Channel NewsAsia - Sunday, August
17
SINGAPORE: MediaCorp’s publishing arm has emerged runners—up in
two categories at the Asian Publishing Awards 2008.
In all, the competition garnered 203 entries from 22
countries.
The awards honoured best practices in the industry and was part
of a two—day annual Asian Publishing Convention held in
Singapore.
Media Transasia Thailand won in the best multimedia advertising
category, while MediaCorp received an Excellence Award as a
runner—up for its branding platform at the 2007 Worldwide Magazine
Marketplace — an international business networking event for
publishers.
Guest of honour, MediaCorp’s chairman Ho Kwon Ping, said
industry players should be mindful about the digital media
revolution and find new business models.
He said: "The rise of the Asian middle—class across the board —
in China, India, within ASEAN countries’ 500 million people — is
only going to be a hugely positive factor. The market, the spending
power is going to be huge."
And looking to grow its market share is MediaCorp
Publishing.
Its Pure magazine was also named runner—up in the Content
Delivery category.
MediaCorp produced the 32—page quarterly publication for PUB,
Singapore’s national water agency, to raise awareness about water
conservation. However, the publication was edged out by Taiwanese
company, Studio Classroom, ORTV for the top prize.
Looking ahead, MediaCorp Publishing said it will look into new
media as well as beef up its custom—publishing arm.
Zita Ong, managing director of MediaCorp Publishing, said: "Many
may not link PUB with lifestyle elements. Our publication, with its
innovative design, shows that it is possible to break stereotypes
and constantly surprise the reader."
During the awards ceremony, Singapore’s Media Development
Authority said both the Singapore and Asian publishing industries
are poised for strong growth. However, market players must be able
to move with the times and take advantage of new media as well.
Recent studies showed that Asia Pacific is the fastest growing
market for book publishing, with an annual growth of 5.1 per
cent.
— CNA/ir