Regional tech investigation featuring Mkini's report wins Sopa award

A regional investigation combining Malaysiakini’s reporting on Malaysia’s data centre boom with coverage from across Asia has won the Society of Publishers in Asia (Sopa) 2026 Award for Excellence in Reporting on the Environment under the Regional/Local category. 

The award was given to “Dark Side of the Boom”, a collaborative special report led by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), which exposed the hidden environmental and social costs linked to resource-intensive digital technologies, including the expansion of artificial intelligence, data centres, and other digital infrastructure across the region.

Coordinated by Sam Schramski in collaboration with SourceMaterial and the Pulitzer Center’s AI Accountability Initiative, the project brought together journalists from 14 media organisations across 11 Asian countries and territories.

Malaysiakini’s “Inside Malaysia’s Data Centre Boom” special report, first published on Nov 10 last year, is among the stories featured in the project.

The video report was produced by KiniTV’s team: Vivian Yap, Phung Yie Wen, Yap Si Err, Faidzal Mohtar, Camelia Nor Azlan, and Koh Kok Yong.

The report examined Malaysia’s rapid data centre expansion and the pressures it could place on electricity supply, renewable energy planning, and regulatory oversight.

Through policy analysis, expert interviews and on-the-ground reporting, the report also examined who stands to benefit from the digital boom and who bears its environmental and social costs.

Sopa judges recognised “Dark Side of the Boom” for its organisation, research, cross-border collaboration, and reporting on a global issue with regional relevance.

The judges said the series brought together “real people, vetted data, creative visuals, and strong writing” into an impactful body of work.

The honourable mention under the same category was awarded to Mongabay.com, while Davao Today was listed as a finalist.

The Sopa Awards are among the region’s most prestigious journalism honours, recognising excellence in reporting, public service journalism, and innovation in news coverage.

Separately, the One World Media Awards 2026 also recognised Malaysiakini’s “Inside Malaysia’s Data Centre Boom” with a Special Mention under its Environmental Reporting Award.

Since its release, Malaysiakini’s data centre report has also been featured in public discussions, including the World Press Freedom Day media festival last month.

NFA: Cops close probe on Mkini reporter over migrant worker system article

Media groups confident former apex court judge will bolster freedom, credibility

Quizzed on J-Kom chief, Teo urges restraint on improper language, 3R issues

SNAPSHOT | Ex-Federal Court judge first media council chair; Adam urges stronger press-govt ties

How freedom of information changed Sri Lanka

Online portal The Coverage Media launches poll to 'uncover' MCMC block, claims innocence