M'kini reporter among top 10 in running for Young Journalist Award

Malaysiakini reporter Wong Kai Hui, 27, has been shortlisted as among the top 10 journalists to be in the running for the prestigious Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award.

The award seeks stories produced by journalists that are revelatory, prompt public debate and have or potentially have led to positive change in society.

Among Wong’s stories that are being considered is her reporting on the Pahang royalty’s involvement in the Lynas’ permanent waste disposal (PDF) facility in Bukit Ketam, Kuantan.

Following the report, Pahang Regent Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah has divested his 50 percent stake in the company hired to build the PDF.

The Department of Environment has also asked Lynas to seek a new site. The original site sits on a water catchment area which the Australian firm initially denied.

Wong’s other work that has been highlighted include her reporting on a mining project in a forest reserve in Kuala Tembeling, Jerantut.

The area was degazetted for the project and was similarly linked to the Pahang royalty.

Wong has also reported on marginalised groups, including the struggles of the trans community.

She is now pursuing further studies in Taiwan.

Other nominees include Carmen Valeria Escobar Catillo (El Salvador), Parth Nikhil (India), Samad Uthman (Nigeria), Shrouk Ghonim (Egypt), Daniel Lutaaya (Uganda), Tatiana Pardo Ibarra (Colombia), Md Ibrahim Khalilullah (Bangladesh), Mahima Jain (India) and Zuha Siddiqui (Pakistan).

Three finalists will be selected by a panel of independent judges from the UK’s Foreign Press Association.

The prize is aimed at journalists aged 30 and under in emerging economies.

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