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IMC 2024: Conference Agenda
IMC 2024: Conference Agenda
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EWC Media Conference Team
2024 East-West Center International Media Conference
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Times may be subject to change. All events to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
June 23 - Conference Welcome
5:30 PM | Welcome Reception at Philippine National Museum of Natural History
June 24 - Journalism in the Generative Age
8:45 AM | Plenary Panel: AI in the Newsroom
With new technologies poised to upend how information is created and disseminated on a global scale, traditional news media finds itself at a critical moment of self-reflection. Five influential regional voices discuss how generative AI is reshaping news as we know it.
- Khalil A. Cassimally, Head of Audience Insights, The Conversation (Melbourne, Australia)
- Don Kevin Hapal, Head of Data and Innovation, Rappler (Pasig, Philippines)
- Irene Jay Liu, Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media (Singapore)
- Jaemark Tordecilla, 2024 Nieman Fellow for Journalism, Harvard University; Former Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Dilrukshi Handunnetti, Co-Founder & Director, Center for Investigative Reporting (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
10:45 AM | Plenary Panel: In Pursuit of Humane AI
Five expert perspectives gather for a timely discussion about the growing influence of generative AI on modern societies and the ethical challenges faced by the journalists who cover them.
- Karol Ilagan, Faculty Member, University of the Philippines Diliman; 2023 Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellow (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Doc Ligot, CEO, CirroLytix (Pasig, Philippines)
- Syed Nazakat, Founder & CEO, DataLEADS (Delhi, India)
- Nikki Usher, Associate Professor of Communications, University of San Diego (San Diego, USA)
- Moderator: Naomi Nix, Tech Reporter, The Washington Post (Washington DC, USA)
12:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:00 PM | Luncheon Q&A with Meta
- Manu Gummi, Public Policy Manager for Content, Meta (Hyderabad, India) (Virtual)
- Moderator: Dilrukshi Handunnetti, Co-Founder & Director, Center for Investigative Reporting (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
2:15 PM | Plenary Panel: The Whole World is Voting - Reporting in a Global Election Year
By the end of 2024, more than 60 countries—accounting for over half the world's population—will have concluded a major national election. Yet this landmark global election year comes hand-in-and with profound instability as armed conflict, social unrest, emerging technologies, and disinformation reshape democratic institutions in unpredictable ways. Join six veteran international journalists as they dive into the volatile world of elections reporting at a time when accurate, unbiased coverage is more critical—and more challenging—than ever.
- Ann Hsieh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Storm Media (Taipei, Taiwan)
- Uni Lubis, Editor-in-Chief, IDN Times (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Aditi Phadnis Mehta, Consulting Editor, Business Standard (New Delhi, India)
- Saerom Shim, National Politics Reporter, JoongAng Ilbo (Seoul, South Korea)
- Kamal Siddiqi, Former News Director, Aaj News (Karachi, Pakistan)
- Moderator: John Nery, Columnist & Editorial Consultant, Rappler (Pasig, Philippines)
3:45 PM | Plenary Panel: AI Horizons
Generative AI is everywhere in the news today, but where will it be tomorrow? This panel examines how artificial intelligence will shape the coming years, from elections to academia to mass media, and everything in between.
- Charlie Beckett, Professor & Director of JournalismAI Project, London School of Economics (London, UK) (Virtual)
- Art Min, Head of Partnerships, TrueMedia.org (Seattle, USA)
- Moderator: Jean H. Lee, Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center; Co-Host, The Lazarus Heist (Honolulu, USA)
5:00 PM | Gala Dinner: Journalists of Courage and Impact
Sponsored by Pacific Century Institute.
Hailing from across Asia, the Pacific, and the United States, this year’s seven honorees have displayed exceptional commitment to quality reporting and freedom of the press, often under harrowing circumstances.
- Host: Glenn van Zutphen, Founder & CEO, VanMedia Group (Singapore)
- Honoree: Sincha Dimara, News Editor, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Honoree: Tom Grundy, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Honoree: Alan C. Miller, Founder, The News Literacy Project (Washington DC, USA) (Virtual)
- Honoree: Soe Myint, Editor-in-Chief & Managing Director, Mizzima (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
- Honoree: John Nery, Columnist & Editorial Consultant, Rappler (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Honoree: Ana Marie Pamintuan, Editor-in-Chief, The Philippine Star (Manila, Philippines)
- Honoree: Kamal Siddiqi, Former News Director, Aaj News (Karachi, Pakistan)
June 25 - New Climate Perspectives
8:15 AM | Welcome Remarks
- Nainoa Thompson, CEO, Polynesian Voyaging Society (Honolulu, USA) (Virtual)
8:30 AM | Keynote Discussion
- Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer & Founder, Mission Blue (Napa, USA)
- Joeli Veitayaki, Strategic Adviser, Blue Prosperity Fiji (Suva, Fiji)
- Moderator: Tammy Tabe, Oceania Research Fellow, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
9:30 AM | Keynote Speaker
- Joan Carling, Executive Director, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (Baguio, Philippines)
- Moderator: Jhesset Thrina Enano, Independent Journalist (Manila, Philippines)
10:50 AM | Plenary Panel: Climate Reporting - The Global State of Play
Five global climate journalists tackle the current state of climate reporting, including the ongoing challenges faced by reporters and the crucial role of media in raising awareness, influencing policy, and mobilizing action.
