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