Singapore – SPH Media, a media company in Singapore, has announced a significant restructuring of its technology division, resulting in the layoff of 34 employees.
The layoffs are part of a broader effort to streamline processes in the division, according to a report from The Straits Times, a publication owned by SPH Media. It affected about 10% of technology workers.
In a media statement, the company assured the affected workers that they would be supported through severance packages, career coaching, job placement assistance, and counseling.
SPH Media is restructuring its technology division into three key departments, effective starting Nov. 5. This includes the chief technology office led by Jensen Boey, information technology department led by Christopher Lim, and the product and engineering team led by Kaythaya Maw.
Additionally, the company is creating a standalone business insights and analytics department which will report to Loh Yuh Yiing, SPH Media chief operating officer.
Loh explained in an email to staff that the increasing costs associated with technology and the declining revenue in the traditional media industry made the measures necessary. While it first decreased non-payroll expenditures, the company still had to lay off employees as a last resort.
“This was a difficult decision that we have had to make,” Loh said. “Going forward, our focus will be to steady the ship as we transit towards a more sustainable level of Tech operations and expenditure.”
Commenting on the departments, she said, “This restructuring of Tech departments will enable clearer leadership focus and accountability for outcomes in the areas of Tech administration, IT infrastructure and digital product development.”
Since its establishment in 2021 as the spin-off of Singapore Press Holdings, SPH Media has been operating a variety of newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and digital platforms.
