Steven Chia (full name Steven Chia Oon Seet) is a Singaporean journalist, television presenter, and senior editor at Channel NewsAsia (CNA), a Mediacorp network. With over two decades of experience in the media industry, he began his career as an assistant producer at ESPN STAR Sports before taking on on-air roles at CNA, where he hosts the current affairs programme Talking Point and co-hosts the Deep Dive podcast.[1][2][3]Chia has anchored several of CNA's shows, including Singapore Tonight, which focused on in-depth analysis and interviews with newsmakers, and he co-anchored and produced the network's morning programme AM LIVE! featuring a mix of hard news, live interviews, and discussions on current issues. He also co-anchored CNA's coverage of Singapore's General Election results in 2015 and 2020.[2][4]In addition to his television work, Chia has fronted Mediacorp programmes such as Crimewatch and served as a radio presenter on the classical music station Symphony 92.4FM. Over the years, he has conducted high-profile interviews with a diverse range of figures, including politicians, influencers, athletes, and celebrities such as Sir Ian McKellen, Kevin Spacey, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, and Maggie Q.[2][4]Chia received the Best News or Current Affairs Presenter/Anchor award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards 2021 for his work on Talking Point. Beyond broadcasting, he has engaged in volunteer and advisory roles, including serving on the board of directors of the YMCA of Singapore, as a district councillor for the Southwest Community Development Council, and on advisory councils for institutions such as the National University of Singapore's Communications and New Media programme.[5][1]
Early life and education
Early life
Steven Chia was born and raised in Singapore. He described the lasting sense of security provided by his parents, noting that even in adulthood he knows he can turn to them in times of crisis. Little additional detail about his childhood or early influences is publicly documented.[6]
Education
Steven Chia earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University in Canada in 1997.[7]He has maintained a connection to the university as an alumni ambassador in Singapore, contributing to the SFU alumni community in the region.[7][8]
Career
Early career and radio
Steven Chia began his career in broadcasting as an assistant producer at ESPN STAR Sports.[1]He also served as a radio presenter for Mediacorp's classical music station, Symphony 92.4FM.[4][2]
Channel NewsAsia entry and progression
Steven Chia joined Channel NewsAsia after starting his career as an Assistant Producer at ESPN STAR SPORTS.[1]He has over two decades of experience in the media industry and has progressed through various roles at the network to become a senior editor and presenter.[9][4][1]
Morning and evening news anchoring
Steven Chia co-anchored and produced Channel NewsAsia's morning programme AM LIVE! for eight years. The weekday morning show featured a mix of hard news, live interviews, discussions on current issues, and lighter segments.[2][1]He subsequently anchored the evening programme Singapore Tonight, which provided in-depth analysis and interviews with newsmakers on the top stories in Singapore.[2]In these anchoring roles, Chia presented hard news bulletins, conducted live interviews, and facilitated discussions on both domestic and international developments.[2][10]
Current affairs hosting and podcasts
Steven Chia currently hosts Talking Point, a weekly current affairs programme on Channel NewsAsia that examines Singapore's most pressing and topical issues, such as high-rise fire safety, the impact of ready-to-heat meals on health, bot-driven competition in daily life, and wildlife management challenges like monkey incursions, often incorporating on-the-ground challenges and expert discussions.[2][4][11][12][13][14]Chia also co-hosts the Deep Dive podcast with Tiffany Ang, a weekly CNA production that examines Singapore news and explores issues in depth on topics discussed in everyday settings.[3] The podcast covers a broad range of subjects, including the economic and psychological effects of geopolitical events on Singapore, the implications of businesses relocating abroad for local jobs, the push for artificial intelligence in education and employment, and local policy developments such as beverage container return schemes and the restaurant sector's challenges.[15][16][17] Episodes typically feature expert interviews and analysis of both local and regionally relevant issues with direct impact on Singapore.[3]
Election coverage and special programs
Chia has contributed to major electoral coverage on Channel NewsAsia, co-anchoring the results shows for Singapore's General Elections in 2015 and 2020. These broadcasts provided live updates, analysis of constituency results, and commentary on the political landscape as votes were counted through the night.[2][4]He has also fronted Crimewatch, Mediacorp's long-running programme that reenacts real criminal cases. Chia presented episodes of the show in the early 2000s.[2][4]
Notable interviews
Celebrity interviews
Steven Chia has conducted interviews with celebrities in the entertainment industry during his tenure at Channel NewsAsia.[18]These include Lady Gaga, Sir Ian McKellen, Kevin Spacey, Josh Groban, and Maggie Q.[18]
Political and other figures
