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Celebrating Young Journalists at the Campus News Awards

The 2026 Campus News Awards recently celebrated the achievements of young journalists from Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. This prestigious event took place on October 26 in Shenzhen, aiming to encourage students to embrace their vital role as storytellers in representing China's narrative to the world. This year's awards saw a historic participation from over 100 universities, with more than 3,000 students submitting over 1,000 works.

A Call to Action for Future Storytellers

During the ceremony, prominent figures emphasized the importance of storytelling in journalism. Hong Kong's Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Cheuk Wing-hing, addressed the young attendees, urging them to combine their knowledge and creativity to effectively communicate significant narratives. He noted that journalism offers a unique platform to document societal changes and cultivate cultural dialogue between China and the West. Furthermore, he acknowledged the evolving media landscape and encouraged students to adapt and innovate.

A New Era for Journalism

Liu Weiling, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China Daily, highlighted the purpose of the awards—not only to recognize standout achievements but to foster connections among young journalists across the Asia-Pacific region. Liu reflected on how this year's participation from Southeast Asia marks a new chapter in the competition, paving the way for broader collaborations and exchanges of ideas among young talents. The awards presented a diverse range of categories this year, including new focuses on integrated technology developments, which align with evolving trends in journalism.

Insights into Academic Endeavors

Vice-President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Albert Chow Hing-pong, praised the innovative spirit evident in this year's submissions. He expressed hope that the next generation of journalists would employ their insights to narrate authentic stories that transcend cultural barriers. The competitive field allowed for the recognition of excellence across various media forms, emphasizing real-life engagements with issues impacting contemporary society.

The Impact of Technology

In remarks during the awards, MTR Corp’s Linda Choy Siu-min addressed the transformational impact of artificial intelligence on journalism. She posited that while technology allows myriad voices to be heard, the core tenets of credible journalism must remain intact, including integrity and sound editorial judgment. Choy emphasized the need for maintaining a human touch in the realm of journalism, distinguishing nuanced storytelling beyond algorithm-driven outputs.

Recognizing Talent Across Borders

The awards saw a robust response, with students tackling contemporary topics through varied formats such as writing, photography, and multimedia presentations. This year’s contests not only reinforced traditional journalism values but also integrated emerging fields, encouraging participation beyond mere observation to active engagement with technologies that shape future journalism.

The accolades presented celebrated the creativity and passion of students, conveying a hopeful outlook for the future of journalism amid changing global dynamics.

Conclusion: A Unified Voice

In conclusion, the Campus News Awards stand as a testament to the burgeoning talent among young journalists across the Asia-Pacific region. By fostering connections and encouraging a collaborative spirit, the awards not only honor individual achievements but also signal a future where storytelling acts as a unifying force in a complex world. As Shenzhen prepares to host the upcoming APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, these young storytellers are poised to become essential conduits for sharing China’s narrative and engaging in meaningful cross-cultural dialogues.