It is with great honour that I have been tasked with the role of President of the Magazine Publisher’s Association of Singapore, and I thank you all for that vote of confidence.

I believe Singapore is on the verge of yet another transformation and the next few years will represent one of the most exciting seasons as it progresses towards being a truly global city. Through the years, we have witnessed some truly spectacular developments, with Singapore becoming a key hub for financial services, medical care and emerging technologies. The social and cultural environment has also changed with Singapore now boasting a level of vibrancy and diversity that would have seemed impossible a few years ago. In addition, the world has witness a tangible shift to Asia politically, socially and economically and this is unlikely to change.

I mention all this, because I believe it represents an enormous opportunity for the publishing industry. Singapore’s unique position as a gateway to South-east Asia and the rest of the region will provide some remarkable areas for expansion and growth. Having weathered the economic storm of the last couple of years, this is comforting and should encourage all of us to ensure we are best placed to leverage this remarkable situation.

Of course, there will be challenges. The Internet and web-based media has revolutionised our world and our knowledge of it. How we interact, learn and appreciate the world around us has changed. Emerging technologies and media platforms will continue to evolve; hence, as an industry, we need to understand its impact and how we can embrace it. As Singapore continues to progress, we will inevitably see greater competition for readership and revenues. Developing innovative, relevant and above all sustainable business models will be a challenge for anyone operating in this industry.

As market and submarkets expand and become more complex it is likely that the debate and discussion on many issues, aspects and topics relevant to us will intensify. As thought leaders, it is incumbent on us to ensure that we encourage open discussion and apply a sensible, fair and balanced approach in navigating our way through what is likely to be lively waters. While we each have our own interests, we ultimately represent the broader interests of our members, the industry and the association as a whole.

Thus, it is my personal ambition to ensure that MPAS takes a more proactive role in ensuring that the industry is best positioned to take advantage of opportunities, prepare for changes and challenges, as well as maintain a level of excellence, which commensurate with Singapore’s position as a global city.

Accordingly, we should focus on the following key areas over the coming months:

1. Increase the membership of MPAS

MPAS derives its legitimacy from the membership it represents. It is important to be as broad based as possible, reflecting the entire industry – both stakeholders and participants. In January 2008, a year after MPAS was in operation, there were a total of 74 members. Fifty-nine of which were Ordinary Members, and the rest, were Associate Members. This was a 68 per cent increase compared to the initial membership of 44. Today that membership has dipped, with slightly over 30 members in the organisation, including four associate members.

The last two years have been challenging, with a number of organisations and titles leaving the market. Fortunately, there have been new additions. While the industry may be focused in the hands of a smaller number of players, it still needs to be relevant to those it seeks to represent. One of my main concerns is to ensure that we engage with the industry and energise those who operate within it. The numerous activities that take place under the initiative and guidance of MPAS will serve to provide a platform to connect. However, the most powerful means of reaching out and bolstering active participation of our members as well as cultivating new ones is through personal interaction.

The Committee of MPAS and its members comprise some of the most successful and dynamic people in Singapore. I believe if we leverage this passion and energy through our daily interactions with colleagues, third parties and interested individuals, we would be able to quickly galvanise a collective enthusiasm for MPAS and, above all our common interests.

We need people to be actively committed and not be passive participants. I am dedicated to finding such like-minded individuals, and I urge each and every one of you demonstrate your own leadership and passion to all you deal with.

2. Foster cross platform synergies

Traditional media platforms have increasingly ceased to operate in silos. Whether driven by consumer interests and needs or by a desire to reach out to the widest possible audience we are increasingly seeing the merging of different media platforms — print and online being an excellent example. More critically, technology has allowed for global interaction and access. It has also enabled cross industry and geographical collaboration and partnership. This trend will continue to accelerate and will have profound implications for all of us. Excitingly, it opens up tremendous areas for growth and development.

Businesses, business models and markets need not be limited by physical geography or segmentation. The competition that will be inherent in this arena will naturally be a spur for progress and refinement. However, MPAS will also look at practical ways of opening up channels of partnership with other areas in the media industry. Accessing expertise outside our traditional areas of business can also enrich the expertise that resides in our own industry.

I would sincerely like MPAS to champion a proactive approach to fostering closer collaboration, network and participation with other organisations and industry groups in the media industry as a whole. Above all, I believe it will serve us well to seek out individuals, companies and players who have demonstrated a relentless ability to innovate. There is much to learn that will benefit our development and may provide insight into areas of commercial growth for us all.

3. Take the LEAD

The Local Enterprise and Association Development (LEAD) programme, was set up to enhance industry and enterprise competitiveness. Through partnerships with industry associations who are willing to take the lead to develop and drive initiatives that will improve the overall capabilities of SMES, this programme provides focused and customised support at the industry level.

Insofar, the LEAD programme has afforded several associations funding. With the 70 per cent grant assistance provided in the last three years, these companies have managed to leapfrog into better positions. MPAS has raised the remaining 30 per cent — funneled from a well-thought through five-year projection — to help smaller, independent publishers establish themselves.

