One of the defining faces of the Special Broadcasting Service, Lee Lin Chin, is departing the network after nearly 30 years behind the news desk.
Known for her authoritative presenting style and fashionable flair, she has been a mainstay for viewers wanting to learn more about the world.
A Gold Logie nominee, Chin has told some of the world’s biggest stories including the Port Arthur massacre, the September 11 attacks and the death of Nelson Mandela.
“Having spent the bulk of my professional life at SBS, this isn't by any means an easy decision," Chin said.
"I shall be leaving a happy and satisfying role as a newsreader. My friends and colleagues for whom I have fervent respect will be deeply missed."
Born in Jakarta, Chin was raised in Singapore and began at the company subtitling Chinese films into English.
She had a stint in radio at the ABC, before finding her groove presenting the SBS World News bulletin in the early 1990s.
Her vast presenting techniques were utilised at SBS throughout the years including being Australia’s official Eurovision Song Contest spokesperson in 2015.
Many viewers tuned in to see her sartorial choices, with more than 48,000 Facebook users following a page dedicated to “Lee Lin Chin’s Asymmetrical Outfits.”
Most recently Chin connected with younger viewers in a series of skits on SBS Viceland’s The Feed. The self-parodying appearances featured a battle through a knife fight in one episode and swig beer with other television presenters the next.
SBS Managing Director Michael Ebeid said: “SBS would like to pay tribute to Lee Lin and thank her for her significant contribution to SBS, but also to the wider Australian media industry.
"Lee Lin is truly one of a kind and we will miss her colourful personality gracing our screens on the weekend. Lee Lin embodies everything that SBS stands for and will always be part of the SBS family.
"We respect her decision to embrace new projects and wish her all the very best for the future."
Watch Lee Lin Chin’s last SBS World News bulletin on Sunday 29 July at 6.30pm on SBS.
