Message from the Chairman

I am honored to be elected as SOPA’s Chairman again and am very glad to have the
chance to serve the organization for a third year. In 2013, we look forward to a
new and sustainable development of SOPA and the publishing industry.

The emergence of interactive technologies and digital devices recently has brought
about significant challenges as well as great opportunities for publishers in recent
years. Readers and viewers are now able to readily access to information regardless
of geographic location, time zone and language. Nevertheless, it is always our responsibility
to ensure all the information available is true, reliable and useful.

This year, SOPA is ready to offer an exciting array of activities in both local
and regional area, including promoting SOPA goals, luncheons and sharing, establishing
strategies to maximize the member pool and plans that will focus on helping us promote
best practices in the industry. And also the must-not-miss prestigious SOPA Awards
for Editorial Excellence for its 15^th anniversary. The awards represent the premier
journalistic accolade in Asia and journalistic excellence. We are pleased that the
Hong Kong University’s Journalism and Media Studies Centre will be the Administrator
of the Awards for the 3^rd year running.

In the coming year, we will have more industry events, continue actively recruiting
new members to bring in more new ideas and intensify the connection among the publishers
in the region. We look forward to the opportunity to work collaboratively with all
of you and SOPA will endeavor to address the significant challenges and promote
the best practice in the industry around Asia.

Finally, I would like to welcome our new members and thank to all the contribution
and dedication from the supporters over the years. I wish you a Prosperous Year
of Snake and all the best in 2013.

David E. Smith Chairman – SOPA