Singapore: Lai named BBC News Chief Presenter
December 21, 2023
The BBC has announced the appointment of Steve Lai as Chief Presenter in Singapore on the BBC’s news channel, BBC News, which broadcasts to an audience of millions around the world, including in Europe, North America and Asia.
Lai will anchor BBC News’ flagship Asia morning programmes, the award-winning Newsday and Asia Business Report, as well as reporting on-location for key stories, including the upcoming elections in Taiwan. BBC News’ business programming brings audiences in Asia and around the world, the latest news and economic updates that decision-makers need to know, drawing on unparalleled global reporting and analysis.
Lai will present from the BBC News Singapore bureau, one of the 58 locations the BBC has bureaux in, reinforcing the BBC’s global footprint and commitment to better serve audiences around the world with more breaking news coverage and in-depth analysis.
Lai joins the BBC from CNA, where he was co-host of the flagship morning news programme and an anchor of award-winning special event programmes. Prior to that he was a presenter on the flagship evening news programme, and has anchored election coverage in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Myanmar. He brings to BBC News a wealth of experience with more than a decade of covering the critical changes that have impacted the political, economic, trade and social landscapes in Asia. He helmed coverage of the 2016 US Presidential Election and the 2018 Trump-Kim Summit and has delivered some of the most important news for audiences in Singapore. He has reported for tv, radio, digital and social platforms, including podcasts, and worked on documentaries across political, economic, social and sporting life in Asia and beyond.
“I couldn’t be happier to be joining BBC News in Singapore as events in Asia continue to rise in significance on the world stage. The BBC’s global reach and credibility is unmatched and I’m excited to start working with the team to provide viewers with impartial and insightful understanding of the biggest news stories shaping the region and beyond.” said Lai. “It’s a fresh start to the new year and I’m looking forward to being on the ground, covering Taiwan’s election for BBC News in mid-January.”
Paul Royall, Executive News Editor for the BBC News channel, commented: “We are delighted that Steve will be joining the BBC News Channel as one of the presenters that our audiences across the world can look to for accurate and impartial news. Asia Pacific continues to be a dynamic region of ever-growing importance in the world, and we know Steve is very well-placed to bring these stories to our audiences globally. He is a highly experienced presenter whom audiences regard as a trusted voice. He brings authority and expertise, and his personable presenting style is much-loved by audiences across APAC. He makes a great addition to our outstanding presenting team.”
Dominic Ball, Editor, Money, Work & Technology, BBC News, added: “We are very happy to be welcoming Steve to BBC News and our team in Singapore. Steve joins us at a key moment both for global economics and for the BBC’s coverage of Asia and he’ll be instrumental in bringing impactful stories to our audiences. Steve’s expert knowledge of the region will further enhance our journalism and we’re looking forward to him delivering big interviews with influential figures.”