About Us

SPH Media's mission is to be the trusted source of news and lifestyle content in Singapore and Asia.

One of our core purposes is to produce credible, balanced, and objective news and analysis, always with a view to uphold the public good and fostering an informed, engaged citizenry.

We welcome talented individuals to join us and grow a career in a vibrant and collaborative environment built around a culture of respect and inclusivity.

As an employer, we are committed to rewarding our people fairly and developing them in their careers.

About the Role

Heritage Media Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of SPH Media, is looking for a locally based Translator & Editorial Support professional in Indonesia to support The Business Times Indonesia Correspondent.

The Business Times is Singapore's leading business and financial daily, covering companies, markets, economies and developments that matter to businesses and investors in Singapore and across the region.

This role will provide translation and on-the-ground support to the Indonesia Correspondent, including during media interviews, meetings and reporting assignments. The successful candidate should be highly proficient in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, comfortable working in a fast-paced media environment, and able to adapt to changing schedules and assignments.

The position will be based in Indonesia and may involve travel within the country.

Key responsibilities

1) Translation and interpretation

Provide accurate and professional translation between English and Bahasa Indonesia, in both written and spoken settings.
Provide live, in-person interpretation during media interviews, press briefings, meetings and other reporting engagements.
Interpret conversations between the Indonesia Correspondent and interviewees, company representatives, government officials, industry participants and other sources where required.
Ensure that the meaning, context, tone and nuance of conversations are conveyed as accurately as possible between both languages.
Translate written materials from Bahasa Indonesia into English and vice versa, including:

a) Emails and written correspondence

b) Press releases and media statements

c) Interview materials and background information

d) Reports, presentations and briefing documents

e) Company and government documents

f) Other materials required for reporting or administrative purposes

Assist in reviewing translated material for accuracy, clarity and consistency.

2) Editorial and reporting support

Accompany and assist The Business Times Indonesia Correspondent during interviews, media events, meetings and reporting assignments where translation or local assistance is required.
Help facilitate communication with Indonesian interviewees, organisations and other contacts.
Where required, assist with arranging or coordinating interviews, meetings and other reporting-related appointments.
Help the correspondent navigate local practices and processes relevant to reporting assignments.
Be prepared to travel within Indonesia for interviews, meetings, media events and other work-related assignments.
Maintain professionalism and discretion when handling interviews, unpublished reporting material and other potentially confidential information.

3) Administrative support

Provide ad hoc administrative and logistical support to the Indonesia Correspondent as required.
Assist with day-to-day matters where local language ability or knowledge is needed. This may include, but is not limited to:

a) Communicating or negotiating with landlords, property agents, service providers and other local parties

b) Assisting with the interpretation of basic local rules, regulations, requirements and procedures

c) Helping with local appointments, documentation or correspondence

d) Coordinating transport, meetings or other logistics for reporting assignments

e) Liaising with local vendors or service providers

f) Supporting other administrative matters that may arise in the course of the correspondent's work

Undertake other reasonable duties as assigned from time to time.

Requirements

Professional proficiency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia, written and spoken.
Strong ability to translate accurately and fluently between English and Bahasa Indonesia.
Comfortable providing live interpretation in face-to-face settings, including during interviews and meetings.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Good attention to detail, particularly when handling written translations and information for publication.
Able to understand context and convey meaning accurately rather than relying on literal word-for-word translation.
Organised, dependable and able to work independently.
Comfortable dealing with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including business executives, government officials, communications professionals and members of the public.
Willing and able to travel within Indonesia when required.
Must have a flexible approach to working hours, as media assignments may arise outside standard office hours.
Willing to work in the evenings and, when required, on weekends and public holidays.
Able to respond to changing schedules and priorities in a fast-moving news environment.
Must be based in Indonesia and legally eligible to work in Indonesia.

Good to have

Previous professional translation or interpretation experience, particularly experience providing live interpretation.
Previous experience in journalism, public relations or media relations.
Experience supporting or conducting media interviews.
Familiarity with how journalists work, including interviews, press conferences, embargoed material and reporting deadlines.
Basic understanding of business, economics and financial concepts.
Ability to read and understand basic financial information, including company results and financial statements, in either English or Bahasa Indonesia, and translate relevant information between the two languages.
Familiarity with Indonesia's business, government and media environment.
Experience working in a role requiring a high degree of flexibility, discretion and independent judgement.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone who can help bridge language and communication gaps, understands the importance of accuracy and context, and is comfortable supporting a journalist working across a wide variety of subjects and situations.

The role would suit someone who is resourceful, adaptable and comfortable with a working day that can vary depending on the news agenda. One day may involve translating a business interview or press release, while another could involve travelling for a reporting assignment or helping resolve a practical administrative matter locally.

Translator & Editorial Support (Indonesia), The Business Times