SINGAPORE: Chinese news veteran Chua Chim Kang has left Mediacorp, the broadcaster announced on Wednesday (Feb 12).
In his place, the media conglomerate has appointed Wee Wai Lin as the head and chief editor of its Chinese news and current affairs units.
When contacted by The Straits Times, Chua cited personal health reasons for his departure from Mediacorp.
“Due to personal health reasons, I have decided to step away from work temporarily to focus on my recovery. This was not an easy decision, but I believe it is necessary,” he said.
“My time at Mediacorp has been both fulfilling and invaluable,” he added. “I am truly honoured to have worked alongside a professional and dedicated team, collaborating on many meaningful projects.”
Wee was formerly the chief editor of Mediacorp’s Chinese current affairs unit and has been with the media conglomerate for more than 35 years.
She told ST: “The Chinese news and current affairs team will further strengthen and expand digital content on an already solid foundation, providing audiences with a wider range of choices while making greater contributions to the promotion of the Chinese language and local Chinese culture.”
Chua is embroiled in an ongoing court case.
He and former media professional Lee Kuan Fung are being sued by a businessman seeking repayment of a $990,000 interest-free loan given to them in 2017.
Businessman Ren Xin Wu, a Canadian national originally from China, said the sum was for a company called Homing Holdings, which was set up to promote the use of Mandarin in Singapore.
In his suit, Ren accused Lee of mismanaging Homing and alleged that Chua and Ms breached an agreement to repay the loan.
Chua joined Mediacorp in 2018. Before that, he was with the former Singapore Press Holdings for 18 years and last served as chief editor of the now-defunct evening daily Lianhe Wanbao.
Chua told ST that he is deeply grateful for the opportunities Mediacorp has given him and his colleagues’ support.
“Moving forward, I will remain open to new opportunities and challenges,” he said.
When contacted, Mediacorp said it has no further comments. - The Straits Times/ANN
