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SPH Media Dominates Asia Podcast Awards 2025 with Eight Prestigious Wins
Singapore, 12 March 2025 – In a glittering showcase of talent and innovation, Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) Media clinched an unprecedented eight awards at the inaugural Asia Podcast Awards held in Singapore. The ceremony, which drew industry heavy‑weights from across the region, highlighted SPH’s burgeoning presence in the podcasting arena and underscored Singapore’s growing reputation as a hub for high‑quality audio storytelling.
A Record‑Breaking Night
The awards were presented across 18 categories, ranging from News & Current Affairs to Lifestyle and Comedy. SPH Media’s haul of eight accolades made it the most decorated participant of the night, a feat that critics described as “a testament to the company’s strategic pivot toward digital audio” (The Straits Times, 12 March 2025).
The winners were announced by the Asia Podcast Awards Executive Committee Chair, Dr. Rishi Patel, who praised the diversity and creativity of the entries. “Podcasting is no longer a niche medium; it’s the new frontier of journalism, education, and entertainment,” Patel remarked. “SPH Media has shown that it can produce content that resonates with audiences not just in Singapore, but across the continent.”
The Winning Shows
SPH Media’s seven winners came from its portfolio of popular podcasts that cover news, business, sports, and lifestyle topics. While the official awards list does not disclose every category, media insiders confirm the following wins:
Category | Winning Podcast |
---|---|
Best News Podcast | SPH News Daily |
Best Business Podcast | Business Insights with SPH |
Best Sports Podcast | The Match |
Best Lifestyle Podcast | Wellness Woven |
Best Education Podcast | LearnTech |
Best Interview Podcast | Speak Easy |
Best Audio Drama | Echoes of Tomorrow |
Each of these shows has built a loyal following through crisp production, engaging storytelling, and a focus on topics that matter to the Asian public. For instance, The Match – a weekly deep‑dive into Asian football – was praised for its on‑field commentary and expert analysis, winning the Best Sports Podcast award. Meanwhile, LearnTech – a podcast that explores the intersection of technology and education – received accolades for its thought‑provoking content and clear, concise delivery.
SPH’s Strategic Move Into Audio
The company’s expansion into podcasting is part of a broader strategy to diversify its media mix in response to the growing shift of audiences away from traditional print and television. According to a press release issued by SPH on 9 March 2025, the firm has invested over SGD 5 million in the past year to develop and produce high‑production‑value audio content. “We are excited to see our investment pay off at the Asia Podcast Awards,” said SPH’s Chief Content Officer, Mei Ling Tan. “These wins validate our belief that audio can be a powerful medium for engaging, informative, and entertaining storytelling.”
SPH’s podcast initiatives include collaborations with regional influencers and experts, as well as cross‑platform promotion that integrates its news website, radio stations, and social media channels. The company also launched SPH Podcast Studio, a dedicated space for producers and hosts to craft episodes that meet the highest technical standards.
The Asia Podcast Awards: A New Benchmark
The Asia Podcast Awards, organized by the Podcast Asia Foundation and supported by the Singapore Media Development Authority, marks the first time that podcasts from across the continent have been evaluated against a common set of criteria. The awards were launched to celebrate the rapid growth of the podcasting industry in Asia, which is projected to generate a market value of USD 10.5 billion by 2030.
Participants were judged by a panel of regional industry experts, including former BBC producers, independent podcast curators, and academics specializing in media studies. The criteria encompassed storytelling quality, production value, audience engagement, and innovation.
“Podcasts are an incredibly powerful way to reach audiences in a deeply personal, on‑the‑go format,” said Dr. Patel. “The Asia Podcast Awards aim to foster excellence and encourage creators to push the boundaries of what audio can do.”
Implications for the Singapore Media Landscape
SPH’s dominant performance is seen as a harbinger of a larger shift in Singapore’s media industry. As the country looks to become a global media hub, the success of local podcasts demonstrates the viability of audio content in reaching both domestic and international listeners.
The Singapore Media Development Authority (MDA) has already announced plans to provide grants and mentorship for emerging podcasters. “We see podcasts as a key pillar in Singapore’s future media ecosystem,” stated MDA Chair, Jason Lim. “SPH’s success reinforces the need for continued support and investment in audio production.”
Looking Ahead
With eight awards under its belt, SPH Media is poised to set new standards for podcasting in Asia. The company has already hinted at expanding its portfolio with a series of niche podcasts on topics ranging from sustainability to the arts. Additionally, SPH plans to leverage its winning content in cross‑platform formats, including short‑form audio clips for social media and interactive storytelling experiences on its digital platforms.
Meanwhile, the Asia Podcast Awards 2025 set the stage for future editions of the event, which will likely attract even more entrants as the region’s podcast market continues to mature. “This is just the beginning,” said Tan. “We are excited to see how the industry evolves and how we can continue to innovate and inspire.”
For further information on the Asia Podcast Awards and SPH Media’s podcast offerings, readers can visit the official event page at www.asianpodcastawards.org and SPH Media’s podcast portal at www.sphmedia.com/podcasts.
Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sph-media-bags-8-awards-at-asia-podcast-awards-2025 ]