Cover Mario Yang, founder, The News Lens
Mario Yang, founder, The News Lens
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Global Media and Information Literacy Week promotes critical thinking in today’s complex information landscape
Celebrated from October 24 to 31, Global Media and Information Literacy Week promotes critical thinking when accessing, evaluating and using information in the digital age. Media and information literacy, says the United Nations, is becoming more important in today’s complex information landscape, where misinformation and disinformation can easily spread.
With their in-depth coverage of current events and social issues, the news and media leaders of Asia’s Most Influential are helping build a more informed and responsible society. Malaysia’s Malek Ali founded BFM 89.9 to broaden evidence-based discussions, while Taiwan’s Mario Yang established The News Lens as an independent news source for younger generations. Meanwhile, apart from being one of the leading voices in Philippine media, journalist Karen Davila uses her influence to empower young women in the country. The contributions of these founders and journalists not only enhance public discourse but also encourage people to engage critically with the world around them.
Karen Davila, broadcast journalist (Philippines)
Above Karen Davila, broadcast journalist
Karen Davila, broadcast journalist
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With three decades of experience as a broadcast journalist, radio commentator and news anchor, Karen Davila has played a crucial role in educating and informing the public. The multi-awarded journalist currently serves as host of news programmes TV Patrol and Headstart with Karen Davila. Additionally, she leads the current affairs programme My Puhunan: Kaya Mo!, which focuses on entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Beyond the news, Davila uses her influence to empower women and the youth. In 2023, she was appointed as the UN Women National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines. In this role, she introduced the SHE STEMS Scholarship Awards, launched in partnership with the University of the Philippines. The programme supports female students pursuing careers in STEM fields with an annual scholarship grant of at least PHP120,000. SHE STEM scholars are currently enrolled in courses in geology, geodetic engineering, biology, food technology, statistics, agriculture and chemical engineering.
Mario Yang, founder, The News Lens (Taiwan)
Above Mario Yang, founder, The News Lens
Mario Yang, founder, The News Lens
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Mario Yang is the co-founder and chief creative officer of The News Lens (TNL), the multi-lingual digital media platform with a focus on providing independent and insightful coverage of politics, economics and social issues. Since 2013, TNL has grown its content and operations, launching podcasts, live streaming and video programmes, as well as acquiring other media brands and services, including e-commerce and AI solutions.
In 2023, TNL joined hands with Mediagene, one of the largest digital media groups in Japan, to enhance its content offering and broaden its audience base. The merger added valuable brands such as the Japanese editions of Business Insider, Gizmodo, Lifehacker and more, to the group’s portfolio. Now known as TNL Mediagene, the pan-Asian digital media company provides Chinese, Japanese and English content from over 20 brands to 50 million unique visitors.
Malek Ali, founder, BFM Radio (Malaysia)
Above Malek Ali, founder, BFM Radio
Malek Ali, founder, BFM Radio
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A former corporate lawyer in London, Malek Ali sought to create a platform that would contribute to rational discourse in Malaysia. In 2008, he launched BFM 89.9, the country’s first independent business radio station that now promotes evidence-based discussions on public policy and current affairs. Since then, BFM has grown to offer diverse programming that covers business, health, fashion, the arts, sports and music. The station is also available to a broad audience, expanding its reach beyond Kuala Lumpur through 89.9 MHz and its iOs and Andriod apps.
Some of BFM’s programmes include People, Planet, Profit, where it explores how businesses weave ESG principles in their success stories, Tech Talk, where it recently discussed how businesses can adopt AI while protecting user privacy, and I Love KL, which covers hot topics such as urban redevelopment and the city’s recent sinkhole incident.
Tatler Asia’s Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia’s Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.
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