It is my goal to help further that mission, and you have my utmost assurance that I will work closely with the Executive Director and the MPAS Exco to work out very targeted and specific programmes to continue that support.

4. Create global awareness and drive overseas expansion

There can be no doubt that Asia holds a vast interest and fascination for the West. Whether it is the economic expansion in Asia that is driving global recovery and growth, the emergence of a vast consumer pool and affluent middle class, the prominence of culture and arts, etc, the reality is that the rest of the world is interested in what we are doing. While print media industry may be flagging in Europe or in the US, the outlook for Singapore and the Asia-Pacific is considerably more optimistic. It would be a mistake not to take advantage of this pool of interest and investment.

In reaching out globally, we need to come together as a publishing community and work closely with MDA as well as IESingapore to promote our magazine industry overseas. This can be done by group participation in foreign exhibitions or conferences such as the Asian Publishing Convention (APC), which will be held this July in Vietnam, or hosting conventions like the FIPP’s World Magazine Congress, together with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

5. Get online now, and work with young, media talent

The World Wide Web has fundamentally altered every aspect of our lives. In less that 15 years we have evolved into a web-based society influencing everything from how we obtain knowledge and information to how we operate as consumers. To varying degrees, the print industry has embraced this portal from a passive means of providing content to a more interactive experience.

Clearly, one of the areas to focus on is to ensure that members develop the technical skills and competencies in this arena. Fortunately there are schemes out there like MDA’s Spearheading Publishing Innovation for New Enterprise or SPINE, which can assist in this aspect. In essence, MDA will co-invest, together with publishing companies and other industry partners in programmes that present opportunities for global reach and economic returns under a co-sharing of rights and revenues arrangement.

Other schemes like MDA’s META (Media Training and Attachment Programme) that offers attachment of interns at a stipend of $1,000 per month, paid out by MDA, for a period of 12 months, are in place to help publishers offset their start-up or operational costs.

As an association, we need to encourage our members to leverage on such schemes, because they enable publishers to have wider reach and potential of future revenues. Furthermore, it helps to sustain the industry with new creative talent.

6. Fund-Raising Activities

While the future provides enormous opportunities, it will also require investment. The provision of adequate funds to support, drive and sustain MPAS and its mission and goals is a key goal for me. I will endeavour to bring whatever expertise, networks or ability I have in this area to ensure that the association can enjoy a secure financial platform. Likewise, I am sure that the collective skills of the Committee will be of enormous value in helping to focus fund-raising efforts as well as the judicious allocation of MPAS resources.

I am looking forward to put into action the immediate goals I have listed above. They are by no means a limit of the things we can achieve together in the coming year, but a taste of the successes that we can all enjoy in the future. I believe firmly that everyone in this committee has much to contribute, and that we can only move forward by drawing on each other’s strengths and expertise. I thank you all in advance, and it is again, a great pleasure to join and lead the association.

Yours Sincerely,
Frank Cintamani

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As I finish serving my notice at the end of May 2010, I like to take this opportunity to share with you that I have thoroughly enjoyed my work as Executive Director of MPAS with my staff and interns to put together the MPAS Secretariat for the past 2 and a half years after serving as Honorary Treasurer in the inaugural MPAS Exco in 2007.

It has been exciting to develop the Magazine Awards, Directory, E-Newsletter, Digital Publishing Workshop, marketing & promoting MPAS, working closely with MDA as well as trying to work on the LEAD initiatives to help propel MPAS forward like the many associations who have succeeded in obtaining the LEAD grants.

I like to bid goodbye and do believe that MPAS will be in the capable hands of the new MPAS President Frank Cintamani.

Yours sincerely,
James See
97565338
see@aboutwe.com

Details:
- Name: Jeanyfer Rahim
- Applicant from Indonesia, attended University Pelita Harapan
- Contact email: jeanyferose@yahoo.com

Please click here, for cover letter.
Please click here, for design portfolio.

Singapore – Publishers Oriental Media Group is expected to launch a pan-Asian ultra-luxury print magazine called JetGala, which will begin its first issue in July this year.

Advertisers targeted are watch & jewellery brands and private banks & wealth management organisations. Rainer Sigel tells Marketing there is “no audit planned for now. JetGala is a niche title and it’s circulation is a quality exercise, not a quantity game.”

Jetgala is a bi-monthly, regional magazine reaching out to and covering executive and private jet aviation throughout the entire Indo-Pacific region. Editorial content will be on the world of executive jets, as well as on luxury lifestyle.

The magazine is published in English and distributed in 18 countries around the greater Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. The title is circulated via established luxury media distribution channels, selected prime newsstands, as well as via the private and executive jet industry, i.e. private jet terminals, charter, lease and ground handling.

The group currently owns other luxury publications, such as Deluxe Property, Thoi Gian and Gourmet Vietnam.

Oriental Media Group is owned by the former owners and publishers of Solitaire.

Original article from Marketing-interactive.com, click here.

Singapore – Fairfax Media has appointed Mark Hobson (pictured) as regional manager of Fairfax Business Media Asia, replacing Andrew Smart with immediate effect.

