SAR loses BBC's Asia bureau to Singapore

The BBC has decided to move its Asia headquarters from Hong Kong to Singapore by early October, after decades here.

Asia bureau producer Jeremy Hillman said the strengthening of the BBC's bureaus in China had affected Hong Kong's role.

'Hong Kong has become less important as our stepping base to cover China,' Mr Hillman said.

As part of the regional shake-up, the BBC plans to open a new bureau in Shanghai and upgrade its Beijing team this year.

'Obviously, the move could save us office and apartment rents. However, cost is just a factor, not the main factor,' he said.

The move, planned for either late September or early October, would affect five people: the Asia correspondent, producer, bureau editor and two cameramen.