Open Call: International Trade Training for Journalists in Asia

The National Press Foundation is offering a Reporting Fellowship in Singapore from 21–24 June 2026 for journalists based in Asia. The fellowship focuses on sustainable international trade reporting, covering issues such as politics and policy, labour, artificial intelligence, and supply chain disruptions, and provides full funding, including airfare, hotel accommodation, and most meals.

What is this fellowship about?

The fellowship is designed to strengthen journalists’ ability to report on sustainable international trade and the major issues shaping global trade today.

It will bring together journalists for an intensive learning experience in Singapore from 21–24 June 2026, with sessions conducted in English.

Focus Areas

The program will cover key themes in international trade reporting, including:

• Politics and policy
• Labour issues
• The impact of artificial intelligence
• Supply chain disruptions
• Broader issues affecting sustainable international trade

Funding Support

This is a fully funded fellowship.

Selected participants will receive:

• Airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Most meals

This allows fellows to participate without major out-of-pocket expenses.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to:

• Journalists based in Asia
• Journalists working in:
  • Print
  • Television
  • Radio
  • Podcasts
  • Digital media

Nationality

• All nationalities are eligible, as long as the applicant is currently based in Asia

Selection Priorities

Priority will be given to applicants who:

• Present a clear coverage plan
• Show prior experience reporting on:
  • Trade
  • Policy
  • Labour
  • AI
  • Supply chains
  • Related public affairs or economic issues

The foundation also values:

• Diversity of backgrounds
• Inclusion of journalists from varied professional and personal experiences

Why this fellowship matters

This opportunity is valuable because it:

• Supports stronger journalism on global trade
• Helps reporters understand fast-changing issues like AI and supply chains
• Provides a fully funded international training experience
• Encourages better regional reporting from Asia-based journalists
• Builds expertise in an increasingly important policy and economic beat

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain your reporting angle or coverage plan
• Show how the fellowship will improve your work on trade-related stories
• Highlight any relevant reporting experience in:
  • Economics
  • Policy
  • Labour
  • Business
  • Technology
  • International affairs
• Emphasize your ability to turn the fellowship into published or broadcast coverage
• Keep your application focused and practical

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a vague application without a clear story plan
• Not demonstrating how the fellowship aligns with your journalism beat
• Ignoring the Asia-based requirement
• Failing to show prior experience in relevant reporting areas
• Treating it like a general media training instead of a specialised reporting fellowship

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When will the fellowship take place?

The fellowship will be held in Singapore from 21–24 June 2026.

2. Is the fellowship fully funded?

Yes. It covers:

• Airfare
• Hotel accommodation
• Most meals

3. Who is eligible to apply?

It is open to journalists based in Asia, regardless of nationality, working across print, TV, radio, podcasts, or digital media.

4. In what language will the sessions be conducted?

All sessions will be conducted in English.

5. What kind of applicants are prioritised?

Priority goes to journalists who:

• Have a clear coverage plan
• Show relevant reporting experience
• Can demonstrate strong potential for impactful trade reporting

6. Can freelance or digital journalists apply?

Yes, if they are based in Asia and work in eligible media formats such as digital media, podcasts, print, TV, or radio.

Conclusion

The National Press Foundation Reporting Fellowship in Singapore is an excellent fully funded opportunity for Asia-based journalists seeking to strengthen their reporting on sustainable international trade. With expert discussions on policy, labour, AI, and supply chains, plus full travel support, it offers a strong platform for journalists to deepen their knowledge and produce more informed, impactful coverage.