SBC 12
Tuesday, 31 January 1984
SBC 12 was borne with the idea of promoting and appreciating arts and culture towards Singaporeans. They broadcasted different genres of shows such as art-related programmes, documentaries and current affairs. However, they were best known for its sports coverage, such as the ASEAN Games, SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, FIFA Worldcup, and especially the Malaysia Cup.
A new channel for malay stories
1 October 1994
Malay programmes were transferred from Channel 5 to Channel 12 (STV-12) where Malay programmes increased their coverage from 9 to 15 hours. English and Chinese content such as Chinese Opera, documentary, sports, current affairs, performances, comedy, lifestyle, dramas and children's programmes were still broadcasted.
November 1994
As they celebrated its 10th anniversary, Channel 12 unveiled its brand new logo and slogan, "Something Special". The newly established Television Twelve (later renamed Singapore Television Twelve), took over Channel 12 but its format remain unchanged.
Malay plus Tamil
Friday 1 September 1995
Channel 12 was renamed Prime 12, and Tamil programmes from TCS Channel 8, were merged in. Their slogan, "Speaking Your Language" was inspired by their national pledge. Channel 12 became Singpore’s only multilingual channel as it broadcasted foreign language programmes in German, Dutch, French Korean and more. English programmes were also broadcasted, and among these are programmes such as George and Mildred, Madeline, Rhoda and Fawlty Towers.
Prime 12 was best known for its programmes and hosted the World's first Tamil sitcom, Amali Thumali. Malay and Tamil weekly drama strands, Sandiwara and Naadaga Arangam, were also broadcasted and as were sports coverage such as the Southeast Asian Games in 1995,1997 & 1999, UEFA Euro 1996 (selected matches) and the 1996 Summer Olympics.
History of Suria
A brief introduction of how Suria evolved from being a minor channel to a standalone channel.
As a standalone channel
Sunday 30 January 2000
Prime 12 was renamed Suria and it became the standalone Malay channel that we know of today. Suria which means sun in Malay is a blend of programmes that reflects the unique views, culture and lifestyles of the modern Malay Singaporean. Suria aims to provide news and entertainment programs that reflect the culture of its target demographic.
2010
To coincide with channel's 10th anniversary in 2010, Suria unveiled their second and current logo but the slogan remains unchanged.
Currently
With many of the channel’s local contents being highly rated, Suria‘s prime-time viewership has grown by 33% from 2008 to 2009. Said Mr Suhaimi Jais, Senior Vice President of Suria Programming & Promotions and Mediacorp Eaglevision, the challenge for them is to continuously improve their contents and keeping them fresh. The change in logo also portrays Suria‘s aspirations to be more innovative and providing up-to-date content.