Since 1996, the Asia Chapter of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) has been a vital part of Asia’s news media community—supporting journalists in developing their skills, advancing their careers, and advocating for a free press, as well as greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in newsrooms and coverage across the region.
This mission has only been possible thanks to the dedication of the talented and passionate journalists who have engaged with our chapter over the years—as members, leaders, and advocates—continually inspiring and guiding our community forward.
Five positions are open in the current AAJA-Asia Board elections for a two-year term covering 2026 and 2027 (except for the student representative position, which is only for a one-year term). As a result of internal consultations, some seats have received only one candidacy, while several candidates are competing for other positions. It is essential to the democratic functioning of our association that as many AAJA-Asia members as possible vote in these polls.
Please note that only AAJA-Asia members with an active membership can be candidates or vote in the chapter’s board elections. Please check your membership status here. AAJA-Asia members will receive a link to vote by email on 25 October.
For any questions about membership or the voting process, please contact asia@aaja.org or gillesd@aaja.org.
We are pleased to publish hereafter the letters of candidacy of the candidates for the AAJA-Asia 2026-2027 Board (when several candidates are running for the same seat, their statement is listed by surname’s alphabetical order).
An online Election Forum featuring most candidates took place on 19 October 2025. Click here or on the picture below to watch it and meet the candidates! (Two candidates who could not take part in the Elections Forum sent us individual video statements: Click here to watch Yuba Raj’s video)
Nepal Subchapter Vice President (One seat but co-VPS possible)
Regional vice presidents are the point persons for AAJA-Asia in their respective cities. They plan and coordinate local events and oversee membership recruitment in their city, as well as field questions about AAJA. They also work with the president and other officers to set overall direction for the chapter.
Rajneesh Bhandari and Prabesh Subedi, Candidates for Nepal Co-Vice Presidents
Hello AAJA, I am Rajneesh Bhandari, and I would like to serve as co-vice president for the Nepal sub-chapter.
Earlier this year, after the N3con, Prabesh and I initiated the Nepal sub-chapter. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re grateful to AAJA-Asia for making it possible.
My connection with AAJA runs deep. I completed the Executive Leadership Program in 2021, following the launch of the Nepal Investigative Multimedia Journalism Network (NIMJN) in 2020. At NIMJN, we produce high-quality multimedia investigations on social justice issues and train journalists. ELP has been instrumental in shaping my leadership journey.
I’ve attended two N3Cons, and each time I’ve been inspired by AAJA’s commitment to journalistic excellence. Being part of the AAJA-Asia Google training network, I have been able to train hundreds of journalists in Nepal and South Asia.
After founding the Nepal sub-chapter, Prabesh and I spoke at the Digital Salon: Covering Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising, where I shared my experience covering the protests on the ground. In October, I also talked about gender-sensitive reporting in Nepal, along with Hong Kong Co-VP Holly Chik, at AccessFest 2025 hosted by Investigative Reporters & Editors.
I would like to serve the AAJA community in Nepal and Asia as co-vice president of the Nepal sub-chapter. We aim to strengthen AAJA-Asia’s Nepal sub-chapter by organizing programs that facilitate networking and share journalism best practices across Asia with our Nepali colleagues.
Hi, my name is Prabesh Subedi, and I would like to express my interest to serve as vice president for the Nepal subchapter.
Rajneesh and I were instrumental in starting the Nepal Subchapter. In our term, we aim to establish a strong foundation for the Nepal sub-chapter through networking and knowledge sharing.
With over two decades of experience in journalism across print, broadcast, and online media, my current focus is on media policy, research, and the capacity development of journalists and media professionals.
With AAJA, I have been part of the Google News Initiative Training Network, where I had the great opportunity to train more than 650 journalists across Nepal. Through my engagement with AAJA-Asia, I have also contributed to regional events and collaborative initiatives.
Currently, I lead the Digital Media Foundation (DMF), a not-for-profit organization based in Kathmandu, known as a knowledge hub and skill development platform for Nepal’s media and journalism sector.
My association with AAJA and DMF complement each other – together, they strengthen ongoing efforts to advance quality and impactful journalism.
As co-vice presidents of the Nepal sub-chapter, Rajneesh and I aim to build a strong AAJA presence in Nepal and grow professional collaboration among journalists across the region.
