A. P. Ager

Albert Powtrill Ager (27 November 1876 – 17 August 1956) was at various times editor, manager and publisher of The Straits Times. He was instrumental in making The Straits Times the most widely read newspaper in Singapore and largely responsible for the introduction of modern methods of newspaper production in Malaya.

Early life Ager was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, on 27 November 1876, He was educated at Bedford Modern School.

When Ager arrived at The Straits Times, the newspaper was ‘produced by two coolies turning the handle of the printing machine’ under the editorship of Mr. Arnot Reid. Ager continued at the paper as General Manager and Assistant Editor until his retirement in 1929. During World War I he undertook the organisation of several funds for charitable and other purposes After retirement, Ager returned to England and died in Worthing, Sussex on 17 August 1956.