The Wall Street Journal to relocate Asia HQ from HK to SG

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) is relocating its Asia headquarter from Hong Kong to Singapore, MARKETING-INTERACTIVE understands. 

Meanwhile, it is also reportedly downsizing its editorial team in Hong Kong to single digits. Multiple reports also said that Hong Kong-based reporters will be relocated to Singapore or other parts of Asia, while several reporters and editors will be laid off.

According to an internal note seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Emma Tucker, the company's editor-in-chief said the media company is shifting its centre of gravity in the region from Hong Kong to Singapore. Consequently, some of its Hong Kong-based colleagues would be forced to leave.

Meanwhile, the company will create a new business, finance and economics group to be responsible for business news coverage of China's stock market, property market, electric vehicles and Hong Kong stocks. 

The mandate of this group will be to break news and write ambitious and distinctive features, analysis and enterprise. This group will be flexible, able to shift its focus as the business and finance stories evolve.

The group will be led by an editor based in Singapore, and the person will report to Deborah Ball, WSJ's  newly appointed Asia editor and deputy world coverage chief, and will work on global coverage priorities set by Jamie Heller, corporate coverage chief  and Marie Beaudette, finance and economics coverage chief.

The company is also looking to hire political and finance reporters based in Singapore. 

Don't miss: Yahoo SG to reportedly axe editorial and social media staff in SG

On a similar note, another media company Yahoo is reported to be axing its editorial and social media staff members in Singapore. While the platform has been increasingly curating third-party content, it still has original reporting.

In a statement to MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, A Yahoo spokesperson said the company is shifting its editorial strategy to better align with strategic priorities for Yahoo Singapore. 

“Readers can expect to continue seeing the content they most regularly engage with and enjoy. We remain focused on delivering a diverse selection of high-quality and engaging news, lifestyle and finance content, from local and international sources,” the spokesperson added. 

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