Singapore’s Rice Media has been acquired by Hustle Studios, the creative arm of Hustle Singapore, after financial struggles threatened its closure. The deal, announced on 29 March 2026, ensures Rice continues publishing while merging editorial storytelling with Hustle’s training expertise. CEO Mark Tan confirmed liabilities will be settled and staff severances honoured.
Singapore’s independent media outlet Rice Media has found a lifeline after Hustle Studios, a subsidiary of training provider Hustle Singapore, announced its acquisition on 29 March 2026. The move rescues Rice from imminent shutdown, following management’s earlier plan to cease operations due to financial constraints.
Founded in 2016, Rice Media built its reputation on long-form, Singaporean-focused stories that often explored cultural and social issues with nuance. Under the new arrangement, the site will continue publishing at its current address, while integrating Hustle’s expertise in creative training and facilitation.
Mark Tan, CEO of Hustle Singapore, said the acquisition allows Rice to settle outstanding liabilities and provide severance packages for staff, avoiding a total shutdown. While financial terms and future headcount changes were not disclosed, the deal signals a strategic effort to merge editorial content with skills development, positioning Rice Media within a broader ecosystem of creative education.
The acquisition underscores the challenges faced by independent media outlets in sustaining operations, while highlighting new models of collaboration between journalism and training providers. For Rice Media, the partnership offers continuity and a chance to evolve its storytelling legacy under Hustle’s creative umbrella.
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