Job description:
Overall Purpose of the Job
About Us
SPH Media's mission is to be the trusted source of news and lifestyle content in Singapore and Asia. One of our core purposes is to produce credible, balanced, and objective news and analysis, always with a view to uphold the public good and fostering an informed, engaged citizenry.
We welcome talented individuals to join us and grow a career in a vibrant and collaborative environment built around a culture of respect and inclusivity. As an employer, we are committed to rewarding our people fairly and developing them in their careers.
The Straits Times, the English flagship daily published by SPH Media, is the most widely read newspaper in Singapore. We have been serving readers since 1845, and aim to provide them with comprehensive coverage of news not just in Singapore but also the region and world.
We are seeking a highly experienced, deeply sourced, and intellectually rigorous Senior Columnist to join The Straits Times Opinion desk. Drawing inspiration from the best traditions of global analytical journalism, you will write regular columns that cut through the noise, challenge conventional wisdom, and shape public discourse.
Whether unpacking the complexities of the global economy, analysing geopolitical shifts in the Indo-Pacific, or examining domestic socio-economic trends, you will deliver compelling arguments backed by deep reporting, data-informed analysis, and a distinctive, elegant writing voice.
Key Responsibilities
- Write signature columns: Conceptualise, research, and write 1 to 2 high-impact opinion columns per week. Your work should provide fresh, original insights that our readers cannot find elsewhere.
- Shape the debate: Identify emerging trends in politics, business, economics, or society before they hit the mainstream, framing the conversation for decision-makers in Singapore and across Asia.
- Rigorous analysis: Employ a deeply analytical approach to commentary - combining the data-driven precision of financial journalism with the broad, structural insights of top-tier global affairs magazines.
- Multimedia engagement: Act as a leading voice for The Straits Times across multiple platforms. This could include hosting or appearing on ST podcasts, participating in video commentary, and anchoring long-form interviews.
- Collaborative leadership: Work closely with the Opinion Editor and the broader editorial team to shape The Straits Times institutional voice on major issues. Mentor junior writers and editors to elevate the overall quality of commentary.
- Source building: Maintain and cultivate a high-level network of sources among government officials, corporate executives, academics, and thought leaders to inform your analysis.
Required Qualifications
- Extensive experience: At least 15 years of experience in journalism, policy analysis, or a related field, with a proven track record of writing high-quality commentary, long-form analysis, or leading coverage at a major news organisation.
- Deep subject matter expertise: Deep knowledge of Singaporean affairs, Asian geopolitics, or global macroeconomics. Breath of coverage will be a huge strength. You should be as comfortable dissecting a complex free-trade agreement or fiscal policy shift as you are exploring cultural and societal transformations.
- Distinctive voice: A confident, engaging, and authoritative writing style. You must be able to distill complex issues into clear, accessible, and persuasive prose without sacrificing nuance.
- Data-literate: An ability to use data and empirical evidence to anchor your arguments and elevate your writing, without drowning your commentary in details.
- Global outlook, regional focus: The ability to connect local and regional developments to broader global macro trends, providing a unique Asian lens on world affairs.
Attributes
- Originality: You do not just follow the news cycle; you synthesise events to present arguments that are counter-intuitive, surprising, or structurally profound.
- Intellectual thoughtfulness: A willingness to take a clear, well-argued stand on contentious issues while remaining fair, accurate, and open to opposing viewpoints.
- Adaptability: The capacity to respond rapidly to breaking news with sharp, immediate takeaways, while also delivering deeply researched, evergreen thought pieces.
