Source >>>
What it is. Why join it. What it means to Fellows.
Temasek Foundation has been bringing Asian journalists together in Singapore through this unique programme since 2009. The programme was hosted first by the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University, and since 2017 by the Institute of Policy Studies at the National University of Singapore. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cancel the 2020 programme and in 2021, it was run online only. In 2022, we had a hybrid AJF, with four weeks online and two weeks in Singapore. The 2021 Fellows came too, creating a first for AJF, with two batches present at the same time.
The 2022 programme in Singapore was a mix of visits to newsrooms and media campuses, talks by experts, journalism-related training workshops, and dialogues with senior government officials and media personalities.
Visits to the Housing Board and water agency PUB showed Fellows how Singapore, a compact city state, builds homes for its people and works towards becoming self-sufficient in water supply. A visit to the Jurong Lake Gardens showed some of the work being done behind the scenes to maintain “a city in a garden”.
In a series of seminars, the Fellows presented on important events in their countries, issues that matter in their societies or the work they do. These ranged from the impact of climate change, the economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the challenges faced by women in journalism, politics in the Philippines and Malaysia, crimes in India that make international news, and more. Our first South Korean Fellow explained the economic value of hugely popular Korean boyband BTS.
Several Fellows with expertise in specific areas also shared what they knew in informal “Masterclass” sessions. These ranged from personal financial planning to digital tools for trainers and how TikTok can work to put across serious messages.
No AJF programme runs without a set of fun activities that gets Fellows together in small and large groups. This included eating out, cycling in the East Coast Park, hiking in MacRitchie Reservoir and just chilling at the apartments.
AJF VOICES
What did the Fellows take away from Singapore?
Here’s what some of our 2021 and 2022 Fellows had to say about the experience.
‘The connections are instant’
This was the first time I participated in a purely Asian fellowship. The value of networking among journalists in this region cannot be stressed enough. For too long has our deep and varied experience been disregarded. I felt heard during this fellowship and I heard and appreciated the inputs of others with a kinship and understanding that comes from being Asian. The connections are more instant. As a journalist, I feel that AJF opened the doors to collaborative possibilities in Asia. This is only facilitated through networking and trust. AJF certainly laid solid groundwork for the future.How has my experience as an AJF Fellow been?One word: Enriching. Singapore has always fascinated me. And I moved a step closer to learning more about the country. This is important as Sri Lanka is one nation that aspires to follow Singapore. The AJF experience was also incredibly warm, participatory, rooted in equality and acceptance, and wholly inimitable. Namini Wijedasa, Sri Lanka, AJF 2022
‘A mix of learning, fun and friendship’
The presentations on individual countries were highly educational. Our discussions are going to help me explore those countries to gain an understanding of people’s struggles and concerns, because when it comes to geopolitics and international relations, ordinary people are always invisible. The climate change session also made an impact. The entire fellowship programme has been a fine mix of learning, gathering knowledge and lots of fun and friendship. Jyoti Shinoli, India, 2022
‘A wonderful experience’
I am proud to call myself an AJF Fellow. It was a wonderful experience to discover Singapore and visit some of the best newsrooms in Southeast Asia, which has doubled my passion for journalism. I am now a confident journalist from a tiny Himalayan kingdom. Chencho Dema, Bhutan, AJF 2021
‘AJF reminded me why I’m a journalist’
I know some past AJF Fellows from Malaysia, and the fellowship helped them grow and develop as journalists. I see AJF as a platform to enhance my capabilities as a journalist, gain insights into the developments in the industry, build relationships with peers from the region and open doors to new opportunities. It has been amazing. I’ve really enjoyed all the classes and spending time with the Fellows and everyone involved in AJF. The AJF experience has really revitalised me and reminded me why I wanted to be a journalist.’ Robin Augustin, Malaysia, AJF 2022
‘Inspiring, memorable’
AJF will help my potential to flourish. I learnt about climate sensitivity, sustainable development, the proper utilisation of resources and more. Hopefully, It will reflect in my journalism. The experience has been amazing, fantastic, inspiring and memorable. Meeting brilliant journalists from across Asia enriched me. Md Amdadul Haq, Bangladesh, AJF 2021
‘I regained my faith in journalism’
AJF helped me to have faith in the future of journalism again. To have so many journalist friends across Asia facing similar yet different challenges has given me a new perspective. I admire how other Fellows have faced difficulties in their own countries and if their spirit is strong enough to come through all that, it gives me faith that we can survive any problem journalism throws our way. Emily Tsang, Hong Kong SAR, China, AJF 2022
‘A fraternity that deepens trust, understanding’
AJF was eye-opening. I learnt a great deal about thematic topics and also journalism-related issues from the seminars and professional sharing sessions. Also, journalists are a fun and friendly bunch to be with, even though we come from different countries and backgrounds. Being in this fraternity deepens mutual trust and understanding. Nam Yunzhou, Singapore, AJF 2022
‘I was with outstanding journalists’
AJF was a “positive stimulus” for me. Although I’ve been a journalist for 11 years, I rarely had the chance to meet journalists from abroad, in particular, those in Southeast Asia. I was lucky to meet colleagues with outstanding abilities as journalists. Covid-19 made it difficult to meet people in person, which was a big crisis for reporters. However, after being with so many Fellows, I regained my motivation to work hard again. I will try to be a reporter who asks good questions, like the outstanding journalists I met here. As the only Fellow from Northeast Asia, it was a good opportunity for me to study Southeast Asia. I was able to introduce Korean culture through the boy band BTS, and Korean food. The happiest thing is that I made good friends. Hong Jun Ki, South Korea, AJF 2022
‘Everyone has been so friendly’
I had many experiences from AJF. Now I know many journalists from other countries and we will be a network. Everyone has been so friendly, and encouraged me to speak more. I experienced what it’s like to live in a smart city and it’s so exciting to see how technology is used in Singapore. Yea Chenda Khantey, Cambodia, AJF 2021
‘I now have friends wherever I go’
My time with AJF was short, but I just know the lessons I’ve learned in this fellowship will be with me for the rest of my life. The fellowship exposed me to Asian culture and traditions I never would have understood had I stayed in the Philippines. I also learned that despite the differences, the other Fellows and I share many things: our love for food, our willingness to act goofy on TikTok, our desire for press freedom and equality in our countries. I earned friends for life in AJF, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful. I now have new friends across the region. Wherever I go, I know there are people who will welcome me with open arms. AJF isn’t just networking, it’s family. Mara