Singapore Press : The Business Times Weekend unveils new look with a weekly magazine supplement

The Business Times Weekend (BTW) was first launched as a compact edition on 6 September 2008. The portable format was positioned to make reading BTW convenient for the busy executive outside the office, while on the go.

The new BTW retains its compact size, but offers a new concept - the 'magazine supplement'. The standalone magazine, called Weekend, will be wrapped around the main newspaper, which will also be revamped.

The all-new Weekend magazine will focus on luxury lifestyle content, and readers can look forward to more witty reads, including:

· Cover Story: a feature inspired by current trends and talking points.
· The Rolex Interview: a one-on-one with quiet achievers and dynamic individuals making waves in their various fields.
· Weekly fashion spreads, snappy perspectives on travel, food and design, plus a nostalgic look at old Singapore

The Weekend magazine's editorial direction is more visual and contemporary, designed to appeal to BT's savvy and well-travelled readership, as well as upscale brand advertisers. Well-known international newspapers have already successfully launched similar magazine supplements. The Weekend's look was conceptualised by Cheah Wei Chun and Michael Chiang - two magazine veterans appointed as consultants by BT.

The revamped BTW main newspaper, designed in-house, takes a fresh approach to presenting news and features, with an emphasis on intelligent weekend reading. In addition to news stories, there will be long-form features, and more regular columns by BT's experienced journalists.

Instead of the traditional front-page layout, the newspaper cover will feature a long-form story with graphics and photos. Inside, readers can look forward to 'Brunch', the cover story which provides an insightful narrative on issues and people in business and society.

The 'Inside View' column is a commentary on the week's most significant event in a Q&A format, alongside a section featuring upcoming happenings in the week ahead.

Replacing the current sector pages will be a series of wide-ranging local and foreign stories across the various business industries. Instead of hard news, readers can enjoy interesting short feature stories and interviews.

The 'Life & Culture' section will be a mix of new and current columns covering a range of topics ranging from work life, sports to technology, through quirky and tongue-in-cheek perspectives.

The 'Upfront' section is a compilation of local and foreign top stories, focusing on company news as well as new features on investing and house-hunting. For the savvy investors, there is the Traders' Guide and simulated portfolio and technical analysis of the most talked-about counters and industries.

The popular 'Raffles Conversation', spotlighting movers and shakers in business, politics and society, will be refreshed as well.

On Friday, readers will still enjoy BT's Lifestyle section, which will remain an indispensable guide to the latest in town, scoping the newest eateries, shopping and design trends, and recommend the best things to see and do during the weekend.

Driving enthusiasts will now get their auto fix a day earlier, with reviews of the latest cars in a refreshed 'Motoring' section. The popular 'Dining Out' reviews will now appear on Fridayinstead of Monday, a boon for foodies planning their weekend outings. Meanwhile, arts buffs will continue to enjoy BT's
authoritative take on the theatre and gallery scene, as well as movie and music reviews.

The all-new BTW will, of course, be available as an E-paper. The BT home page will now be customised to display both the new Weekend magazine and main paper content as well as breaking news. The new online BT Lifestyle section will contain stories from not just the weekend editions but throughout the week.

Alvin Tay, Editor of The Business Times, says: 'To celebrate BT's 40 anniversary, we felt that it would be timely to revamp the BT Weekend. With the addition of a magazine supplement, we are introducing a distinctly different editorial format designed to wow our discerning readers and woo our advertisers and sponsors. Yet it will retain BT's DNA and identity, keeping the paper as the premium business read for corporate leaders and decision-makers.'

Exclusive promotions for BT and BTW readers and subscribers

From 8 October to 30 November, subscribers stand to receive a complimentary Fitbit Alta Fitness Wristband (worth $198) as well as a 1-year digital access to The Peak Singapore (worth $366) when they subscribe* to a 3-year plan with BT. Offering the most value is the BT All-in-One Package, now at only $29.90 (Usual price - $34.90). This package allows readers access to business news on print and online, and subscribers can log on through four mobile devices simultaneously. Please visit btsub.sg/offer (Terms and conditions apply).

Readers can also stand to win exclusive dining deals, and for readers who are constantly on the go, Grab will provide $5 off GrabTaxi rides. Look out for the dining deals and Grab coupon codes that will appear in the ads on BTW on 8, 15, 22 and 29 October(Terms and conditions apply).

Issued by Singapore Press Holdings Limited
Co. Regn. No. 198402868E

For media enquiries, please contact:

Ms Chin Soo Fang
Head
Corporate Communications Division
Singapore Press Holdings
DID: 6319 1216
Email: soofang@sph.com.sg

Mr Yeo Siew Chi
Manager
Corporate Communications Division
Singapore Press Holdings
DID: 6319 1586Email: yeosc@sph.com.sg

About The Business Times

The Business Times, a member of the Singapore Press Holdings group, is South-east Asia's leading financial daily. BT brings to its readers daily corporate, financial, economic and political news, analysis and commentary on print and digital platforms. It provides readers with in-depth coverage of Singapore and Asian business and economic developments, as well as global trends that impact Singapore business. BT's lifestyle journalists bring busy executives the latest in recreation, entertainment, the arts, design, food and shopping.

For more information, please visit businesstimes.com.sg.

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