Good business publications must provide trust, judgment and perspective: Jeffrey Siow

Mr. Jeffrey Siow, Singapore's Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, emphasized the importance of trust, judgment and perspective in good business publications during The Business Times' 50th anniversary dinner on October 1. He stated that The Business Times chronicled Singapore's emergence as a global business and financial center during its first 50 years and now has the opportunity to become one of the institutions through which the world understands Singapore and Southeast Asia in the next 50 years.

Siow acknowledged that while abundant information is available, the challenge lies in cutting through the noise. He stressed that trust is crucial in business and financial journalism, as inaccurate news can have serious consequences, such as affecting investment decisions or regulatory responses. An established newsroom like The Business Times, with verified information and diverse perspectives, provides a competitive advantage.

In terms of judgment, Siow explained that journalism goes beyond reporting facts; it helps readers understand which facts are crucial. The publication also engages with the business community through awards, roundtables and dialogues, generating insights that inform products like its Decoding Asia series. Perspective is another key aspect, as publications' influence stems from their deep understanding of their own economies and regions, allowing them to interpret global developments accurately.

Siow highlighted the growing importance of Southeast Asia to the global economy and the need for regional publications to provide localized context. The Business Times, recognizing this need, launched BT Global in January 2026 to cover regional and international developments from a Southeast Asian perspective. This move has resulted in a significant increase in overseas traffic and unique users for its Decoding Asia newsletter.