Yuba Raj, Candidates for Nepal Co-Vice Presidents
I would like to nominate for the Post of regional Vice President for Nepal in Asian American Journalists Association. I will do the following activities, if I will be elected:
- I will stand for the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA.).
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I will try the best plan and coordinate local events and oversee membership recruitment in our city, as well as field questions about AAJA.
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I will work with the president and other officers to set overall direction for the chapter.
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My aim will be to provide support and development for journalists of Asian descent and to advocate for fair and accurate coverage in media.
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I will try to organize various events, awards and so on to develop skills and careers journalists.
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I will dedicate to advancing diversity in newsrooms and ensuring fair and accurate coverage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, as well as other communities of color in journalism.
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I will try the best to coordinate with Local Government , Province Government, Central Government, NGos and INGos for the development of journalism and fair communication .
Thank You in Advance
Philippines Subchapter Vice President (One seat but co-VPS possible)
Regional vice presidents are the point persons for AAJA-Asia in their respective cities. They plan and coordinate local events and oversee membership recruitment in their city, as well as field questions about AAJA. They also work with the president and other officers to set overall direction for the chapter.
Regina Hing, Candidate for Philippines Subchapter Vice President
There are numerous journalism organizations in the Philippines, but hardly any that connect members to their peers in the region and globally. This is AAJA’s strength and proposition—and which I am committed to advancing as VP of the Philippines chapter.
Over the past several years serving on the board at-large, I’ve worked to raise the profile of AAJA-Asia among local journalists, particularly those within my network. I’ve
encouraged greater participation in the group’s annual conference, N3Con, and have witnessed firsthand the value that Filipino journalists gain from connecting with their
regional and international counterparts.
As co-VP of the Philippines chapter, my focus will be clear: grow our membership and strengthen the foundation of this new chapter. I will work to raise awareness of AAJA
among Filipino journalists who would benefit from the organization’s resources, networking opportunities, and support. Building membership isn’t just about numbers—it’s about creating a vibrant community where journalists can connect, learn from each other, and access opportunities for professional development.
I’m committed to ensuring this Philippines chapter is well-integrated into the regional and global AAJA network while directly serving the needs of our local members.
Together, we can build a chapter that truly represents and empowers Filipino journalists at home and abroad.
Treasurer
The treasurer keeps the financial records of the chapter, submits financial reports required by the AAJA National office and helps set the financial direction for the chapter. This position must be filled by a full or associate member of AAJA, preferably based in, or frequently travelling to the US.
Jin Ding, Candidate for Treasurer
I am running for Treasurer of the Asia Chapter. From 2021 to 2024, I served as Treasurer (VP of Finance) on the national board, working with chapter treasurers to strengthen operations, grow fundraising capacity, and uphold fiduciary responsibilities. Earlier this year, I represented the Asia Chapter on the National Advisory Board and helped finalize our 2024 finances for audit, gaining valuable insights into chapter-level financial management.
I am a strategic planner who enjoys building systems and optimizing processes with a long-term vision. I hope to use these strengths to help the chapter transition smoothly to the new financial system HQ is adopting after the retirement of our longtime CFO, and to ensure we’re well-prepared for the next stage of growth.
National Advisory Board Representative (One seat)
This board member serves as one of the chapter’s representatives to the AAJA national advisory board, which serves to advise the national governing board. The National Advisory Board Representative is the chapter’s advocate and liaison to the national board and office. The board representative will keep the Asia chapter board apprised of national strategies and procedures.
Joe Pan, Candidate for National Advisory Board Representative
Dear AAJA-Asia Members,
I have been part of the Asia Chapter since 2013 and a devoted N3Con volunteer, rotating across various committees and roles since its earliest days—an experience that has shown me just how close-knit and resilient our community has become.
My roots run deep in AAJA and media management, starting from my days at local news weeklies to the Los Angeles Times. I’ve stayed connected with AAJA friends across the U.S., regularly visiting chapters and meeting leaders at the Washington, D.C. national office. Attending three national conventions, from Austin last year to Seattle this year, has inspired me with the array of programs and initiatives driven by the leadership team at chapter and national levels.
