Khaw Boon Wan to step down as SPH Media Trust chairman

SPH Media Trust chairman Khaw Boon Wan is set to step down after five years, handing the role to CEO Chan Yeng Kit. The changes, agreed upon after consultation with the trust’s institutional members and board directors, are expected to take effect from October 1. Khaw, 73, cited the stabilisation of SPH operations as a reason for his decision, stating that he is now a retiree and wishes to wind down his involvement in the project.

Previously, Khaw served as coordinating minister for infrastructure and minister for transport before retiring from politics in 2020. He was appointed chairman of SMT in May 2021 following the restructuring of then publicly listed Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) into a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee (CLG). The changes aim to address the strain on SPH’s traditional advertising-funded business model due to digital disruption.

Khaw noted that SPH Media’s comprehensive approach, reaching nearly nine in 10 digital and print readers across Singapore, has proven effective during major national moments, such as the 2025 General Election and the SG60 celebrations. He also highlighted the trust and credibility built with the audience, newsrooms, and stakeholders under his leadership.