Heart Media acquires NOBLE Media to expand Chinese luxury footprint in Malaysia

Heart Media Group has acquired NOBLE 名人 Media, a leading Chinese-language luxury lifestyle publication in Malaysia, marking a strategic move to deepen its presence among Chinese-speaking affluent consumers in the market.

Founded in 2021, NOBLE 名人 is a bi-monthly publication known for its polished curation of luxury content and in-depth profiles of influential business leaders. The magazine maintains strong ties with major Chinese business associations such as the Malaysia Social Entrepreneurs Foundation and the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, which together represent over 2,000 members of Malaysia’s Chinese business community.

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Heart Media Group already boasts an impressive portfolio of regional titles that include Men’s Folio, L’Officiel, L’Officiel Hommes, WOW (World of Watches), and Yacht Style. Active in Malaysia since 2007 and headquartered in Singapore, the group operates across key markets such as Saigon, Bangkok, Jakarta, Hong Kong and Shanghai, reaching over 12 million affluent consumers monthly through digital, print, and events.

According to Wilson Lim, managing director of Heart Media Group, NOBLE 名人’s addition will strengthen the company’s Chinese-language offerings and further enhance its luxury media ecosystem. “Under the helm of the capable Jane Wong, NOBLE 名人 has become a trusted luxury media brand appreciated by the most discerning readers, fashion lovers, watch collectors and jewellery aficionados,” said Lim. He added that Heart Media plans to expand the publication’s reach across Southeast Asia through integrated solutions and a forthcoming RedNote platform that will enhance its digital and event presence.

NOBLE 名人’s founding editor, Jane Wong, expressed optimism about the acquisition, calling it a step towards a more collaborative and dynamic media future. “We are entering an era defined by strategic alliances, where mutual support enables us to strengthen our reach and impact. Heart Media’s diversified platforms in English, Malay and Chinese will allow us to set a new benchmark for the industry,” she said.

Beyond its print and digital editions, NOBLE 名人 has also expanded into broadcasting through its partnership with Hong Kong’s TVB for NOBLE Vision 名人视界, a programme that bridges print, digital and broadcast media. The publication also hosts monthly events for its partner associations, offering luxury brands direct engagement opportunities with influential Chinese business leaders in Malaysia.

In 2024, Heart Media Group was behind ELLE magazine's expansion into Malaysia. The international women’s fashion, luxury and lifestyle is led by Sarah Hani Jamil as editor-in-chief. The launch of ELLE in Malaysia follows the successful publishing of ELLE in Singapore and in other thriving SEA markets such as Thailand, Vietnam and Hong Kong. The first issue of ELLE Malaysia was released on 1 September 2024 and has 40 pages of advertising out of a total of 200 pages.

Back in 2022, Heart Media Group also launched GRAZIA in Singapore and Malaysia. GRAZIA is touted as the first 100% Italian fashion magazine to have exported its successful formula worldwide, from Italy to China. It is published by the Mondadori Group and is also said to be "Italy's fashion bible".

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