Currently, I work as an editor and producer for Blockwind News, and serve as an adjunct professor at Hong Kong Baptist University in the International Journalism MA Program. I have also served as a Journalist Governor of the Foreign Correspondents Club Hong Kong (FCCHK) for five consecutive terms, which has increased my appreciation for transparency and governance in non-profit organizations. More importantly, my FCC boardroom years have provided broader experience with press freedom, membership recruitment, operational and finance issues relevant to the AAJA Asia Chapter.
I am proud to be part of the AAJA-Asia Chapter community advocating for leadership change in the recent chapter election, and encouraged by the new directions initiated by the board. Recently, I was honored to lead the Asia media landscape assessment survey for AAJA HQ in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, interviewing over 30 newsroom leaders. Their resilience has deepened my optimism and drive to serve our community.
If you trust me as your National Advisory Board Representative, my motivation is to build on the Chapter’s momentum and channel learnings from programs, diversity initiatives, and the collaborative spirit I witness each year to benefit AAJA-Asia members. I hope to cultivate more connections and develop creative solutions tailored to our region’s unique needs. If elected, I promise to be present, consistent, and caring, and to give back to the organization and friends I have proudly called home for almost two decades.
Nana Riskhi, Candidate for National Advisory Board Representative
Dear AAJA-Asia Board,
I am writing to submit my candidacy for the position of National Advisory Board Representative for the 2026–2027 term.
With over 14 years of experience in investigative journalism, documentary filmmaking, and strategic media leadership, I have worked at the intersection of journalism and film to tell powerful Asian stories for global audiences. My recent projects include leading large-scale documentary productions for Netflix, Channel News Asia, BBC, HBO, and National Geographic, where I have served as director, producer, and story developer. These experiences have deepened my understanding of ethical storytelling, audience engagement, and the responsibility we hold as Asian journalists and filmmakers to shape authentic narratives from our region.
I believe my cross-sector perspective—from newsroom to film set—can contribute meaningfully to the National Advisory Board. I am passionate about building stronger bridges between journalism and visual storytelling, supporting diversity in leadership, and mentoring the next generation of Asian journalists and filmmakers.
It would be an honor to serve and help AAJA-Asia expand its impact by empowering members to tell stories that reflect the depth and complexity of our region.
Student Representative (One seat, but co-Student Reps possible)
The student representative serves as an advocate for students and their needs. They help organize activities and promote AAJA-Asia on campus. They field questions from academic staff and students, work to increase student membership and engage in membership outreach. This position is non-voting, and open only to student members of AAJA.
Chloe Chan, Candidate for Student Representative
Hi, I’m Chloe, a final-year student at the National University of Singapore majoring in Sociology and Political Science. I’m applying for the role of Student Representative because AAJA has been an incredibly meaningful part of my journey as an aspiring journalist. My first experience with the association was through N3Con, which was immensely fruitful. I learnt a lot through the mentorship program and benefitted from the network of journalists and experts I met there.
Since then, I’ve enjoyed getting to know members of my local chapter and even helped ideate and organise a student workshop here in Singapore, tapping on my network of students and academic contacts to grow membership. In this role, I hope to further AAJA’s reach and create more opportunities for aspiring journalists. I bring experience from my internships in planning large-scale conferences and managing social media and video content.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Bing Hong Lok, Candidate for Student Representative
My name is Lok Bing Hong, student representative of AAJA-Asia for the 2024-25 term and final year student in NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communications and Information. I would like to throw my hat in the ring for the position of student representative for the AAJA-Asia Board for the term of 2025-26.
If the organisation will have me for another year, I will continue to use my experiences in both AAJA-Asia and my own life to help boost awareness and support for AAJA-Asia’s activities, as well as help where I can in the day to day activities of the organisation. My experiences in both local and international newsrooms, as well as the founding of online editorials have also helped me to stay relevant and informed of the current news scene. Moreover, my efforts in liaising between local educational institutions and AAJA-Asia have only just begun, and I would be excited to see if I cannot help further to boost the partnerships between AAJA-Asia and Singapore’s schools to help budding journalists like how AAJA-Asia has helped me.
Although I am graduating in July of next year, I am convinced I can continue to do good for the organisation where I can, and I would once again be honored if you were to have me.