- Imelda Abaño, Program Manager for the Philippines and Asia Pacific Region, Internews' Earth Journalism Network (Manila, Philippines)
- Sharada Balasubramanian, Independent Environment and Development Journalist (Coimbatore, India)
- Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Director of Climate Journalism, Solutions Journalism Network (Apia, Sāmoa & New York, USA)
- Alexander Kaufman, Senior Reporter, HuffPost (New York City, USA)
- Moderator: Kunda Dixit, Founding Editor and Publisher, Nepali Times (Kathmandu, Nepal)
12:15 PM | Lunch Break
12:45 PM | Luncheon Panel: Youth Climate Advocacy
Four prominent international climate advocates under the age of 30 discuss the pivotal role of youth-led climate action in shaping a sustainable future.
- Brianna Fruean, Climate Activist (Auckland, New Zealand) (Virtual)
- Swietenia Puspa Lestari, Executive Director, Divers Clean Action (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Ayisha Siddiqa, Research Fellow, NYU Center for Human Rights and Global Justice; 2023 TIME Women of the Year honoree (New York City, USA) (Virtual)
- Josefa Tauli, Policy Co-Coordinator, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (Baguio, Philippines)
- Moderator: Jason Margolis, Climate Science Editor, The Boston Globe (Boston, USA)
2:00 PM | Breakout Session 1
Panel | Public Perception and Reporting on Trade and Economy: The APEC Experience
- Marie Sherylyn Deleña Aquia, Director, Bureau of International Trade Relations, Department of Trade and Industry (Makati City, Philippines)
- Amb. Charles C. Jose, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations, Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (Pasay City, Philippines)
- Carlos Kuriyama, Director, Policy Support Unit, APEC Secretariat (Singapore)
- Cai Ordinario, Reporter, BusinessMirror (Makati City, Philippines)
- Moderator: Michael Chapnick, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, APEC Secretariat (Singapore)
Panel | The FIRM: A New Collaborative to Promote Financial Investigative Reporting in the Pacific
- Aubrey Belford, Lead Editor, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (Sydney, Australia)
- Kalafi Moala, Editor, Talanoa ‘O Tonga (Nuku‘alofa, Tonga)
- Richard Naidu, Editor, Islands Business (Suva, Fiji)
- Preethi Nallu, Executive Director, Report for the World (Barcelona, Spain)
- Charley Piringi, Editor, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Kila Wani, Managing Director, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Fred Wesley, Editor-in-Chief, The Fiji Times (Suva, Fiji)
- Moderator: Jim Potenza, Senior Project Manager, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
Panel | Free Voices: The State of Press Freedom in the Asia-Pacific Region
- Karmina Constantino, Broadcast Journalist, ABS-CBN News and Teleradyo Serbisyo; 2022 Marshall McLuhan Fellow for Excellence in Journalism (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Sincha Dimara, News Editor, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Tom Grundy, Editor-in-Chief & Founder, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Swe Win, Editor-in-Chief, Myanmar Now (Melbourne, Australia)
- Moderator: Karen Davila, News Anchor, ABS-CBN (Quezon City, Philippines)
Masterclass | Introducing the Digital Flak-Jacket
- Amantha Perera, Project Lead, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Asia Pacific; PhD Candidate, Creative, University of South Australia (Melbourne & Adelaide, Australia)
3:15 PM | Breakout Session 2
Panel | The Future of South Asia
- Kunda Dixit, Founding Editor & Publisher, Nepali Times (Kathmandu, Nepal)
- Dilrukshi Handunnetti, Co-Founder/Director, Centre for Investigative Reporting (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
- Aditi Phadnis Mehta, Consulting Editor, Business Standard (New Delhi, India)
- Khuldune Shahid, Correspondent, The Diplomat (Lahore, Pakistan)
- Moderator: Zafar Sobhan, Founding Editor, Dhaka Tribune (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Panel | Building Trust and Digital Strategies for Traditional Newsrooms
- Theodore Jason Patrick Ortiz, Acting Assistant Manager, GMA Integrated News Social Media Team (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Mariz Umali, Senior Reporter, GMA Network (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Moderator: Alan Soon, Co-Founder, Splice Media (Singapore)
Panel | Reporting in the US: Trends & Challenges
- Gavin Bade, Trade and Economics Reporter, POLITICO (Washington DC, USA)
- Milton Guevara, Associate Producer, Morning Edition & Up First, NPR (Washington, DC USA)
- Krista Mahr, International Senior Editor, Opinion, The New York Times (Washington DC, USA)
- Jason Margolis, Climate Science Editor, The Boston Globe (Boston, USA)
- Naomi Nix, Tech Reporter, The Washington Post (Washington DC, USA)
- Moderator: Stephanie Lum, Anchor/Reporter, Hawaii News Now (Honolulu, USA)
Workshop | Innovating Investigative Reporting: AI and Campaign Finance (Part 1)
