Launched in 1996, the Asian American Journalists Association’s Asia Chapter (AAJA-Asia) supports media professionals committed to fair representation and editorial excellence across the Asia Pacific region. A key part of its mission is to nurture the next generation of journalists. Under the leadership of annually elected student representatives, AAJA-Asia offers a comprehensive cycle of training, career development, and mentoring programs tailored to students with an interest in journalism. After serving a year on the AAJA-Asia board, the 2024 student representatives are eager to share their experiences with the organization’s extended community, aiming to inspire more students to get involved.
JuneSeong Lee, Student Representative in Seoul
“Hello, this is JuneSeong Lee who served as student representative with Eunice Sng and Charlotte Kwan in 2024. I feel pleased and grateful to successfully end my one-year term with full support from AAJA-Asia members. I am especially thankful to K. Oanh Ha, who led the organization with her inclusive and open-minded leadership, and Gilles Demptos, who always gave wholehearted support to new ideas and suggestions with his generosity. I also thank Seoul co-Vice Presidents, Hieun Shin and Grace Moon, for their consistent efforts to expand the local network and reach out to more students directly.
Along with the 2024 board members, our student representatives have restored and published 12 monthly newsletters, which brought easier access to new chapter updates and member news within the community. We also organized and hosted online ‘Convo Sessions’ for students across the Asia Pacific, providing exclusive, career conversations with news professionals around the world. In addition, we promoted and introduced the New.Now.Next Media Conference 2024 to more global audiences by posting weekly digital card news on social media. As a result, it contributed to the increase in overseas participants (32.5%) from 15 different countries.
Affiliated with the Seoul subchapter, I am also proud to assist and promote on-site events, workshops, and the mixer that attracted more Korean students interested in journalism and the media industry.
For the past year, Eunice, Charlotte and I steadily worked to create a better atmosphere for young-career journalists and student members. We deeply appreciate everyone who supported and encouraged us, making 2024 truly fulfilling. I hope the time spent with our student representatives has become a meaningful memory for all AAJA-Asia members, and I sincerely look forward to another leap forward for AAJA-Asia in 2025. ”
Eunice Sng, Student Representative in Singapore
“Helping to facilitate a conference session for students (N3ConU) was a great learning experience says Eunice Sng, AAJA-Asia’s 2024 student representative in Singapore. I enjoyed sourcing for local speakers who could bring new perspectives to young aspiring reporters from all over Asia. Meeting international journalists during N3Con, as well as working with Charlotte and June to produce the monthly newsletter, opened my eyes to what the media landscape was like in other countries, especially since my worldview was mainly limited to Singapore before joining AAJA-Asia as a student representative. This was an opportunity that I treasured, and I hope that future student representatives can continue bridging the gap between professionals and educational institutions to nurture the next generation of storytellers. The world needs more people who are committed to facts and the truth.”
Charlotte Kwan, Student Representative in Hong Kong
“Reflecting on my past year as the Student Representative for the Hong Kong Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), I am filled with a sense of gratitude and inspiration says Charlotte Kwan, AAJA-Asia’s 2024 student representative in Hong Kong. This role truly immersed me in the lively world of journalism. I had the chance to contribute to our monthly newsletters by sourcing job and internship opportunities for our community and keeping up with updates from other chapters. It was a rewarding experience that made me feel part of something bigger.
The months leading up to the New.Now.Next Media Conference (N3Con) 2024 were particularly transformative. I engaged in regular meetings with fellow student representatives and journalists. Together, we strategized on social media promotions, connected various schools, and brainstormed innovative ways to encourage students across Asia to participate not only in the conference but also in our organization.
Meeting journalists through our various events was a highlight of this journey. Their stories and insights deepened my understanding of the industry and sharpened my journalistic edge. Hosting digital salons featuring book talks and conversations with past student representatives was particularly inspiring. These sessions not only equipped me with practical skills but also ignited my passion as I listened to the journeys of these accomplished speakers.
While a year may feel fleeting, this experience is indelible. Although I could not accomplish all the goals I initially set, I emerged with a solid foundation of skills that extend beyond journalism. I look forward to continuing to spread awareness about the AAJA’s mission in the future. ”
AAJA-Asia is extremely grateful for the commitment and achievements of its student representatives. Approximately a quarter of the AAJA-Asia membership is composed of students. Any student with an interest in journalism can join AAJA-Asia for only $25 USD annually and participate in all the student programs. All AAJA-Asia student members are warmly encourage to enter the annual board elections to become a student representative.