25/08/2026
📰🌏 On 19 August, welcomed journalists from the Asia Journalism Fellowship (AJF) 2026 for an afternoon of discussion, knowledge-sharing and exchange on some of the most pressing challenges facing journalists today.
AJF brings together seasoned journalists from across the region to learn and collaborate. The programme is hosted by the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Singapore, at the National University of Singapore, in partnership with Temasek Foundation.
At CNM, the Fellows explored questions at the intersection of journalism, technology, strategic communication, and public trust:
🔎 Who shares what? Dr Kokil Jaidka examined information sources and sharing behaviour, and what these patterns mean for newsrooms. In US and Singapore, frequent sharers of information do not lean towards a specific source, and they use both professional and personal sources. The different profiles of information sharers in both contexts highlight the need for tailored communication and literacy initiatives.
🌏 How do we communicate during global crises? Dr Ivy Fong's study of strategic communications by companies during the Russia-Ukraine war shows that companies' first response predicts their subsequent actions, and that their strategy often reveals hidden power dynamics. Journalists can gauge from these signals which companies will follow through with what they say they will do, and which stakeholders hold the most influence.
🤖 How can we build digital trust in an age of misinformation and AI? Dr Carol Soon spoke about the public's expectations for technology providers and institutions (e.g., the government, private sector and people sector). Their needs and expectations have implications for the design of technology and digital literacy programmes, and capacity building for community organisations.
🧠 And how can communities fight misinformation together? Ms Mabel Koh of CheckMate Singapore spoke about its community-led and community-based approach to fact checking. She also shared findings from CheckMate's analysis on what makes a post go viral. Topic saliency, emotional resonance, informational utility and novelty matter!
A big thank you to the AJF 2026 Fellows for joining us at CNM, and to everyone who contributed to an afternoon of thoughtful conversations and connections. We hope the exchange continues long after the visit.