- Carmela Fonbuena, Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Helen Maureen Graido, Policy Head for for Electoral Reforms, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Rowena Paraan, Training Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Jaemark Tordecilla, 2024 Nieman Fellow for Journalism, Harvard University; Former Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online (Manila, Philippines)
4:30 PM | Breakout Session 3
Panel | Environment Reporting for Transparency and Accountability
- Ahmad Arif, Journalist, Kompas (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Karol Ilagan, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines)
- Choon Chyuan Low, Journalist, Malaysiakini (Malaysia)
- Detty Saluling, Senior Manager, Environmental Investigations, Pulitzer Center, (Bangkok, Thailand)
Panel | Effective Factchecking and Verification
- Audrey Domasian, Social Media Manager, GMA Integrated News (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Art Min, Head of Partnerships, TrueMedia.org (Seattle, USA)
- Syed Nazakat, Founder & CEO, DataLEADS (New Delhi, India)
- Moderator: David Usborne, Lecturer, Journalism Program, School of Communication and Information, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (Honolulu, USA)
Panel | Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
- Tsolmontuya Altankhundaga, Acting Director, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, The Asia Foundation (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)
- Rona Ann V. Caritos, Executive Director, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Amantha Perera, Project Lead, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Asia Pacific; PhD Candidate, Creative, University of South Australia (Melbourne & Adelaide, Australia)
- Moderator: Lubna Jerar Naqvi, Gender Coordinator, Trainer & Media Monitor, International Federation of Journalists (Karachi, Pakistan)
Workshop | Innovating Investigative Reporting: AI and Campaign Finance (Part 2)
- Carmela Fonbuena, Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Helen Maureen Graido, Policy Head for for Electoral Reforms, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Rowena Paraan, Training Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Jaemark Tordecilla, 2024 Nieman Fellow for Journalism, Harvard University; Former Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online (Manila, Philippines)
June 26 - Reporting at a Global Crossroads
8:20 AM | Keynote Speaker
- Secretary Enrique Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (Pasay, Philippines)
- Moderator: Ruth Cabal, News Anchor, TV5 (Mandaluyong, Philippines)
9:10 AM | Keynote Speaker
- Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, US Mission to the Philippines (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Suzanne Vares-Lum, President, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
10:15 AM | Plenary Panel: Economic Trends & Strategic Competition
Four senior Indo-Pacific economic authorities discuss the state of the region, including the complexities of geopolitical strategic competition in Asia and the Pacific.
- Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Minister, National Economic and Development Authority (Mandaluyong, Philippines)
- Zha Daojiong, Professor, Peking University School of International Studies (Beijing, China)
- Suthad Setboonsarng, Independent Director, Somboon Advance Technology; Former Deputy Secretary General, ASEAN (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Ambassador Chantale Yok-Min Wong, US Executive Director, Asian Development Bank (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Karishma Vaswani, Asia Politics Columnist and Commentator, Bloomberg (Singapore)
11:30 AM | Plenary Panel: The Last Word - Regional Journalists Roundtable
Six senior regional journalists have the final word at IMC2024 as they discuss developing trends and challenges for media professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Rihoko Akiyama, Correspondent, News Department, TV Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
- Chi Dong Lee, Editor, Yonhap News TV (Seoul, South Korea)
- Howie Severino, Editor-at-Large, GMA Integrated News (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Derek Wallbank, Managing Editor for Breaking News, Bloomberg (Singapore)
- Kalafi Moala, Editor, Talanoa ‘O Tonga (Nuku‘alofa, Tonga)
- Moderator: Lubna Jerar Naqvi, Gender Coordinator, Trainer, & Media Monitor, International Federation of Journalists (Karachi, Pakistan)
1:00 PM | Lunch Break
2:00 PM | Breakout Session 1
Workshop | Financial Investigative Reporting in the Solomon Islands: A Case Study
- Aubrey Belford, Lead Editor, Australia & Pacific Region, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (Sydney, Australia)
- Ofani Eremae, Editor, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Gina Maka'a, Reporter, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Charley Piringi, Editor, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
Workshop | Introduction to Reporting on Artificial Intelligence (Part 1)
Pre-registration requested.
