FOR its contribution to the local arts scene, Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) is named this year's Distinguished Patron of the Arts at the Patron of the Arts Award 2008.

It is the 16th time the media company is being honoured.

Minister for Information, Communications & the Arts, Dr Lee Boon Yang, will present the award at the Esplanade Theatre on Tuesday evening.

SPH Foundation will also receive the Patron of the Arts award. Set up in 2003, the Foundation sponsored events such as the Singapore Writers Festival. This is the fourth year it is recognised at the event.

SPH's Legal & Corporate Communications Executive Vice-President Ginney Lim said of the double recognition: 'We are proud to be honoured once again... We view arts sponsorship as a long-term commitment and an opportunity to give back to the community.'

SPH has been a Distinguished Patron of the Arts every year since 1993. Its major contribution to the arts scene include the Singapore Arts Festival (Play! A Video Game Symphony) and the SPH Gift of Music series.