Rice Media: Difference between revisions
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'''Rice Media''' is a Singapore-based digital publication | '''Rice Media''' is a Singapore-based digital publication founded by Mark Tan and Julian Wong.<ref name="wikisg">{{cite web |title=Rice Media |url=https://wiki.sg/p/Rice_Media |website=Wiki.sg |access-date=13 July 2026}}</ref> The underlying legal entity, '''Rice Media Pte. Ltd.''' (UEN 201608775C), was incorporated on 4 April 2016, though the outlet was publicly established as a start-up in mid-2017.<ref name="acra">{{cite web |title=RICE MEDIA PTE. LTD. |url=https://opengovsg.com/corporate/201608775C |website=OpenGovSG |access-date=13 July 2026}}</ref><ref name="wikisg"/> The company has positioned itself as "Asia's alternative voice," offering investigative reporting, cultural commentary, and critical analysis on a diverse range of topics, including politics, culture, and lifestyle, with a strong focus on Southeast Asia.<ref name="wikisg"/> | ||
Renowned for its in-depth human interest stories, Rice Media built its readership around narrative-driven features and essays examining identity, work culture, and social expectations among younger Singaporeans, seeking to challenge conventional narratives and encourage readers to think deeply and broaden their perspectives.<ref name="toc">{{cite web |title=Hustle Studios acquires independent cultural publication RICE Media |url=https://theonlinecitizen.com/2026/04/02/hustle-studios-acquires-independent-cultural-publication-rice-media |website=The Online Citizen |date=2 April 2026 |access-date=13 July 2026}}</ref> In December 2019, the publication expanded its reach by launching operations in Thailand, aiming to deliver localised content.<ref name="wikisg"/> In addition to written articles, Rice Media explores multimedia storytelling through videos and podcasts, while collaborating with various clients on branded content partnerships.<ref name="wikisg"/> | |||
On 29 March 2026, Rice Media announced its acquisition by Hustle Studios, the creative arm of Hustle Singapore, a SkillsFuture-accredited training provider that had previously partnered with Rice Media on narrative-writing courses.<ref name="toc"/> The deal ended Rice Media's decade-long run as a standalone editorial outlet.<ref name="toc"/> Reports indicated the acquisition followed financial difficulties that had led the company's management to consider ceasing operations altogether; the sale allowed founder and chief executive Mark Tan to settle most of the company's liabilities and provide severance for staff.<ref name="vulcanpost">{{cite web |title=S'pore digital publication RICE Media has been acquired, plans to expand beyond publishing |url=https://vulcanpost.com/910395/rice-media-acquisition/ |website=Vulcan Post |access-date=13 July 2026}}</ref> | |||
Following the acquisition, the publication transitioned from a standalone, independent editorial outlet into an entity integrated with Hustle Singapore's creative learning and community ecosystem, with a focus on creative industry programmes and community-led workshops.<ref name="toc"/> Rice Media has said it will continue editorial operations at its existing web address, with further programming announcements to follow.<ref name="toc"/> Co-founders Mark Tan and Julian Wong stepped down from their executive roles upon the acquisition, remaining with the company in an advisory capacity during the transition period.<ref name="toc"/> | |||
By providing fresh perspectives on everyday life in Asia, Rice Media has established itself as a significant player in the region's media landscape. It appeals to readers seeking thoughtful, alternative viewpoints that go beyond mainstream coverage, solidifying its reputation as a platform for meaningful storytelling and critical engagement. | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
[[Category:Media Organizations]] | [[Category:Media Organizations]] | ||
[[Category:Mass media in Singapore]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:25, 12 July 2026
Rice Media is a Singapore-based digital publication founded by Mark Tan and Julian Wong.[1] The underlying legal entity, Rice Media Pte. Ltd. (UEN 201608775C), was incorporated on 4 April 2016, though the outlet was publicly established as a start-up in mid-2017.[2][1] The company has positioned itself as "Asia's alternative voice," offering investigative reporting, cultural commentary, and critical analysis on a diverse range of topics, including politics, culture, and lifestyle, with a strong focus on Southeast Asia.[1]
Renowned for its in-depth human interest stories, Rice Media built its readership around narrative-driven features and essays examining identity, work culture, and social expectations among younger Singaporeans, seeking to challenge conventional narratives and encourage readers to think deeply and broaden their perspectives.[3] In December 2019, the publication expanded its reach by launching operations in Thailand, aiming to deliver localised content.[1] In addition to written articles, Rice Media explores multimedia storytelling through videos and podcasts, while collaborating with various clients on branded content partnerships.[1]
On 29 March 2026, Rice Media announced its acquisition by Hustle Studios, the creative arm of Hustle Singapore, a SkillsFuture-accredited training provider that had previously partnered with Rice Media on narrative-writing courses.[3] The deal ended Rice Media's decade-long run as a standalone editorial outlet.[3] Reports indicated the acquisition followed financial difficulties that had led the company's management to consider ceasing operations altogether; the sale allowed founder and chief executive Mark Tan to settle most of the company's liabilities and provide severance for staff.[4]
Following the acquisition, the publication transitioned from a standalone, independent editorial outlet into an entity integrated with Hustle Singapore's creative learning and community ecosystem, with a focus on creative industry programmes and community-led workshops.[3] Rice Media has said it will continue editorial operations at its existing web address, with further programming announcements to follow.[3] Co-founders Mark Tan and Julian Wong stepped down from their executive roles upon the acquisition, remaining with the company in an advisory capacity during the transition period.[3]
By providing fresh perspectives on everyday life in Asia, Rice Media has established itself as a significant player in the region's media landscape. It appeals to readers seeking thoughtful, alternative viewpoints that go beyond mainstream coverage, solidifying its reputation as a platform for meaningful storytelling and critical engagement.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Rice Media".Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "RICE MEDIA PTE. LTD.".Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 "Hustle Studios acquires independent cultural publication RICE Media"(2 April 2026).Retrieved 13 July 2026.
- ↑ "S'pore digital publication RICE Media has been acquired, plans to expand beyond publishing".Retrieved 13 July 2026.