Expect highly relevant search results with a new local search engine that is in the works.

SPH Search Pte Ltd (SPH Search) today announced that it has started crawling and indexing relevant websites as part of its plans to create a local web index for Singapore.

The creation of this web index is one of many search offerings aimed at delivering superior results and user experience. SPH Search is a joint venture between local media giant Singapore Press Holdings Limited (SPH) and Norwegian media group Schibsted ASA (Schibsted).

In its bid to be the leading online search engine for local information, SPH Search has licensed search technology from FAST Search and Transfer ASA, the leading developer of enterprise search technologies and solutions. FAST's flexible and scalable enterprise search platform elevates the search capabilities of enterprise customers and connects people to the relevant information they seek, regardless of medium. Its solutions are used by more than 2,600 customers and partners globally.

Commenting on the search engine, Ms Elsie Chua, Chairman of SPH Search said: "A Singapore-based web index will provide local users the ability to search very localised content that will thrill and tickle. We will want to make sure such content is accurate, updated and relevant for Singaporeans to use."

SPH Search had earlier started a nation-wide data collection exercise in July. This was to enhance its already comprehensive databases of information, in preparation for the launch of its directory services.

To represent its vision to be Singapore's premier local search engine, SPH Search also unveiled its corporate logo today. The logo, shaped like the letter "i", stands for "Information, Ideas and Imagination".

Chief Executive Officer of SPH Search Mr Paul Jansen explains: "The red and white colours of the logo, which are the national colours of Singapore, were chosen specifically to signify the strong local flavor of this search engine. The red and white diamonds on the logo are a symbolic representation of the shape of Singapore."

The announcements were made at a joint office opening of SPH Search and 701Search Pte Ltd (701Search), another joint venture of SPH and Schibsted. Both companies' new office premises, located at SPH News Centre in Toa Payoh, were officially declared opened by Mr Alan Chan, Chief Executive Officer of SPH, Mr Leslie Fong, Chairman of 701Search and Ms Chua.