Singapore Press Club announced its 2024 Journalism and PR award winners.
10 individuals were also inducted into the Singapore Media Industry Hall of Fame.
13 July 2024…. Seven young promising talents were recognised at the Singapore Press Club Awards 2024, during the Club’s 53rd Anniversary Press Ball held at the Pan Pacific Hotel. The awards were presented by Guest of Honour Mr. Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information.
First launched in conjunction with the Club’s 50th anniversary, the awards recognise journalists and media-related professionals who have excelled in their craft and whose work made an impact.
With the support of returning sponsors - presenting sponsor Citi, Sustainability Journalism Award title sponsor City Developments Limited (CDL), Rising Stars Young PR Professional Award title sponsor Telum Media, and Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) as prize sponsor - the awards aim to shine a spotlight on deserving media professionals by recognising contributions across three categories - Rising Stars, Sustainability Journalism and Hall of Fame.
Each winner received an award trophy, certificate and a 2-night stay inclusive of breakfast for two worth $1,000 at their choice of hotel, sponsored by Millennium Hotels and Resorts.
The Singapore Press Club also inducted 10 more media veterans into its Singapore Media Industry Hall of Fame which recognises the outstanding and lasting contributions of media professionals in Singapore who are at least aged 65 and have worked at least 25 years in the media or media-related professions. Since its launch in 2021, the Hall of Fame has now inducted a total of 75 honorees, 24 posthumously.
Bhagman Singh, the Club’s Vice President and Chairperson of the Awards Committee, said: “We received a healthy number of quality nominations this year and the judges had to work hard to select the winners. The nominations reflect the industry’s high standards and the winners are truly deserving of the recognition.”
Patrick Daniel, President of the Singapore Press Club, said: “We are proud to once again present our annual awards. We are happy to see winners from both the mainstream media and digital media, and across a range of media titles. We are deeply grateful for the continued support from our presenting sponsor, Citi, and category sponsors, CDL and Telum Media, as well as prize sponsor MHR.”
Singapore Press Club Rising Stars - Young Journalist Awards
Winners of the Young Journalist Awards are recognised for their excellent storytelling and impactful journalism.
Two winners were presented with the awards.
Hariz Baharudin, Indonesia Correspondent, The Straits Times, SPH Media
Hariz Baharudin is the Indonesia Correspondent for The Straits Times. He has shown great versatility in his career, starting with Singapore politics before covering Indonesia's complex political scene. In just a year in Jakarta, he has become a key part of the bureau, covering significant political stories, including the recent presidential election. Hariz provides deep insights into ASEAN's progress and challenges, helping everyone from regular Singaporeans to business leaders understand these changes.
Recent works:
- Indonesia steered Asean well through global crises https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-steered-asean-well-through-global-crises-but-progress-limited-on-regional-issues-experts
- Indonesia Election https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2024/01/indonesia-election/index.html?shell
Matthew Loh, Senior Breaking News Reporter, Business Insider
Matthew Loh's dedication and flair shine through in every story, whether covering global crises like the Ukraine war or shedding light on the tragedy on the mountain K2. His in-depth reporting and brilliant storytelling have raised the bar for excellence in journalism. With a sharp eye for detail and a knack for unravelling complex issues, Matthew's work inspires and informs.
Recent works:
Singapore Press Club Rising Stars - Young Digital Journalist Awards
Winners of the Young Digital Journalist Awards are recognised for their excellence in storytelling on digital platforms that create an exemplary user experience.
Two winners were presented with the awards.
Gwyneth Cheng, Assistant Editor, Kontinentalist
Gwyneth Cheng excels in environmental journalism, turning unwieldy data into compelling stories. Her award-winning work on the carbon credit industry and other topics showcases her expertise and commitment to communicating the climate emergency. Gwyneth's innovative use of data journalism tools also sets her apart.
Recent works:
- Light pollution effects put Singapore and Hong Kong on the map https://kontinentalist.com/stories/light-pollution-effects-put-singapore-and-hong-kong-on-the-map
- More than monkey business https://kontinentalist.com/stories/macaques-are-not-dangerous-or-aggressive-if-we-leave-them-alone
Wang Yuchen, Digital Designer, Chinese Media Group Newshub, SPH Media
Wang Yuchen is a talented digital designer whose stunning visual storytelling brings stories to life. Her meticulous work on interactive features like "70 Years of Waiting" has earned her kudos and recognition. Yuchen's creativity and behind-the-scenes efforts significantly enhance the quality of journalism.
Recent works:
- Korean war remains - a 70-year wait https://interactive.zaobao.com/2020/korean-war-remains/
- Bomb Shelter - https://interactive.zaobao.com/2023/bomb-shelter/
Telum Media - Singapore Press Club Rising Stars Young PR Professional Award
This award recognises excellent young talent in the fields of public relations who have displayed exemplary media relations skills and exhibited professionalism and partnership in their work.
Two winners were presented with the awards.
Aginaya Mae Abbugao, Account Manager, The Hoffman Agency (Singapore)
Aginaya is a passionate communicator, one who’s dedicated to uncovering compelling stories for her clients across industries like video communications, semiconductor, fintech and cloud. These range from start-ups to Fortune 500 firms, where she has secured coverage in key media outlets. Her deep understanding of both client and media creates powerful narratives that drive strong results, enhance brand visibility, and establish thought leadership. She is also a mentor to junior members at the Agency, nurturing and supporting the next generation of media communications practitioners.
Saeful Hakim, Senior Manager, RICE Communications
In a world where technology drives economic and societal change, Saeful believes no topic is too dry for the media. His knack for unpacking the complexities of the tech industry has led to a string of impactful stories for his clients. His candid and collaborative approach to media relations allows him to distil clients' technical expertise into digestible, educational information tailored to media audiences' needs. This unique ability has made him a standout in the industry, helping clients communicate their perspectives effectively within their respective industries and geographies.
CDL - Singapore Press Club Sustainability Journalism Award
This award recognises excellent sustainability journalism that has had a positive impact on public attitudes, behaviours and policies which further the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The recipient of this award has demonstrated commitment and passion to leave a better world for future generations.
Jovi Ho, Assistant Editor, The Edge Singapore
Jovi Ho consistently adds dimension to the discussion about corporate efforts to drive sustainability, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities that reflect regional and global perspectives. He has covered a range of issues including corporate sustainability practices, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, and the impact of sustainability on financial markets. In 2022, the Securities Investors Association (Singapore) named him “Most Promising Journalist of the Year”, and his coverage since has not let up.
Recent works:
HONOREES INDUCTED IN 2023
News and Social Media Coverage
Mr. Tan Kiat How Speech
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