The programme seeks to nurture the next generation of media leaders committed to shaping the regional future. The aim is for YMLF fellows to contribute effectively to the pursuit of good journalism, foster dialogue and greater connectedness among one another, and build up newsrooms to meet the needs of their societies in these uncertain times.
They will gather online over the next six months to share experiences, exchange ideas, amplify the impact of news reporting, and learn to lead in an industry transformed by technology. This is especially relevant as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten the news publishing industry.
“These are challenging times for the media all around the world, and our young newsroom leaders have many big issues to grapple with ahead of them. We want to help equip them with the leadership skills to face those challenges, from the need to transform our newsroom for digital-first operations to inspiring teams with a sense of purpose for public service journalism. Through this programme, we also hope they will build bridges and form their own networks for collaboration across our region,” said Warren Fernandez, President of the World Editors Forum and Editor-in-Chief of The Straits Times and English/Malay/Tamil Media Group, Singapore Press Holdings, who mooted the initiative.
“The news industry is counting on young, dynamic changemakers to create a strong, vibrant media ecosystem which can continue to serve society with timely, accurate news, information and analysis. Thanks to generous support of Temasek Foundation, we are able to help groom the next generation of industry leaders at a region-wide level,” said Thomas Jacob, Chief Operating Officer of WAN-IFRA.
“The media industry recognises the need for innovation, possibly disruptive ones, to take on the challenges brought about by the changing times, including those arising from the current pandemic. How can media products and services be enhanced and made more relevant? What are the ways to grow an audience and sustain the viability of operations? Through this programme, we hope participants can share with one another from their wealth of experience so as to strengthen the role of the media in supporting and advancing our respective communities,” said Benedict Cheong, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation International.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, the YMLF programme will take place mostly through online platforms. Participants are attending a week-long online executive leadership programme tailored for newsroom leaders currently. They will attend the virtual Digital Media Asia conference in August, plan events, activities and stories to mark World News Day on 28 September 2021. They will gather in Singapore in January 2022 for the Fellowship finale, conditions permitting.
Fellows will also continue to deepen their engagement with one another during and beyond the programme by establishing an alumni community on social media and through future speaking opportunities.
The full list of Fellows and their publications is available below.
Contact and Inquiries
Joon-Nie Lau, Director WAN-IFRA Asia Pacific | joon-nie.lau@wan-ifra.org | Tel: +65 6562-8440
Joshua Wong, Associate Director Temasek Foundation | joshuawong@temasekfoundation.org.sg | Tel: +65 8180 0741
Young Media Leaders Fellows 2021
Bangladesh Al Kamal Md Ziaul Haq Chief news editor, The Daily Star
Bangladesh Muhammed Naimul Haque News editor, The Daily Star
Bhutan Jigme Wangchuk Features editor Kuensel Bhutan Phurpa Lhamo Bureau correspondent, Kuensel
Cambodia Leang Phannara Digital editor, The Phnom Penh Post
Cambodia Voun Dara Reporter, The Phnom Penh Post
Fiji Ivamere Nataro Investigative reporter & editor, Fiji Sun
Fiji Adi Kelera Sovasiga Climate journalist, Fiji Sun
Hong Kong China Melissa Zhu China news editor South, China Morning Post
Hong Kong China Jun Mai Beijing correspondent, South China Morning Post
Indonesia Afut Syafril Podcast news coordinator, ANTARA News Agency
Indonesia Yuni Arisandy International news coordinator, ANTARA News Agency
Indonesia Hadijah Alaydrus Content manager, Bisnis Indonesia
Indonesia M Yogi Eka Fadila QC editor, IDN Times
Malaysia Tan Yong Seng Senior multimedia journalist, Pocketimes
Malaysia Shalini Ravindran Journalist, Star Media Group
Malaysia Chester Chin Zhao Liang Journalist, Star Media Group
Philippines Ma. Theresa Torres-Tupas Assignment editor, Inquirer.net
Philippines Neil Arwin Mercado Multimedia reporter, Inquirer.net
Philippines Ellson Quismorio Senior reporter, Manila Bulletin
Philippines Betheena Unite Reporter, Manila Bulletin
Singapore Atiyyah Mohd Said Correspondent, Berita Harian
Singapore Lim Yan Liang Assistant news editor, The Straits Times
Singapore Tamilavel News editor/digital editor, Tamil Murasu
Singapore Ho Shuxian Ben Editor, CNA
Singapore Ng Jun Sen Correspondent, Today Online
South Korea Jae Min Ryoo Staff writer, The Chosun Daily
Vietnam Nguyen Khanh Duong News desk reporter/sub-editor, Viet Nam News
ABOUT WAN-IFRA. The World Association of News Publishers, headquartered in Paris and Frankfurt with offices in Singapore, Chennai, and Mexico City, is the global organisation of the world’s press. WAN-IFRA’s mission is to protect the rights of journalists and publishers around the world to operate independent media. It provides its members with expertise and services to innovate and prosper in a digital world and perform their crucial role in society. With formal representative status at the United Nations, UNESCO and the Council of Europe, it derives its authority from its global network of leading news publishing companies and technology entrepreneurs, and its legitimacy from its 60 national association members representing 18,000 publications in 120 countries. www.wan-ifra.org
ABOUT TEMASEK FOUNDATION. Temasek Foundation supports a diverse range of programmes that uplift lives and communities in Singapore and beyond. Temasek Foundation’s programmes are made possible through philanthropic endowments gifted by Temasek, as well as gifts and other contributions from other donors. These programmes strive towards achieving positive outcomes for individuals and communities now, and for generations to come. Collectively, Temasek Foundation’s programmes strengthen social resilience, foster international exchange and regional capabilities, advance science, and protect the planet. For more information, visit www.temasekfoundation.org.sg
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