Ng Poh Tip leaves a legacy few Asian editors can match, says ex-ANN executive director

KUALA LUMPUR: Calling former The Star group chief editor Datuk Ng Poh Tip a monumental figure in Malaysian and Asian journalism, Asia News Network former executive director Pana Janviroj said she has left behind a legacy that few Asian editors are able to match.

Janviroj said Ng was humble and would not have admitted to her success or allowed anyone to portray her in such light.

"She had an unforceful way of going about things but was always forceful in her judgements.

"She was 99% right most of the time and those who worked with her could always count on her wisdom.

"Her pragmatic partnership with former Star Media Group chief executive officer Datuk Steven Tan propelled The Star to become the No. 1 best selling newspaper in Malaysia.

"The Star became not just a newspaper but a daily companion of its readers," he said in a statement on Saturday (May 25) after the news broke of Ng's passing.

Pana said it was Ng's vision to create regional and international credibility for The Star as it had an opportunity to become a co-founding member of the Asia News Network (ANN).

"From an initial seven members, ANN today has 22 members in 20 Asian countries.

"It is one of the world’s largest and longest established news media alliances.

"As an ANN Board member Ng created, shaped, and fine-tuned ANN.

"She rarely missed ANN meetings which tended to rotate around the region.

"She was always said to be a friend among friends in her work with other editors from ANN," he said.

Pana said Ng supported the first ANN office in Bangkok by sending a full-time editorial staff from Kuala Lumpur to jump start the website and regional editorial operation.

"She was instrumental in bringing a member from China into ANN which was not an easy feat.

"She led a three-person ANN delegation for talks with China Daily in Beijing, established trust and enhanced the multi-national working relationship.

"China Daily then sent staff to work in Bangkok and today, it is one of ANN’s most active members.

"From the inception, The Star’s regional reputation and synergy grew alongside ANN," he said.

Pana shared that Ng was a quiet, unassuming, and yet great chief editor.

"One cannot deny her media legacy, regional vision, and all-round editorial management excellence.

"ANN will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Kuala Lumpur in September this year, and truly in her honour," he said.

Ng passed away on Saturday (May 25) at home in Subang Jaya. She was 81.