Layoffs Follow Decommissioning of Legacy Printing Presses
SPH Media has announced that it will be laying off 11 production workers following the decommissioning of two of its long-serving printing presses. The 30-year-old Colorliner presses, which have reached the end of their operational life, are being phased out in a move to consolidate printing operations onto four newer and more efficient Commander presses. In an internal email to staff, SPH Media chief executive officer Chan Yeng Kit explained that the job cuts are a result of ongoing operational reviews as the company progresses on its transformation journey. These affected workers, who were involved in operating the two older presses and distributing newspapers, were notified on Tuesday. The newer KBA presses, which were deployed in 2003 and have since been upgraded, boast a greater capacity, capable of printing up to 56 broadsheet pages in full color per hour, compared to the 40 pages achieved by the older presses.
SPH Media’s Commitment to Affected Staff and Efficiency
An SPH Media spokeswoman clarified that while the consolidation onto the newer presses was aimed at maintaining quality and improving process efficiency, it regrettably resulted in job redundancies for 11 roles within the production division. The company affirmed that it had thoroughly explored redeployment opportunities but was unable to find suitable placements for the affected employees. In response, SPH Media has committed to providing comprehensive support to the workers during this transition period. The support package includes severance packages that align with tripartite guidelines, career coaching, job placement assistance, and emotional support through professional counseling. CEO Chan reiterated that these operational reviews are necessary to ensure the company remains “fit for purpose” given technological advancements and evolving customer preferences, emphasizing that SPH Media remains dedicated to meeting the demand for print formats through new and better ways.
Broader Context of SPH Media’s Strategic Transformation
This recent round of layoffs must be viewed within the larger context of SPH Media’s ongoing strategic transformation. The company has previously undertaken similar measures as part of its operational reviews, including a significant layoff of 34 technology workers in November 2024 as part of a restructuring of its technology division. More recently, the company’s subsidiary, Tech In Asia, announced its decision to cease publishing its Indonesia edition and wind down its operations in the country, a move that affected 18 percent of its team. These actions, despite SPH Media’s emphasis that they are not driven by major restructuring or broad cost-cutting, illustrate a clear organizational commitment to enhancing efficiency, consolidating operations, and investing in sustainable, future-ready media capabilities across both its print and digital platforms to ensure its long-term viability.
