Chinese magazine Web site launched
South China Holdings has created what it claims to be the most comprehensive Chinese magazine-related Internet portal by putting its 13 titles on-line.
The portal, scyeah.com, was launched yesterday by the group's listed technology arm South China Information & Technology (SCIT).
Another subsidiary, South China Media (SCM), will provide most of the content.
The 13 titles, which are published by SCM's Yongder Hall unit, include the Chinese versions of Capital, Marie Claire, Esquire and the group's flagship magazine Express Weekly.
However, the Chinese version of adult magazine Penthouse was not included in the list, SCM chief executive Loh Chan said.
'Penthouse does not seem to match the image of the portal,' said Mr Loh, the former publisher of media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying's Apple Daily.
The portal also includes an on-line air ticketing service provided by another South China Group subsidiary, Four Seas Travel International.
'We envisage South China Group as a pioneering leader, and not a follower in the information world of tomorrow,' said Christina Cheung Choi-ngor, vice-president of the group.
Ms Cheung expected the potential value of the site would be equal to $5 per SCIT share, comparing to the company's closing price of 93 cents yesterday.
The group said it would also invite partnerships outside the group to provide content and set up alliances in other regions.
'Some foreign publishers, such as Yang Cheng Wan Bao [in Guangzhou], are now in talks with the portal for possible alliances,' Mr Loh said.
MEDIA
