By BAKHTAWAR TAUSEEF
Global Business Journalism reporter
Veteran Singapore journalists Choo Chee Wee and Han Yongmei are exploring new perspectives on journalism as visiting scholars at Tsinghua University.
The award-winning reporters have taken advantage of that opportunity since September 2024 as part of a collaboration between Tsinghua University and a Chinese language media group in Singapore. The professional exchange program has allowed Choo and Han to expand their skills, explore global journalism practices, and engage with modern media technologies.
The two journalists have attended courses at Tsinghua University, taken part in conferences and spoken to Tsinghua journalism students as guest lecturers. Their curriculum has included courses on cultural innovation, political science, film appreciation, Communist thinking and AI-focused lectures.
Choo Chee Wee, a third-generation Singaporean-Chinese journalist, brought more than three decades of experience to Tsinghua University as a visiting scholar. Having 33 years of professional journalism experience, Choo's journey is a testament to his adaptability, determination, and passion for storytelling, whether in print media or through emerging technology.
“I always tell myself that I was born to become a journalist, that's the only thing I know,” Choo said emphatically.
Choo's career has spanned many roles and media outlets. He works for Shin Min Daily News in Singapore, but his career has taken many turns. For 16 years, he worked at the weekly Friday publication that promotes Chinese language learning. That role reflects his deep commitment to cultural and linguistic studies. Choo also served as editor of Singapore’s Afternoon Paper for seven years, refining his leadership and editorial expertise.
Throughout his career, he has dreamed of one thing he has yet to do: reporting on the front lines of a war zone. This is a goal he has not achieved, but it has shaped his understanding of the role of journalism in conflict and crisis – a topic he discussed during an international forum at Tsinghua co-sponsored by the journalism school and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
“I always wanted to be a war-zone reporter,” he said. “I hope I get a chance to experience that in my next life.”
Han Yongmei, executive editor of the chief of Lianhe Zaobao in Singapore, graduated from the National University of Singapore and immediately joined Lianhe Zaobao. She has held many important key roles throughout her career, including helping to launch Singapore's first free newspaper, called “My Paper.”
Her leadership influenced modernizing the paper’s format and expanding its audience. Han later led the company’s digital transformation as the first digital editor-in-chief and oversaw content strategy and newsroom operations across multiple platforms.
In Singapore, Han is known as an innovator, and she has been discussing media trends with the academic researchers and industry veterans in the journalism school. She emphasized the importance of balancing strong reporting with in-depth analysis, stressing that journalists should focus on meaningful reporting rather than chasing viral content.
“It is important for us to adapt to the digital age while maintaining the integrity of our journalism,” she said. “Although the media has changed the core values of responsible reporting should remain unchanged despite the shift in mediums.”
Han has covered Singapore’s policy and political affairs extensively and often comments on the challenges facing traditional media in the digital age.
Han and Choo say that their time in the Tsinghua exchange program has given them the opportunity to reflect on their careers and expand their views on global media trends. on journalists to continue adapting and developing their skills to keep up with the rapidly changing media world.
Choo witnessed AI systems creating Chinese poems and paintings, which made him more convinced that technology in particular should not be seen as a threat to journalism but it is an opportunity to raise the level of the industry.
“The issue right now is how do we use it, use it properly, and create for good,” he noted.
Choo parallels the current media technology evolution and the historic transition from radio to television. He believes like radio reviving television; AI can offer new opportunities for journalistic integrity if used properly.
“Look at the history of communication. When television first came out, people said radio was going to die but the radio industry repurposed itself,” he noted, emphasizing that journalists must stay true to their core values. “You should never use any tools to tell fake news. It all comes back to the basics of journalism.”
Han also spoke about the role of AI in journalism, emphasizing AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance reporting more than a threat to the integrity of journalism.
“AI can be a powerful tool to improve news coverage and efficiency but must be used responsibly to preserve the core value of fact-based storytelling,” she noted.
Han and Choo both encourage Tsinghua students to focus on critical thinking, storytelling and ethical reporting. They believe that storytelling, when paired with evolving technology and a strong ethical foundation, will be able to inspire positive change and empower journalists in the digital age.
Beyond the classroom, Han and Choo have embraced Tsinghua’s vibrant campus life, appreciating the cultural richness and historical significance of the university’s architecture. Having a background in Chinese studies, Han finds inspiration in the historical buildings and their connections to prominent Chinese scholars.
“The blend of tradition and innovation here is truly inspiring,” Han noted.
Meanwhile, Choo has explored multiple cities, including Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Suzhou, valuing the chance to experience China’s evolving urban landscape firsthand. One of the most noticeable changes he observed was an improvement in air quality over the past 12 years.
“When I was driving in Beijing this time I was like, Oh, I was amazed to see blue skies,” he said.
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