies in 7 countries vying for various accolades. Judging committees consist of selected experts whose recommendations were submitted to a screening committee for final deliberation.

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About SCMP Group Ltd and 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 internationally recognised 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. Available in print, mobile, tablets and online through scmp.com and e-reader editions, South China Morning Post reaches a global audience with daily breaking news, analysis and opinion, multimedia articles and interactive forums. The South China Morning Post received over 160 awards in 2013-14 for excellence in editorial, marketing and technical capabilities. Other titles in the Group include the Sunday Morning Post, Nanzao.com (南早.com), Nanzaozhinan.com (南早香港指南.com), STYLE, 48 HOURS, Destination Macau, The PEAK, HK Magazine, The List, and Where Hong Kong.

Through the joint venture partnership with Hearst, SCMP Hearst publishes the Chinese editions of Cosmopolitan, CosmoBride, Harper’s BAZAAR, Harper’s BAZAAR Art, Harper’s BAZAAR Bride, Esquire, ELLE, ELLE Men, ELLE Wedding, ELLE Décoration, and ELLE Accessories; and operates Cosmopolitan.com.hk, Cosmogirl.com.hk, Harpersbazaar.com.hk, ELLE.com.hk and EsquireHK.com in Hong Kong.