Smart is currently considering a move to the Financial Review Group under Fairfax Media in Sydney after successfully launching the leading IT enterprise site in Asia and integrating the IDG-licensed titles into the Asia business’ product suite. Initially, he will be consulting to the Asia business to ensure a smooth transition
Fairfax Business Media in Asia has four magazine titles under its roof, MIS Asia, CIO Asia, Computerworld Singapore and Computerworld Malaysia. It also has associated events, online properties and also a research arm, Fairfax Business Research.

Hobson will assume the role of publisher for the business and will lead the growth of its digital properties across Asia. He will be based in Fairfax Business Media’s Singapore office and report to the Financial Review Group strategy director, Narelle Leong.

Previously, Hobson was on a short term online consulting contract with UK-based GTA Advertising based in the UK. Prior to that, he was head of online for IDG Communications where he was responsible for P&L for 11 websites. He worked closely with the IDG titles in Singapore, running a number of regional programs from Sydney.

Michael Gill, Fairfax Media Financial Review Group CEO said, Hobson’s proven online expertise will be a great asset for the Asia business.

“I am confident that Mark will bring a keen digital sales perspective to the position and drive our strategy of a strengthened footprint in the growing Asian market,” he said.

Fairfax Business Media Asia is part of Australia’s Fairfax Media which owns titles such as the Australian Financial Review, Business Review Weekly, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Melbourne Age and The Canberra Times.

Original article from Marketing-interactive.com, please click here.

After two successful programmes in the UK and Germany, The Mequoda Group will again run the week-long programme (Monday to Friday), which will bring media executives up-to-speed with the techniques and business models required to develop lucrative and successful digital publishing models. The programme will cover topics from designing media websites and search engine optimisation to selling online advertising and content management.

The programme offers a mix of both high-level strategy and technical expertise and aims to equip magazine managers to develop effective and profitable digital businesses.

The Digital Publishing Certificate will take place in association with Publishers Australia, and is sponsored by eZ Systems. Any members of FIPP, Publishers Australia or Mequoda Gold Members can attend the course at the member rate.

For further information or to register you interest email Jenny Stubbs or visit the DPC homepage.

Original article from FIPP, please click here.

1. In light of the the launch of Apple’s iPad and the expectation that many competitors will follow, the theme is: The Tablet Year — why mobile distribution will change news reporting. Our goal is to show editors-in-chief how new mobile platforms will provide more opportunities to distribute news.

2. This year, our guest newspaper is The Washington Post, with Marcus Brauchli, Editor-in-Chief, and Raju Narisetti, Managing Editor, as speakers. They will explain how they have transformed WaPo’s newsroom and embraced social media during an extremely difficult period for American news organisations.

3. WEF will release its third Newsroom Barometer, a joint operation with McKinsey&Co, the well-known consulting group. We are asking editors-in-chief and senior news executives more than 30 questions about newsroom strategies and management, and the results of this exclusive survey will be distributed to Editors Forum participants.

4. It is impossible to discuss newsroom strategy without thinking about search engines and aggregators. Therefore, WEF has set up a special workshop on the following theme: Our news and Google News: how can we cooperate?

5. Last but not least, Editors Forum participants will receive a free copy of the Trends in Newsroom 2010 report. This annual 160-page report updates editors about the latest trends regarding print and online newsroom integration. The final chapter is a guide to the best news applications for smartphones.

If you are already convinced and want to register for the 17th World Editors Forum, click here

For more information on the 7 to 10 June World Editors Forum, please click here

Should you have any questions and please feel free to contact me at bpecquerie@wan.asso.fr

I hope to see you in Beirut in June 2010, starting with the Editors cocktail on 7 June 2010.

Warm regards,

Bertrand Pecquerie
Director WORLD EDITORS FORUM
bpecquerie@wan.asso.fr

PS: if you are a publisher or a manager, please go to the Publishers Congress programme at: www.wanlebanon2010.com/articles.php?id=66

Attended by more than 400 delegates from almost 50 countries the event offers magazine publishers and industry suppliers the unique opportunity to form strategic partnerships that will make a real difference to their business. Whether you are looking to syndicate your content, license your print to digital editions, publish new titles in new markets or simply to generate new revenue streams for your business there is no better event than the Worldwide Magazine Marketplace.

To start using your online diary to schedule appointments with potential partners register today at www.magazinemarketplace.com

Original article written by Claire Jones, for more information please email claire@fipp.com

The MDA will co-invest, together with publishing companies and other industry partners in selected programmes that present opportunities for global reach and economic returns under a co-sharing of rights and revenues arrangement. The level of MDA’s participation is dependent on the scale, scope and merits of the proposal.

*Please note that the closing date for proposal submission is 22 June 2010.

Details of the Call, application forms and guidelines are available at MDA’s corporate website, www.smf.sg/BusinessCentre/Pages/Funding.aspx

Click here to download Proposal Form.
Click here to download SPINE 4 Presentation.

For questions regarding the scope and focus of the Call, please contact:
Ms. Yusmawati Yahya
Yusmawati_Yahya@mda.gov.sg

Mr. Edmund Heng
Edmund_Heng@mda.gov.sg