Sing Po (星报)

Sing Po (星报) was the second Chinese daily newspaper in Singapore after Lat Pau (叻报). It was first published on 14 February 1890 and ceased publication in late 1898, lasting for about 9 years. It was founded by Lim Kong Chuan (Lin Heng-nan), and published by Koh Yew Hean Press, which was well-known for publishing two Chinese language newspapers and numerous publications in various languages, including English, Chinese and Malay.

Sing Po was primarily a commercial venture and did not have a clear political agenda. Nevertheless, the paper took on a pro-China political stance which could be seen from its concerns on the situation in China, criticism towards China’s external threats and empathy on the sufferings of its people. On the other hand, Sing Po also raised awareness on the vices of local Chinese community, such as prostitution, opium smoking, gambling and triad by publishing articles to urge activists and the government to resolve the issue. Its news reporting style was largely parallel to that of the Lat Pau, but some of its editorials provided more radical comments on social issues.

This newspaper was published daily, except on Sundays and public holidays. Each issue had eight pages. The chief writer of the newspaper is Huang Nai Siang, who was the father-in-law of two prominent Chinese in Singapore and Malaya – Dr Lim Boon Keng and Dr Wu Lien-Teh.

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