Three media professionals named fellows for the 4th HKBU Professional Journalism Fellowship

Wednesday, 6 August 2025

 

The School of Communication at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) announces the selection results of the 4th Professional Journalism Fellowship (PJF@HKBU) scheme, with three media professionals working in Hong Kong chosen as fellows, namely Mr Shao Zhijie, Journalist of BBC News Chinese; Ms Natalie Wong, Senior Correspondent of South China Morning Post; and Ms Cissy Zhou, Senior Business Correspondent of Nikkei Asia. They will study full-time at HKBU for one semester in the 2025/26 academic year and will be able to attend any courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in HKBU’s events and use the University’s learning resources and facilities.

Generously funded by Professor Raymond R Wong, who is known as the “Godfather of Journalism”, the PJF@HKBU scheme is the first-of-its-kind in Hong Kong, aiming to raise the journalism standards by offering practising journalists with a sabbatical opportunity for academic enrichment at HKBU.

Professor Raymond Li, Chair of the PJF@HKBU scheme selection committee and Head of the Department of Journalism at HKBU, said: “This year’s fellows possess diverse backgrounds and extensive experience, with reporting expertise covering local society, politics, culture, sports, and China’s macroeconomy. Their unique practical experience will expose our students to fresh perspectives, innovative thinking and critical insights into the latest developments and emerging trends in the journalism industry, inspiring them to pursue careers in journalism in the future.”

Professor Raymond R Wong also expressed his delight in welcoming the fourth cohort of fellows. He remarked: “The global media industry faces unprecedented challenges from AI, misinformation, and intense social media competition. Media professionals must be adaptable, innovative, and think critically. I hope fellows make the most of their time at HKBU to expand their knowledge and skills, preparing them to meet future challenges in the newsroom.”

The three selected fellows expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Professor Raymond R Wong for his significant contribution and to the School of Communication for recognising local media practitioners. They eagerly anticipate returning to campus to acquire new knowledge and skills across various disciplines, particularly in exploring the evolving role of AI in advancing journalism, and engaging with HKBU’s students, scholars and experts. They believe this invaluable opportunity will not only enrich their careers and personal development but also benefit the organisations they serve and contribute to the broader media landscape.

Professor Raymond R Wong is the recipient of HKBU’s doctorate degree in Social Sciences, honoris causa. He is also an Honorary University Fellow and an Honorary Permanent President of the HKBU Foundation. He was Head of the Department of Communication of the then Hong Kong Baptist College in the 1970s, and Principal Lecturer of the School of Communication in the early 1990s. Professor Wong has devoted over five decades to the journalism industry and media education and is known as the “Godfather of Journalism”. He was awarded the Silver Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government in 1998.

In 2020, Professor Wong generously donated HK$50 million to establish the Dorothy Shen Wong Memorial Fund, named in memory of his late wife, to support the strategic development and journalism education of the School of Communication. It is the largest single donation ever received by the School.

The PJF@HKBU scheme is one of the strategic initiatives launched in 2022 supported by the Memorial Fund. Since its establishment, the programme has been held four times to date, having selected a total of 12 fellows, demonstrating its growing impact and continued contribution to the advancement of journalism in Hong Kong.

More details about the three selected fellows under this year’s PJF@HKBU scheme:

More information about the scheme is available on the website of PJF@HKBU scheme.