Lianhe Zaobao launches English edition with AI translation and human checks

SPH Media has launched an English-language edition of its Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao, using AI translation models alongside human editorial checks to open the publication’s reporting to readers who do not read Chinese fluently.

The edition went live on Nov. 5 and is available through Lianhe Zaobao’s website. English content is not yet available in the Lianhe Zaobao app. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam officiated at the launch, held at the SPH News Centre auditorium.

The publication uses frontier AI translation models, while copy editors review selected translations before publication for cultural context and clarity. SPH Media selects translation models according to the language pair, editorial requirements and the needs of each title.

The move is part of SPH Media’s plan to make major news titles progressively available in Singapore’s four official languages. Its stated aim is to help readers encounter stories, perspectives and community concerns that had previously been available only in another language, while preserving each publication’s editorial identity and original journalism.

Lianhe Zaobao is the first mother-tongue newspaper to receive an English edition under the initiative. The Business Times launched a Chinese edition in March, followed by The Straits Times on Oct. 28.

Lee Huay Leng said the English edition was intended to help younger readers and those uncomfortable with complex Chinese articles discover Zaobao’s journalism, rather than replace Chinese-language reporting. Lianhe Zaobao said its journalists will continue to report and write in Chinese, and described the English site as an additional route to a wider audience.

The case for translation rests partly on the distinct editorial output of Singapore’s newspapers. Only about 30% of content overlaps between Lianhe Zaobao and The Straits Times, according to Lianhe Zaobao, leaving substantial reporting, analysis and commentary that readers of one publication may not otherwise see.

President Tharman said a large part of the English edition’s readership could come from Singapore’s Chinese community, whose younger members largely use English at home or outside it. He said the edition could also promote social harmony by giving readers access to a different perspective on social and international issues.

Chow Yian Ping described the project as a gradual experiment, identifying commentary and cultural articles as areas where AI translation remains particularly challenging and where the publication will focus its efforts. After the English website’s operations stabilise, Lianhe Zaobao plans to introduce Malay and Tamil editions progressively; Berita Harian and Tamil Murasu are also to explore content for other language communities.