Steven Chia has conducted numerous interviews with political figures and other newsmakers as part of his current affairs work at Channel NewsAsia, particularly through hosting the Deep Dive podcast and contributing to programs like Talking Point. These conversations cover Singaporean issues, including government policies, economic impacts, education, healthcare, and political developments.[2][3]His interviews with senior government ministers have addressed national topics. For example, he spoke with Education Minister Chan Chun Sing about changes to junior college admission criteria and the potential effects of U.S. tariffs on jobs, wages, and prices in Singapore.[19][20] Chia also interviewed Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on private health insurance, emphasizing that "more isn't necessarily better" and discussing government efforts to set benchmarks for private hospital charges.[21] In a special Budget 2025 segment, Second Minister for Finance Indranee Rajah joined him for a discussion on fiscal policy.[22]Other ministerial interviews include those with Tan See Leng on Singapore's fuel stockpiles being sufficient for months during crises,[23] Janil Puthucheary on raising children who can effectively use AI rather than rely on it,[24] and Jeffrey Siow on Singapore's AI journey as highlighted in Budget 2026.[25]Chia has also engaged with emerging political figures and independent candidates. He interviewed People's Action Party candidate Elysa Chen about her unexpected path into politics, describing how she was "kicked into" it and her views on the party.[26] Following GE2025, he spoke with independent candidates Darryl Lo and Jeremy Tan about their campaign lessons and whether independents represent a new political force.[27]In addition to politicians, Chia's interviews extend to influencers, athletes, and other prominent newsmakers, covering societal and current affairs topics.[2]
Awards and recognition
Asian Academy Creative Awards
Steven Chia received the Best News or Current Affairs Presenter/Anchor award at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards for his work as presenter on the current affairs programme Talking Point.[5][28][29]The Asian Academy Creative Awards are awarded for television and streaming content across the Asia-Pacific region, including countries such as Singapore, Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and others. The 2021 edition was held virtually over two nights in December as part of the Singapore Media Festival, with winners selected from national-level honourees.[28][5]Chia's award was one of two won by Channel NewsAsia that year, highlighting recognition for his presenting skills in delivering informative and engaging current affairs content on Talking Point, broadcast on CNA and Channel 5.[5][29]
Other awards and accolades
In addition to his individual recognition at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, Steven Chia has been involved in programs that have earned accolades at other international media festivals.At the 2025 World Media Festivals Television & Corporate Media Awards held in Berlin, Mediacorp was named the inaugural Broadcaster of the Year, reflecting excellence across its content portfolio, including standout entertainment shows such as President’s Challenge Night and various documentaries.[30] Mediacorp secured 47 awards at the festival overall (2 special awards, 18 golds, and 27 silvers).[31]Among these, the CNA documentary When Crisis Calls: Are We Truly Ready?, focusing on emergency preparedness and security threats, received a Gold Award in the public relations: public health & crisis management category.[30][31]Chia also hosted President’s Challenge Night 2024, an annual Mediacorp charity fundraiser, which was recognized as a notable contributor to the organization's Broadcaster of the Year honor and received a Silver Award in the Entertainment: Shows & Specials – Special category.[30][32][31]
Community involvement
YMCA of Singapore and youth roles
Steven Chia has demonstrated a sustained commitment to youth development and community service through his leadership roles in youth-oriented organizations.He has served as a Director on the Board of the YMCA of Singapore since May 2017, contributing to the organization's mission of empowering young people through education, leadership training, and community programs.[1]Chia has also been actively involved in the YMCA's Plain English Speaking Award (PESA), a long-running initiative that promotes effective communication and public speaking skills among youth. He chaired the organizing committee for the 37th YMCA Plain English Speaking Awards in 2024.[33]In addition, he has served as a council member of the National Youth Council of Singapore, further supporting national efforts in youth policy and engagement.[1]
Advisory boards and councils
Steven Chia has held several advisory and council positions that draw on his extensive media and communications expertise to support education, community development, and charitable causes.He serves as Chairperson of the Industry Advisory Board for the Department of Communications and New Media at the National University of Singapore. The board comprises senior executives from the communications and new media sectors who volunteer to ensure the department's curriculum remains aligned with industry needs and trends. It convenes twice annually and supports student engagement through activities such as guest lectures, industry summits, and internship opportunities.[34]Chia is a member of the Charity Council, which advises the Singapore government on strategies to develop and strengthen the charity sector. He has been a continuing member into the council's 10th term, which runs from 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029.[35]He previously served as a District Councillor with the South West Community Development Council, where he contributed to grassroots community initiatives.Chia has also served on the advisory board for Marriage Central, a national initiative under the Ministry of Social and Family Development aimed at promoting and supporting marriage and family life.
