There’s a question mark in the theme of this year’s ANP conference in Penang… but little doubt about where delegates are determined to take the industry.
‘Forging ahead’ is a positive aim for the 222 people who are at the Equatorial Hotel this week, all of whom believe in the future of print-related news publishing.
Sessions in the first business day have helped equip them for cost-effective quality production… and to seize opportunities along the way.
Plenary sessions this morning outlined impacts and opportunities from next year’s ASEAN Economic Community, informed on press technologies designed to add flexibility and increase utilization, and gave ANP members an opportunity to learn from Australia’s Single Width Users Group, on which the organization was modelled.
A speaker with something to contribute on both counts was Bob Lockley, who is both president of SWUG and the printing and distribution director of Fairfax Media, an Australian news publishing company currently in the midst of its own fundamental reorganization plans.
Lockley told of the growth of SWUG since its formation in 1985 to an organization which easily draws its target 250 conference delegates, awards an annual apprentice prize and $20,000 leadership scholarship, and hands out prizes worth $33,000 to winners of its print quality competition.
Core principles include a focus on learning and teaching, problem solving and the exchange of ideas and contacts.
In the position for 23 years, he’s passionate about its objectives, and jokes the reason he hasn’t been succeeded is that no one else wants the job.
Lockley also detailed Fairfax’s print reorganization plans, which include shutting its two largest metropolitan print sites, and consolidating some of the displaced equipment into hybrid regional sites with a focus on flexibility.
And if anyone wants a big manroland Colorman pressline, he’ll do “a ripper deal”.
There perhaps, was a part of the contrast between Australia and print markets in Asia which are still growing… and where the focus is on increasing efficiency and motivation.
Breakout sessions tackled upgrades, training and maintenance, and the processes and technology that could prolong the future of printed newspapers.
Among speakers was ANP’s Aszman Kasmani, who is production general manager of Malaysian publisher New Straits Times Press (Media Prima), which is currently engaged in a five-year Optimus revitalisation programme.
Dramatic results from the first year of the programme – of which staff engagement and reward are a vital elements – have included a 22 per cent increase in advertising revenue, savings of RM11 million and have doubled profits.
“The key to success is to get everyone on board,” he says.
The conference continues tomorrow, following the annual dinner – being held poolside – this evening.
Pictured: Panel members (from Left) Bob Lockley, Mohd Hassan, D. Sudharson and Aszman Kasmani answer questions
On our homepage: A traditional opening for the conference