Some Chinese newspapers in Singapore were founded explicitly to influence public opinion of the Chinese community, beginning with the reformist newspapers in the early 20^th century, to newspapers founded between WWI and the early Cold War.

One notable newspaper with a strong political stance is Nan Chiau Jit Pao (NCJP). Founded by Tan Kah Kee with the help of other businessmen in support of the Communist movement in China, NCJP was officially established on 21 November 1946. During the Cold War, NCJP supported the Communist camp, fighting polemics concerning China politics against newspapers that supported the Nationalists led by Chiang Kai Shek. NCJP worked towards its ideals to liberate and build a new China and was not shy from praising communism. This was the total opposite of the concept of “loyalty towards the local” that the colonial government tried to instil in the public. On 21 September 1950, the British colonial government banned the publication, sale and distribution of the NCJP and detained its editorial and management team, including Hong Sisi, Hu Weifu and others. This marked the end of Nan Chiau Jit Pao which was on circulation for 3 years and 10 months.

Archives from its first print to August 1950 are now available at your fingertips in our special collection Digital Gems.