Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Bhd - Announcements

Chairman’s S TATEMENT
Our Advertising Division, which saw a 22% increase
in advertising revenue during the year, remained the
main contributor to the Group’s profitability.
The year also saw our Multimedia Division
registering a total turnover of RM12.9 million, which
is an encouraging start for a relative newcomer.
An increase in circulation of our publications and cover
prices also contributed towards an improved turnover.
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS
As a Group that is still growing, we are continually
fine-tuning our portfolio of businesses activities.
To this end, we are divesting businesses that are no
longer profitable or do not fit in with our vision of
what we want to be.
As reported last year, in our efforts to get the best from
Utusan’s investment portfolio, we ceased the operations
of two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Utusan Audio Sdn
Bhd and Utusan Melayu (Singapura) Pte Ltd.
While selectively hiving-off certain businesses,
we remain alert to new business opportunities that
support and add value to the Group’s operations.
A new addition to our stable of companies is Forum
Exposition Sdn Bhd, a leading events management
company specialising in organising product launches,
trade exhibitions, conferences and other events.
20 Utusan Melayu (Malaysia) Berhad
The year 2000 will see the Utusan Group embark on
a far-reaching restructuring exercise. Over the last
few years, the Group has undergone a major
transformation. From the printing and publishing
house we used to be, we are rapidly evolving into a
multiple media communications company. We will
now need to streamline our operations to reflect the
Utusan Group that is emerging and to ensure an
optimal distribution of resources and energy. This
would also be an opportune moment to look into
and address all other aspects of our operations from
various other perspective. By doing so, we will ensure
that our interests, and ultimately those of our
shareholders, will be safeguarded.
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
On the operational front, 1999 was an eventful year
for the Utusan Group. The Group continued to
make headway to strengthen its position in several
core business areas through strategic alliances. It was
also a year of achievements. Four of our publications
– Utusan Malaysia, Mingguan Malaysia, Mangga and
Mastika – garnered the top spot in a poll survey
conducted by A C Nielson.
Above: Some of our book publications have garnered
top spot recognition in the market.
Left: Venturing into Motion Plus outdoor advertising
has been a major success into new opportunities.