The Financial Times won the award for Excellence in Infographics and three honourable mentions, for Excellence in Explanatory Reporting, Human Rights Reporting and Opinion Writing, at the 2025 Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) Awards in Hong Kong.
The FT’s visual deep dive on the shifting balance of power across the Taiwan Strait was awarded Excellence in Infographics and an honourable mention for Excellence in Explanatory Reporting. Through animated maps, aerial photos and wireframe diagrams, the piece brings to life the complex geopolitical situation and highly technical subject. The judges commented, “A comprehensive analysis using a string of imaging techniques skillfully knitted together in a compelling narrative on a consequential geopolitical situation.”
The winning team includes Greater China correspondent Kathrin Hille and US-China correspondent Demetri Sevastopulo, as well as the visual storytelling team: Lucy Rodgers, Dan Clark, Justine Williams, Irene de la Torre Arenas, Sam Learner, Sam Joiner, Steve Bernard, Ian Bott, Jana Tauschiski, Bob Haslett and Caroline Nevitt.
China correspondent Edward White received an honourable mention for Excellence in Human Rights Reporting for his coverage of the disappearance of Rahile Dawut, a Uyghur anthropologist who documented the history of her people from within the Chinese system. The judges commented, “An outstanding piece of work, utilizing deep reporting to tell a compelling story with sensitivity, fairness and balance. FT's fresh reporting and fine long-form narrative shed light on an important topic where journalistic access is nearly impossible.”
Tokyo bureau chief Leo Lewis received an honourable mention for Excellence in Opinion Writing for his sharp and witty take on Japan’s business quirks, from the economic symbolism of instant noodles and the rise of underpowered ‘punycorns’ to the fear of an ‘emerging economy’ decline. The judges remarked, “All three of these essays are wonderful, and operate from a strong viewpoint that is clearly expressed. They illustrate what Lewis says are a ‘moment of historic emergence’ and each tells the story in a different way. They are also highly original in their analysis, and offer a different way of looking at business in Japan.”
“We are proud to see the Financial Times recognised once again by SOPA,” said Asia editor Robin Harding. “This reflects the strength of our reporting across Asia and the commitment of our journalists to delivering insightful stories that matter to readers around the world.”
Established in 1999, the SOPA Awards recognises editorial excellence in the Asia Pacific, covering a variety of categories that reflect the region’s diverse and evolving media landscape.
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