- Karol Ilagan, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines)
Panel | The Challenge of Covering China for International Media
- Ann Hsieh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Storm Media (Taipei, Taiwan)
- Tom Grundy, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Matthias Kamp, China Correspondent, Neue Zürcher Zeitung (Beijing, China)
- Moderator: Mike Chinoy, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, University of Southern California US-China Institute (Taipei, Taiwan)
Masterclass | Introducing the Digital Flak-Jacket
- Amantha Perera, Project Lead, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Asia Pacific; PhD Candidate, Creative, University of South Australia (Melbourne & Adelaide, Australia)
3:15 PM | Breakout Session 2
Panel | Reporting on Closed Countries
- Jean H. Lee, Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center; Co-Host, The Lazarus Heist (Honolulu, USA)
- Swe Win, Editor-in-Chief, Myanmar Now (Melbourne, Australia)
Workshop | Introduction to Reporting on Artificial Intelligence (Part 2)
Pre-registration requested.
- Karol Ilagan, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines)
Panel | Next-Gen News Hounds on the Future of Journalism
- Cristina Chi, Reporter, Philstar.com (Manila, Philippines)
- Billi FitzSimons, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Aus (Sydney, Australia)
- Xiner "Irene" Hu, Undergraduate Student, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
- Alyssa Salcedo, Undergraduate Student, Journalism Program, School of Communication and Information, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (Honolulu, USA)
- Moderator: Jocelyn Ford, Professor of Practice, United International College (Zhuhai, China)
Panel | Pacific Journalism Talanoa: Regional Issues & Trends
- Julie Badui-Owa, Senior Journalist, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Siosifa Pomana, Administrator, Talanoa ‘O Tonga (Nuku'alofa, Tonga)
- Meri Radinibaravi, Business Reporter, The Fiji Times (Suva, Fiji)
- Ronald Flier Toito'ona, Investigative Reporter, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Charmaine Yanam, Senior Investigative Journalist, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Moderator: Preethi Nallu, Executive Director, Report for the World (Barcelona, Spain)
4:30 PM | Breakout Session 3
Panel | Covering the South China Sea: Do We Go Deep Enough?
- Richard Heydarian, Host, The View From Manila (Manila, Philippines)
- Gretchen Ho, Anchor, One News (Manila, Philippines)
- Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General, Philippine National Security Council (Manila, Philippines)
- Jervis Manahan, Reporter, ABS-CBN (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Regina Lay, Anchor & Business Editor, One News (Manila, Philippines)
Panel | Independent Media in Southeast Asia: Press Councils, Ombudsmen, and Other Forms of Media Self-Regulation
- Alyaa Abdul Aziz Alhadjri, Senior Journalist, Malaysiakini (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia)
- Melinda DeJesus, Executive Director, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (Manila, Philippines)
- Uni Lubis, Editor-in-Chief, IDN Times (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Moderator: Janet Steele, Professor of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University (Washington DC)
Panel | Innovative Funding Models for Local Journalism: From Grants to Audience-Driven Revenue
- Tom Grundy, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Preethi Nallu, Executive Director, Report for the World (Barcelona, Spain)
- Roby Alampay, Co-Founder, Puma Podcast (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Keoni Williams, Information & Publications Officer, Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
Panel | Journalism Beyond Borders
- Laxmi Devi Aere, Assistant Editor, The Press Trust of India (India)
- Muhammed Amer, Staff Reporter, The News International (Pakistan)
- Najia Baloch, Anchor/Producer, KTN News (Pakistan)
- Shiraz Hasnat, Bureau Chief, Hum News International (Pakistan)
- Syed Sibt E. Hassan, Senior News Reporter, Hum News International (Pakistan)
- Sai Manish, Associate Editor, Business Standard (India)
- Safina Nabi, Independent Journalist (Jammu and Kashmir, India)
- Shreya Pareek, Founder, The Stories of Change (India)
- Nischal Arvind Sanghavi, Correspondent, Ahmedabad Mirror (India)
- Wisal Yousafzai, Reporter, The Express Tribune (Pakistan)
- Moderator: Kanak Dixit, Founder, Himal Southasian; Co-Founder, Himal Media (Kathmandu, Nepal)
5:45 PM | Farewell Networking Reception
2024 East-West Center International Media Conference
Home | About | Agenda | Speakers | Partners | Register | Travel & Lodging | FAQ | Terms
2024 East-West Center International Media Conference
Home | About | Agenda | Speakers | Partners | Register | Travel & Lodging | FAQ | Terms
Times may be subject to change. All events to be held at the Philippine International Convention Center unless otherwise noted.
