SPH Media Trust Chairman Khaw Boon Wan will step down after five years at the helm, handing over leadership to Chief Executive Officer Chan Yeng Kit, according to an announcement on Sept 10. Chan will continue in his role as CEO while taking on the additional responsibilities of chairman, subject to regulatory approval with the transition expected to take effect from Oct 1, 2026.
Leadership Handover and Regulatory Approval for Oct 1, 2026
The upcoming leadership changes were agreed after consultation with SMT’s institutional members and board directors. Khaw, who is 73, stated that with operations now stabilised, it is a good time for a retiree to wind down involvement in the project. Khaw previously served as coordinating minister for infrastructure and minister for transport before retiring from politics in 2020.
Chan will be the first chairman of SPH Media and its predecessor in 20 years who is not a former Cabinet minister. Khaw noted that while a former minister’s background is useful, it is not strictly necessary, provided the chairman possesses a strong track record and is trusted by the Government. Chan’s prior roles include permanent secretary of the former Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, and founding chairman of the Infocomm Media Development Authority.
Did You Know? When SPH Media was restructured in May 2021 from a publicly-listed company into a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG), 16 institutional members including local banks and universities replaced commercial shareholders as custodians.
Strategic Restructuring and Digital Transformation
The 2021 restructuring shifted accountability to SMT’s institutional members, helping relieve short-term profit and dividend pressures that the previous listed company faced under strain from digital disruption. Khaw noted that the CLG structure enabled SPH to continue its public mission of providing quality and trustworthy news in Singapore. SPH Media currently reaches nearly nine in 10 digital and print readers across the country on a weekly basis.
Under the management team led by Chan, the organisation updated its strategy and pursued digital transformation, including redesigning The Straits Times app and refreshing the Lianhe Zaobao, Berita Harian, and Tamil Murasu apps. Khaw pointed out that the media portfolio’s multi-channel approach proved effective during major national moments, such as coverage of the 2025 General Elections and year-long SG60 celebrations.
Succession Planning and Future Governance
Khaw explained that stepping aside now ensures the leadership team has sufficient time to consolidate trust and credibility with audiences and stakeholders ahead of the next General Election cycle. Noting he would be over 78 at the next polls, he stated it was wise to move aside while Chan and his team are firmly established. Some board directors have also asked to step aside to make room for fresh expertise, while others remain to assist the incoming chairman.
Furthermore, the process of leadership renewal is actively underway at both newsroom and executive levels. Senior executives are currently being groomed to assume larger roles within the organisation, with further details regarding executive succession to be announced in due course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is taking over as chairman of SPH Media Trust?
Chief Executive Officer Chan Yeng Kit will take on the additional responsibilities as chairman, succeeding Khaw Boon Wan.
When is the leadership transition expected to take effect?
The transition is expected to take effect from Oct 1, 2026, subject to regulatory approval.
Why was SPH Media restructured in 2021?
The restructuring moved the media operations from a publicly-listed company to a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee to relieve advertising-driven financial pressures and protect its public mission.
How do you think leadership changes in institutional media trusteeships will shape the future delivery of local news in Singapore?
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