Personal life
Family and residence
Steven Chia is married to Tania Gin, with whom he has been in a relationship for over two decades, celebrating 20 years of marriage in a public post highlighting their partnership.[36]The couple has two children: a daughter named Lucy and a son named Joshua.[37][38]Chia has spoken publicly about his family life in interviews, describing fatherhood as a significant responsibility and a blessing, and emphasizing the value of quality time spent with his children, such as through family activities and open discussions on topics like media use and current events. He has noted taking a balanced approach to parenting, including monitoring gadget use without strict rules and serving as a disciplinarian when needed.[37][39][40]Details about his current residence are not widely documented in public sources beyond general references to living in Singapore with his family. Earlier reports from 2018 indicated the family lived in the western part of Singapore.[38]
Military service and background
Steven Chia completed his mandatory National Service in the Singapore Armed Forces, serving in the army as is required of male Singaporean citizens. He has occasionally referenced his time in the army, including a recollection of getting around in a Land Rover Defender during his service.[41]Little additional detail about his specific role, unit, or experiences during National Service is publicly available in authoritative sources. His service occurred prior to his higher education at Simon Fraser University and the start of his journalism career.[42][9]
Public reception
Popularity and media presence
Steven Chia has worked as a journalist in Singapore's media industry for more than 26 years. His on-screen persona includes candid personal stories and experiments such as testing intermittent fasting or consuming bubble tea daily for a month.[6] He uses humour including frequent "dad jokes" and shares personal stories during interviews.[6]Chia's broad media presence extends across television, radio, and digital platforms. He currently hosts the current affairs programme Talking Point on Channel NewsAsia (CNA), where he addresses pressing Singaporean issues, and the Deep Dive podcast, which features in-depth discussions with experts and policymakers.[4][9] His career also includes anchoring shows such as Singapore Tonight and AM LIVE!, co-anchoring Singapore General Election results coverage in 2015 and 2020, fronting Crimewatch, and presenting on the classical music station Symphony 92.4FM.[4] This multi-platform experience includes his work as an emcee and moderator for government and corporate events.**[1]He received the Best News or Current Affairs Presenter/Anchor award at the 2021 Asian Academy Creative Awards for his work on Talking Point.**[9]
Criticism and discussions
Steven Chia's public comments on the nature of Singapore's media landscape have occasionally drawn attention and debate, particularly in relation to broader discussions about press freedom and government influence over local journalism.In a 2016 panel discussion at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, organized in collaboration with Mediacorp, Chia described the role of Singaporean media as distinct from Western models, stating that it "is not the watchdog there to pounce on politicians and to hold people accountable." He further acknowledged aspects of propaganda, responding to a question by saying, "Do we do propaganda? We do. Singapore is very unique in that respect." Chia defended this approach as aligned with national interests and cultural context, arguing that media supports disseminating information and that elements like self-censorship are part of the system rather than an obstacle to creativity.[43]These remarks, captured in video recordings of the event, contributed to public discourse on media independence in Singapore, where some observers expressed concern over the perceived limitations on journalistic autonomy and alignment with government priorities. The discussion highlighted internal perspectives within Mediacorp, including differing views among journalists on censorship's impact, though Chia emphasized adaptation to the local model as necessary and effective.[43][44]No major personal controversies or widespread professional criticism have been documented against Chia in mainstream reporting; his statements have primarily featured in conversations about systemic features of Singapore's media environment rather than individual conduct.