June 23 - Conference Welcome
5:30 PM | Welcome Reception at Philippine National Museum of Natural History
June 24 - Journalism in the Generative Age
8:45 AM | Plenary Panel: AI in the Newsroom
With new technologies poised to upend how information is created and disseminated on a global scale, traditional news media finds itself at a critical moment of self-reflection. Five influential regional voices discuss how generative AI is reshaping news as we know it.
- Khalil A. Cassimally, Head of Audience Insights, The Conversation (Melbourne, Australia)
- Don Kevin Hapal, Head of Data and Innovation, Rappler (Pasig, Philippines)
- Irene Jay Liu, Regional Director for Asia & the Pacific, International Fund for Public Interest Media (Singapore)
- Jaemark Tordecilla, 2024 Nieman Fellow for Journalism, Harvard University; Former Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Dilrukshi Handunnetti, Co-Founder & Director, Center for Investigative Reporting (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
10:45 AM | Plenary Panel: In Pursuit of Humane AI
Five expert perspectives gather for a timely discussion about the growing influence of generative AI on modern societies and the ethical challenges faced by the journalists who cover them.
- Karol Ilagan, Faculty Member, University of the Philippines Diliman; 2023 Pulitzer Center AI Accountability Fellow (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Doc Ligot, CEO, CirroLytix (Pasig, Philippines)
- Syed Nazakat, Founder & CEO, DataLEADS (Delhi, India)
- Nikki Usher, Associate Professor of Communications, University of San Diego (San Diego, USA)
- Moderator: Naomi Nix, Tech Reporter, The Washington Post (Washington DC, USA)
12:30 PM | Lunch Break
1:00 PM | Luncheon Q&A with Meta
- Manu Gummi, Public Policy Manager for Content, Meta (Hyderabad, India) (Virtual)
- Moderator: Dilrukshi Handunnetti, Co-Founder & Director, Center for Investigative Reporting (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
2:15 PM | Plenary Panel: The Whole World is Voting - Reporting in a Global Election Year
By the end of 2024, more than 60 countries—accounting for over half the world's population—will have concluded a major national election. Yet this landmark global election year comes hand-in-and with profound instability as armed conflict, social unrest, emerging technologies, and disinformation reshape democratic institutions in unpredictable ways. Join six veteran international journalists as they dive into the volatile world of elections reporting at a time when accurate, unbiased coverage is more critical—and more challenging—than ever.
- Ann Hsieh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Storm Media (Taipei, Taiwan)
- Uni Lubis, Editor-in-Chief, IDN Times (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Aditi Phadnis Mehta, Consulting Editor, Business Standard (New Delhi, India)
- Saerom Shim, National Politics Reporter, JoongAng Ilbo (Seoul, South Korea)
- Kamal Siddiqi, Former News Director, Aaj News (Karachi, Pakistan)
- Moderator: John Nery, Columnist & Editorial Consultant, Rappler (Pasig, Philippines)
3:45 PM | Plenary Panel: AI Horizons
Generative AI is everywhere in the news today, but where will it be tomorrow? This panel examines how artificial intelligence will shape the coming years, from elections to academia to mass media, and everything in between.
- Charlie Beckett, Professor & Director of JournalismAI Project, London School of Economics (London, UK) (Virtual)
- Art Min, Head of Partnerships, TrueMedia.org (Seattle, USA)
- Moderator: Jean H. Lee, Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center; Co-Host, The Lazarus Heist (Honolulu, USA)
5:00 PM | Gala Dinner: Journalists of Courage and Impact
Sponsored by Pacific Century Institute.
Hailing from across Asia, the Pacific, and the United States, this year’s seven honorees have displayed exceptional commitment to quality reporting and freedom of the press, often under harrowing circumstances.
- Host: Glenn van Zutphen, Founder & CEO, VanMedia Group (Singapore)
- Honoree: Sincha Dimara, News Editor, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Honoree: Tom Grundy, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Honoree: Alan C. Miller, Founder, The News Literacy Project (Washington DC, USA) (Virtual)
- Honoree: Soe Myint, Editor-in-Chief & Managing Director, Mizzima (Chiang Mai, Thailand)
- Honoree: John Nery, Columnist & Editorial Consultant, Rappler (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Honoree: Ana Marie Pamintuan, Editor-in-Chief, The Philippine Star (Manila, Philippines)
- Honoree: Kamal Siddiqi, Former News Director, Aaj News (Karachi, Pakistan)
June 25 - New Climate Perspectives
8:15 AM | Welcome Remarks
- Nainoa Thompson, CEO, Polynesian Voyaging Society (Honolulu, USA) (Virtual)
8:30 AM | Keynote Discussion
- Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer & Founder, Mission Blue (Napa, USA)
- Joeli Veitayaki, Strategic Adviser, Blue Prosperity Fiji (Suva, Fiji)
- Moderator: Tammy Tabe, Oceania Research Fellow, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
9:30 AM | Keynote Speaker
- Joan Carling, Executive Director, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (Baguio, Philippines)
- Moderator: Jhesset Thrina Enano, Independent Journalist (Manila, Philippines)
10:50 AM | Plenary Panel: Climate Reporting - The Global State of Play
Five global climate journalists tackle the current state of climate reporting, including the ongoing challenges faced by reporters and the crucial role of media in raising awareness, influencing policy, and mobilizing action.
