Journalists from across the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the highly prestigious 2024 Jefferson Fellowships study tour.
The program, titled “Partnerships, Postures, and Perils: Assessing East Asia’s Security and Economic Environments,” runs from December 1–18, 2024, with sessions held in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi; Manila, Philippines; and Taipei, Taiwan.
Among this year’s Fellows is Honiara-based investigative journalist Charley Piringi of In-depth Solomons.
Piringi joins a distinguished cohort of 12 journalists from the Asia-Pacific and the United States to explore pressing issues shaping the Indo-Pacific region.
Steven Youngblood, Coordinator of the East-West Center’s Seminars & Journalism Program, said the Fellowship focuses on education and professional development.
“This program brings together journalists from the Asia-Pacific Region on a study tour. For one, its certaily educational. It provides insightful reporting opportunities and is certainly professional development for the journalist a chance to advance their carrier.” said Youngblood. “Most importantly, it fosters collaboration among Fellows, which is vital for addressing shared challenges.”
The study tour looks into key geopolitical and economic issues, including China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea and rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. Fellows will engage directly with government officials, business leaders, academics, and local journalists to gain in-depth perspectives on East Asia’s dynamic landscape. Virtual engagements provide additional insights from major regional powers such as China and Japan.
East-West Center President Suzanne Vares-Lum welcoming the fellows during their arrival in Honolulu last Sunday. Credits: Jefferson Fellow.
Since its establishment in 1967, the Jefferson Fellowships have been recognized as one of the premier journalism programs in the region. Hosted by the East-West Center, the program has produced more than 750 alumni from 34 countries, all dedicated to enhancing public understanding of Asia-Pacific cultures, issues, and trends through high-quality journalism.
This accomplished group of 2024 Fellows includes journalists from the United States, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines, Vanuatu, and Solomon Islands.
Banner Photo Credits: Jefferson Fellowship, East West Centre.
