Karangkraf chooses Layout International as their solution partner

Kumpulan Media Karangkraf (Karangkraf), one of the largest and most successful publishers of newspapers, magazines, and books in Malaysia, has signed an agreement with Layout International, a leading supplier of editorial management systems, to optimize the production cycle of their newspaper Sinar Harian while at the same time expediting and expanding the digital transformation of their newspaper and fully embracing multi-platform publishing and "digital first" news publishing.

In addition to Sinar Harian, Karangkraf also publishes 15 magazine titles and more than 10 book titles every month in print and digital. Sinar Harian, which is known throughout Malaysia as a neutral and fiercely independent newspaper, has been in circulation since 2006 and online since 2008.

The total solution to be deployed consists of the NewsPublish Multi-Channel Publishing system, A7pro Digital Archiving System, a metered paywall and subscription system, as well as the development of new and existing websites. These solutions bring in Layout International's deep industry experience and expertise as well as state-of-the-art technology to help Karangkraf increase the speed and efficiency of their automated production cycle whether for print, digital, online, mobile apps, or social media platforms.

"We are well aware that a strong presence across multi-platforms is key to sustaining and succeeding in today’s publishing market which is increasingly becoming digital-first and mobile-first," said Syamil Fahim, the deputy CEO of Karangkraf. "We have decided to team up with Layout International to reach our business goals because we are confident that with their industry-specific expertise and knowledge of best practices, Layout International will be able to produce tangible results fast."

These solutions will allow Karangkraf to connect and manage all the contributions from all their reporters in the HQ and embedded in most of the biggest districts in Malaysia using the "Common & Unified Newsroom" concept to centralize and streamline the work of all collaborating editors of the eight editions of Sinar Harian.

Jean-Michel Habis, CEO of Layout International, said "The aim is to help our clients define their specific needs and implement the right solutions accordingly."

In line with Layout International's vision to offer a consistent and dependable service to its clients and as part of its expansion plan in Asia, a support center is being established in Southeast Asia. This will enable faster and more timely support, helping publishers in Asia to accelerate the achievement of their business results.