- Imelda Abaño, Program Manager for the Philippines and Asia Pacific Region, Internews' Earth Journalism Network (Manila, Philippines)
- Sharada Balasubramanian, Independent Environment and Development Journalist (Coimbatore, India)
- Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Director of Climate Journalism, Solutions Journalism Network (Apia, Sāmoa & New York, USA)
- Alexander Kaufman, Senior Reporter, HuffPost (New York City, USA)
- Moderator: Kunda Dixit, Founding Editor and Publisher, Nepali Times (Kathmandu, Nepal)
12:15 PM | Lunch Break
12:45 PM | Luncheon Panel: Youth Climate Advocacy
Four prominent international climate advocates under the age of 30 discuss the pivotal role of youth-led climate action in shaping a sustainable future.
- Brianna Fruean, Climate Activist (Auckland, New Zealand) (Virtual)
- Swietenia Puspa Lestari, Executive Director, Divers Clean Action (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Ayisha Siddiqa, Research Fellow, NYU Center for Human Rights and Global Justice; 2023 TIME Women of the Year honoree (New York City, USA) (Virtual)
- Josefa Tauli, Policy Co-Coordinator, Global Youth Biodiversity Network (Baguio, Philippines)
- Moderator: Jason Margolis, Climate Science Editor, The Boston Globe (Boston, USA)
2:00 PM | Breakout Session 1
Panel | Public Perception and Reporting on Trade and Economy: The APEC Experience
- Marie Sherylyn Deleña Aquia, Director, Bureau of International Trade Relations, Department of Trade and Industry (Makati City, Philippines)
- Amb. Charles C. Jose, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic Relations, Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (Pasay City, Philippines)
- Carlos Kuriyama, Director, Policy Support Unit, APEC Secretariat (Singapore)
- Cai Ordinario, Reporter, BusinessMirror (Makati City, Philippines)
- Moderator: Michael Chapnick, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, APEC Secretariat (Singapore)
Panel | The FIRM: A New Collaborative to Promote Financial Investigative Reporting in the Pacific
- Aubrey Belford, Lead Editor, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (Sydney, Australia)
- Kalafi Moala, Editor, Talanoa ‘O Tonga (Nuku‘alofa, Tonga)
- Richard Naidu, Editor, Islands Business (Suva, Fiji)
- Preethi Nallu, Executive Director, Report for the World (Barcelona, Spain)
- Charley Piringi, Editor, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Kila Wani, Managing Director, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Fred Wesley, Editor-in-Chief, The Fiji Times (Suva, Fiji)
- Moderator: Jim Potenza, Senior Project Manager, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
Panel | Free Voices: The State of Press Freedom in the Asia-Pacific Region
- Karmina Constantino, Broadcast Journalist, ABS-CBN News and Teleradyo Serbisyo; 2022 Marshall McLuhan Fellow for Excellence in Journalism (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Sincha Dimara, News Editor, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Tom Grundy, Editor-in-Chief & Founder, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Swe Win, Editor-in-Chief, Myanmar Now (Melbourne, Australia)
- Moderator: Karen Davila, News Anchor, ABS-CBN (Quezon City, Philippines)
Masterclass | Introducing the Digital Flak-Jacket
- Amantha Perera, Project Lead, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Asia Pacific; PhD Candidate, Creative, University of South Australia (Melbourne & Adelaide, Australia)
3:15 PM | Breakout Session 2
Panel | The Future of South Asia
- Kunda Dixit, Founding Editor & Publisher, Nepali Times (Kathmandu, Nepal)
- Dilrukshi Handunnetti, Co-Founder/Director, Centre for Investigative Reporting (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
- Aditi Phadnis Mehta, Consulting Editor, Business Standard (New Delhi, India)
- Khuldune Shahid, Correspondent, The Diplomat (Lahore, Pakistan)
- Moderator: Zafar Sobhan, Founding Editor, Dhaka Tribune (Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Panel | Building Trust and Digital Strategies for Traditional Newsrooms
- Theodore Jason Patrick Ortiz, Acting Assistant Manager, GMA Integrated News Social Media Team (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Mariz Umali, Senior Reporter, GMA Network (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Moderator: Alan Soon, Co-Founder, Splice Media (Singapore)
Panel | Reporting in the US: Trends & Challenges
- Gavin Bade, Trade and Economics Reporter, POLITICO (Washington DC, USA)
- Milton Guevara, Associate Producer, Morning Edition & Up First, NPR (Washington, DC USA)
- Krista Mahr, International Senior Editor, Opinion, The New York Times (Washington DC, USA)
- Jason Margolis, Climate Science Editor, The Boston Globe (Boston, USA)
- Naomi Nix, Tech Reporter, The Washington Post (Washington DC, USA)
- Moderator: Stephanie Lum, Anchor/Reporter, Hawaii News Now (Honolulu, USA)
Workshop | Innovating Investigative Reporting: AI and Campaign Finance (Part 1)
