On the portal’s launch, both Lucas Chow, CEO of MediaCorp, and Jessica Tan, MD of Microsoft Singapore, expressed confidence that the partnership will benefit online users in Singapore as well as advertisers with its “comprehensive and multi-layered offering”.
Shaun Seow (pictured), MediaCorp deputy CEO (news, radio, print, interactive), said, “We’re confident the xinmsn portal will raise the bar in user experience in Singapore. There will be a potent mix of hyper-local and international content, appealing to Internet users of all ages. While MediaCorp’s ongoing TV, radio and print offerings will provide the substrate for this website, we will also be generating exclusive Web-only content. In this regard, MediaCorp couldn’t have chosen a better partner than Microsoft, whose MSN network plus publishing and advertising platforms are really at the top of their game.”
Mark Inkster, MD of Microsoft’s Online Services Group, Southeast Asia, said, “As the first truly integrated portal in Singapore, our goal is to provide an enhanced online experience for users, with rich media and highly engaging content. In addition, we will also introduce new content services that will lead to exciting new advertising opportunities."
He added: “Microsoft and MediaCorp have significantly extended the reach and increased audience engagement for our respective properties. By pooling our respective strengths and resources, we look forward to having xinmsn become Singapore’s number one online destination. It will be the place to see it all.”
Separately, MediaCorp has named Philip Koh as managing director of its new Interactive Media Division.
Koh will continue to serve in his current post as managing director of MediaCorp Press as well. For both portfolios, he will report to Seow.