Meena Kotwal Among 25 Journalists Chosen for 2024 International Trade Fellowship in Singapore

New Delhi- In a celebration of journalistic excellence and cross-cultural collaboration, the National Press Foundation (NPF) has announced the names of 25 distinguished journalists who will participate in the highly anticipated 2024 International Trade Fellowship in Singapore.

Among the select cohort stands Meena Kotwal, the visionary founder of The Mooknayak, an online platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.

As a journalist hailing from a marginalized community in India, Kotwal's motivation to establish The Mooknayak stemmed from her personal encounters with caste-based discrimination. Her journalistic endeavours are deeply rooted in amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, including Dalits, backward classes, women, indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ communities, and minorities.

Set to take place from June 23rd to June 26th, this four-day intensive training program will delve into the intricacies of sustainable global trade, offering reporters and editors from over a dozen Asian countries a unique opportunity to enhance their understanding and coverage of this critical subject.

Amidst the backdrop of an ever-evolving global trade landscape, the NPF's International Trade Fellowship emerges as a beacon of professional development and cross-cultural exchange. With representation spanning from India to Indonesia, the cohort of 25 journalists embodies the rich diversity and journalistic prowess of the Asian media landscape.

Journalists Selected for the 2024 International Trade Fellowship

The journalists selected for the 2024 International Trade Fellowship in Singapore hail from diverse corners of Asia, bringing with them a wealth of experience and expertise.

Representing India is Uzmi Athar from Press Trust of India, Meena Kotwal (The Mooknayak) and Richa Pinto from The Times of India. The Philippines is represented by Michael Beltran from The News Lens International and Raissa Robles, a freelance journalist.

Singapore boasts Yueh Shyang Chau from Lianhe Zaobao and Jiahui Huang from Wall Street Journal/Dow Jones Newswire among its attendees. From Hong Kong SAR China, Bonnie Chen from Sing Tao News Corporation Limited, Mia Nulimaimaiti from South China Morning Post (SCMP), and Zen Soo from Associated Press.

Nithin Coca, a freelance journalist representing Japan, joins the cohort alongside Morshed Hassib Hasan and Tauhid Hossain from Bangladesh's Channel 24 and Jamuna Television Limited, respectively.

Taiwan's representatives include Yian Lee from The Reporter and Silva Shih from Commonwealth Magazine. China's delegation comprises James Mayger and Georgina McKay from Bloomberg News, and Pallavi Sareen from The Strait Line.

From Cambodia, Seng Mengheng from Kiripost Media joins, while Roni Satria represents CNN Indonesia. Waseem Shahzad Qadri from The Think Tank Journal represents Pakistan.

Phuc Ta from Forbes Vietnam and Nghi Vũ from Tuoi Tre Newspaper represent Vietnam, while Jitsiree Thongnoi, a freelance journalist, represents Thailand. Completing the list is Kang Wan Chern from The Straits Times, representing Singapore once again.

The curriculum of the fellowship is meticulously designed to equip participants with the latest tools, techniques, and insights necessary for comprehensive and impactful reporting. Through a series of workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions, journalists will delve into topics ranging from trade policy analysis to environmental sustainability and social impact.

Moreover, the fellowship serves as a testament to the NPF's commitment to nurturing journalistic talent and promoting excellence in reporting. Since its inception in 1976, the foundation has been at the forefront of providing journalists with invaluable opportunities for professional growth and development. From in-person seminars to digital curriculum accessible worldwide, the NPF continues to empower journalists to navigate the complexities of today's media landscape.

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