- Carmela Fonbuena, Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Helen Maureen Graido, Policy Head for for Electoral Reforms, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Rowena Paraan, Training Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Jaemark Tordecilla, 2024 Nieman Fellow for Journalism, Harvard University; Former Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online (Manila, Philippines)
4:30 PM | Breakout Session 3
Panel | Environment Reporting for Transparency and Accountability
- Ahmad Arif, Journalist, Kompas (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Karol Ilagan, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines)
- Choon Chyuan Low, Journalist, Malaysiakini (Malaysia)
- Detty Saluling, Senior Manager, Environmental Investigations, Pulitzer Center, (Bangkok, Thailand)
Panel | Effective Factchecking and Verification
- Audrey Domasian, Social Media Manager, GMA Integrated News (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Art Min, Head of Partnerships, TrueMedia.org (Seattle, USA)
- Syed Nazakat, Founder & CEO, DataLEADS (New Delhi, India)
- Moderator: David Usborne, Lecturer, Journalism Program, School of Communication and Information, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (Honolulu, USA)
Panel | Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence
- Tsolmontuya Altankhundaga, Acting Director, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, The Asia Foundation (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)
- Rona Ann V. Caritos, Executive Director, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Amantha Perera, Project Lead, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Asia Pacific; PhD Candidate, Creative, University of South Australia (Melbourne & Adelaide, Australia)
- Moderator: Lubna Jerar Naqvi, Gender Coordinator, Trainer & Media Monitor, International Federation of Journalists (Karachi, Pakistan)
Workshop | Innovating Investigative Reporting: AI and Campaign Finance (Part 2)
- Carmela Fonbuena, Executive Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Helen Maureen Graido, Policy Head for for Electoral Reforms, Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Rowena Paraan, Training Director, Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (Manila, Philippines)
- Jaemark Tordecilla, 2024 Nieman Fellow for Journalism, Harvard University; Former Editor-in-Chief, GMA News Online (Manila, Philippines)
June 26 - Reporting at a Global Crossroads
8:20 AM | Keynote Speaker
- Secretary Enrique Manalo, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines (Pasay, Philippines)
- Moderator: Ruth Cabal, News Anchor, TV5 (Mandaluyong, Philippines)
9:10 AM | Keynote Speaker
- Ambassador MaryKay L. Carlson, US Mission to the Philippines (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Suzanne Vares-Lum, President, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
10:15 AM | Plenary Panel: Economic Trends & Strategic Competition
Four senior Indo-Pacific economic authorities discuss the state of the region, including the complexities of geopolitical strategic competition in Asia and the Pacific.
- Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Minister, National Economic and Development Authority (Mandaluyong, Philippines)
- Zha Daojiong, Professor, Peking University School of International Studies (Beijing, China)
- Suthad Setboonsarng, Independent Director, Somboon Advance Technology; Former Deputy Secretary General, ASEAN (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Ambassador Chantale Yok-Min Wong, US Executive Director, Asian Development Bank (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Karishma Vaswani, Asia Politics Columnist and Commentator, Bloomberg (Singapore)
11:30 AM | Plenary Panel: The Last Word - Regional Journalists Roundtable
Six senior regional journalists have the final word at IMC2024 as they discuss developing trends and challenges for media professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Rihoko Akiyama, Correspondent, News Department, TV Tokyo (Tokyo, Japan)
- Chi Dong Lee, Editor, Yonhap News TV (Seoul, South Korea)
- Howie Severino, Editor-at-Large, GMA Integrated News (Quezon City, Philippines)
- Derek Wallbank, Managing Editor for Breaking News, Bloomberg (Singapore)
- Kalafi Moala, Editor, Talanoa ‘O Tonga (Nuku‘alofa, Tonga)
- Moderator: Lubna Jerar Naqvi, Gender Coordinator, Trainer, & Media Monitor, International Federation of Journalists (Karachi, Pakistan)
1:00 PM | Lunch Break
2:00 PM | Breakout Session 1
Workshop | Financial Investigative Reporting in the Solomon Islands: A Case Study
- Aubrey Belford, Lead Editor, Australia & Pacific Region, Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (Sydney, Australia)
- Ofani Eremae, Editor, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Gina Maka'a, Reporter, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Charley Piringi, Editor, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
Workshop | Introduction to Reporting on Artificial Intelligence (Part 1)
Pre-registration requested.
