Rice Media

Rice Media is a Singapore-based digital publication founded by Mark Tan and Julian Wong. 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. 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.

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. In December 2019, the publication expanded its reach by launching operations in Thailand, aiming to deliver localised content. In addition to written articles, Rice Media explores multimedia storytelling through videos and podcasts, while collaborating with various clients on branded content partnerships.

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. The deal ended Rice Media's decade-long run as a standalone editorial outlet. 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.

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. Rice Media has said it will continue editorial operations at its existing web address, with further programming announcements to follow. 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.

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.