Singapore – Cheah Chee Kong (CheeK), a media veteran with close to 20 years of experience in entertainment, films and television production in Asia, has been named head of content, creative and marketing of Asia Pacific for Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. In this new role, CheeK will be responsible for developing and executing programming strategies, original productions, setting the creative direction and marketing for Scripps’ channels in the region: Asian Food Channel, Travel Channel and Food Network.
Cheah Chee Kong
“I have always admired Scripps’ brands and am thrilled to be part of such a terrific platform and growth opportunity,” CheeK said. CheeK will be based in Singapore and report to Derek Chang, managing director of Asia Pacific. His appointment is effective November 1, 2013.
“CheeK’s appointment is part of the plan to build a deep and experienced management team as Scripps executes its growth plan in Asia,” said Derek Chang. “His extensive knowledge of the region gives him a keen understanding of local tastes which will be instrumental as he leads our overall programming strategy and oversees the development of our local productions.”
CheeK comes to Scripps Networks Interactive from The Group Entertainment where he was a founding member and executive vice president of creative. In that role he oversaw all creative aspects of The Group, a creative concept shop focused on creating and investing in original transmedia concepts for TV, feature films, events, digital and lifestyle. The Kitchen Musical, a television drama series he created, directed and executive produced won several international awards including two International Emmy Awards Nominations (Best Drama Series and Best Actor) in 2012.
CheeK began his career with the former Singapore Broadcasting Corporation and went on to serve as Creative Director (channel and brand) for major entertainment companies like MTV Japan and also held senior management positions at STAR TV and MTV Asia. CheeK served as executive vice president of Chinese language programming for STAR TV Hong Kong, where he developed and executed branding, channel positioning and programming strategies. At MTV Asia he served in a variety of roles of increasing importance, most notably as senior vice president of creative and content.
CheeK has extensive experience in content and writes, produces and directs short and feature films. His debut feature film Chicken Rice War garnered international honours, including the Discovery Award at the 2001 Toronto International Film Festival. He received the Young Artist (Film) Award from The National Arts Council of Singapore that same year.