- Karol Ilagan, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines)
Panel | The Challenge of Covering China for International Media
- Ann Hsieh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, The Storm Media (Taipei, Taiwan)
- Tom Grundy, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Matthias Kamp, China Correspondent, Neue Zürcher Zeitung (Beijing, China)
- Moderator: Mike Chinoy, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, University of Southern California US-China Institute (Taipei, Taiwan)
Masterclass | Introducing the Digital Flak-Jacket
- Amantha Perera, Project Lead, Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, Asia Pacific; PhD Candidate, Creative, University of South Australia (Melbourne & Adelaide, Australia)
3:15 PM | Breakout Session 2
Panel | Reporting on Closed Countries
- Jean H. Lee, Adjunct Fellow, East-West Center; Co-Host, The Lazarus Heist (Honolulu, USA)
- Swe Win, Editor-in-Chief, Myanmar Now (Melbourne, Australia)
Workshop | Introduction to Reporting on Artificial Intelligence (Part 2)
Pre-registration requested.
- Karol Ilagan, Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Diliman (Manila, Philippines)
Panel | Next-Gen News Hounds on the Future of Journalism
- Cristina Chi, Reporter, Philstar.com (Manila, Philippines)
- Billi FitzSimons, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Aus (Sydney, Australia)
- Xiner "Irene" Hu, Undergraduate Student, Department of Media and Communication, City University of Hong Kong (Hong Kong)
- Alyssa Salcedo, Undergraduate Student, Journalism Program, School of Communication and Information, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (Honolulu, USA)
- Moderator: Jocelyn Ford, Professor of Practice, United International College (Zhuhai, China)
Panel | Pacific Journalism Talanoa: Regional Issues & Trends
- Julie Badui-Owa, Senior Journalist, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Siosifa Pomana, Administrator, Talanoa ‘O Tonga (Nuku'alofa, Tonga)
- Meri Radinibaravi, Business Reporter, The Fiji Times (Suva, Fiji)
- Ronald Flier Toito'ona, Investigative Reporter, In-Depth Solomons (Honiara, Solomon Islands)
- Charmaine Yanam, Senior Investigative Journalist, Inside PNG (Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea)
- Moderator: Preethi Nallu, Executive Director, Report for the World (Barcelona, Spain)
4:30 PM | Breakout Session 3
Panel | Covering the South China Sea: Do We Go Deep Enough?
- Richard Heydarian, Host, The View From Manila (Manila, Philippines)
- Gretchen Ho, Anchor, One News (Manila, Philippines)
- Jonathan Malaya, Assistant Director General, Philippine National Security Council (Manila, Philippines)
- Jervis Manahan, Reporter, ABS-CBN (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Regina Lay, Anchor & Business Editor, One News (Manila, Philippines)
Panel | Independent Media in Southeast Asia: Press Councils, Ombudsmen, and Other Forms of Media Self-Regulation
- Alyaa Abdul Aziz Alhadjri, Senior Journalist, Malaysiakini (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia)
- Melinda DeJesus, Executive Director, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (Manila, Philippines)
- Uni Lubis, Editor-in-Chief, IDN Times (Jakarta, Indonesia)
- Moderator: Janet Steele, Professor of Media and Public Affairs, George Washington University (Washington DC)
Panel | Innovative Funding Models for Local Journalism: From Grants to Audience-Driven Revenue
- Tom Grundy, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, Hong Kong Free Press (Hong Kong)
- Preethi Nallu, Executive Director, Report for the World (Barcelona, Spain)
- Roby Alampay, Co-Founder, Puma Podcast (Manila, Philippines)
- Moderator: Keoni Williams, Information & Publications Officer, Pacific Islands Development Program, East-West Center (Honolulu, USA)
Panel | Journalism Beyond Borders
- Laxmi Devi Aere, Assistant Editor, The Press Trust of India (India)
- Muhammed Amer, Staff Reporter, The News International (Pakistan)
- Najia Baloch, Anchor/Producer, KTN News (Pakistan)
- Shiraz Hasnat, Bureau Chief, Hum News International (Pakistan)
- Syed Sibt E. Hassan, Senior News Reporter, Hum News International (Pakistan)
- Sai Manish, Associate Editor, Business Standard (India)
- Safina Nabi, Independent Journalist (Jammu and Kashmir, India)
- Shreya Pareek, Founder, The Stories of Change (India)
- Nischal Arvind Sanghavi, Correspondent, Ahmedabad Mirror (India)
- Wisal Yousafzai, Reporter, The Express Tribune (Pakistan)
- Moderator: Kanak Dixit, Founder, Himal Southasian; Co-Founder, Himal Media (Kathmandu, Nepal)