NSTP DIGITAL PRODUCTS VITAL
Offerings make business more viable, says vendor
LAILI ISMAIL
SHAH ALAM news@nst.com.my
IN its journey into the digital age, the New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd has not left newspaper vendors and agents behind. As more consumers prefer digital sources, the company has offered two digital products; ePaper to provide the younger segment (aged between 18 and 29) alternative news sources, and FullAMark, which is an interactive education portal.
Mini-market owner Ng Ah Mak, 46, who has been an NSTP newspaper vendor for the past 10 years, said she was optimistic about the viability of her business with the digital offerings.
NSTP had introduced prepaid cards for customers to subscribe to, or renew subscriptions for ePapers (New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro) and FullAMark, which are sold by vendors and agents.
“I’m thankful that I will not only be able to earn from selling the newspaper, but also from these two digital products.
“It is a good move because young people prefer to read news on their mobile phones and gadgets.
“I plan to promote FullAMark at schools because it is a good after-school education tool,” she said at a NSTP retail digital roadshow here yesterday.
Ng was announced as the winner of NSTP’s display contest for vendors in Selangor at the roadshow yesterday.
Newspaper head of sales (sales and distribution) Alfian Alias said the contest was one of the company’s efforts to make the industry more appealing.
He said the roadshow, which ran from April 25 until today, received encouraging response from vendors and agents.
“About 40 vendors have bought the two digital products, and we hope to attract at least 400 out of 720 vendors nationwide.
“This response shows that these vendors, who have been working with NSTP for between 50 and 60 years, are ready to move embrace digital.”