KUALA LUMPUR: Star Media Group (SMG) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the South China Morning Post (SCMP) as part of its aspiration to expand into the global arena.
The collaboration aims at strengthening business linkages between Malaysia and Hong Kong through knowledge leadership events and content exchanges.
The MOU was signed by SMG group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt and SCMP publisher Tammy Tam during a closed-door session at the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” symposium organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) here yesterday.
It was witnessed by Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Hong Kong Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah.
Under the agreement, SMG and the Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper will expand their existing content-sharing arrangement to include sustainability and environmental, social and governance-related articles.
They will also leverage their respective youth and education platforms through content and young reporter exchange programmes, as well as organise competitions.
Chan said the MOU marks an important step in strengthening cross-border collaboration, reflecting on shared aspirations to explore the opportunities by bringing together the strengths of Hong Kong and Malaysia.
“This signing is in line with our aspiration to move the group into the international arena, which we have been working towards over the past two to three years,” he said.
“The direction we are moving in is very much in line with our long-term strategy. Each group has its own strengths, and through this collaboration, we can leverage on each other’s strengths to help both partners move into the regional market in a more cohesive and stronger manner.”
In a statement later, Chan said: “As a most trusted and established media house in Malaysia, SMG looks forward to playing a leadership role in boosting cross-border partnerships through narrative-building and knowledge-sharing.”
“We will work closely with our ecosystem partners to deliver greater value to our readers through the collective journalism expertise from both Hong Kong and Malaysia,” he added.
Tam said the MOU marked a significant step in strengthening ties between the two publications.
“The Star is a major and influential English-language publication in Malaysia, with extensive expertise in the country and the region,” she said.
“With trade ties and business exchanges between Malaysia, Hong Kong and mainland China increasing, Hong Kong serves as a super-connector. As media organisations, we are in the business of communication and connecting people.
“SCMP has expertise in China-related knowledge, while The Star is an expert on Malaysia and the region. I see a lot of potential for collaboration, whether through content exchanges or co-organising events to promote mutual understanding.
“Most importantly, we want to further enhance business and trade relations between Hong Kong, mainland China, Malaysia and South-East Asia.”
On changing news consumption patterns, Tam said media organisations needed to innovate and identify their target audiences.
“Simply writing a story and publishing it is no longer enough. We all need to innovate and identify where our target audiences are,” she said.
SCMP also signed MOU with the Southeast Asian Futures Initiative Centre (SEAFIC) and the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (Hong Kong and Macau) Ltd (MayCham) to enhance regional cooperation.
The agreements were inked as part of Hong Kong’s biggest delegation to Malaysia to date under the “Think Business, Think Hong Kong” campaign organised by the HKTDC.
SEAFIC chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the partnership with SCMP was Malaysia’s invitation to the region.
“Let’s start designing solutions to equip ourselves for a more resilient future,” he said.
During the event, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government Director of Information Services John Tse Chun-chung joined representatives of the Trade Development Council, media outlets and other organisations in signing the MOUs.
Tse expressed his delight in leading a media delegation to Kuala Lumpur.
“Great to see SCMP, The Standard, TVB & I-CABLE, sign 8 MOUs with Malaysian media, think tank & production company & others. A major step aligning with Policy Address to expand global network & tell the HK story well!” he posted on X.
The symposium featured panel sessions on cross-border trade, green finance and expansion through Hong Kong as a regional hub. It aimed to promote bilateral trade and investment between Hong Kong and its global partners.
