On the afternoon of October 22, 2025, a seminar themed "The Media and the Times — A Century of Skills for Journalists" was held at Shantou University's East Coast Campus. The event specially invited two prominent industry figures — Han Yongmei, Executive Editor-in-Chief of Lianhe Zaobao in Singapore, and Chen Jing, Deputy Director of the newspaper's China News Desk — to share their first-hand insights into the profound transformation of the journalism landscape amid globalization. The two guests also engaged in a lively discussion with Associate Professor Li Yong from Cheung Kong School of Journalism and Communication, focusing on the current state of the global media industry and future trends, offering valuable industry perspectives for faculty and students aspiring to pursue careers in journalism.
The event was attended by Professor Mao Hao, Dean of Cheung Kong School of Journalism and Communication, Professor Mao Liangbin, Associate Dean, as well as Chen Hongbin, Regional Strategy and Cooperation Manager, and Li Huixin, Regional Strategy and Cooperation Executive from Lianhe Zaobao's Chinese Media Group, along with over a hundred faculty members and students.
During the seminar, Han Yongmei first shared Lianhe Zaobao's development and practices. She noted that Lianhe Zaobao, founded in 1923, became one of the world's first Chinese-language newspapers to enter the internet era in 1995. Based in Southeast Asia and serving the global Chinese community, the newspaper positions itself with a "third eye on China" perspective, now offering Singapore, International, and China editions — a connection further deepened by the historical ties between the Chinese diaspora and the Chaoshan region.
Addressing the current media environment, Han Yongmei remarked that what has remained unchanged for journalists over a century is "learning." "This job allows you to earn a salary while learning every day, and even gives you access to decision-makers," she said. On the topic of information verification, she quoted: "When you open the window, flies and fresh air come in together." She believes that the spread of misinformation also presents an opportunity for media to practice fact-checking, urging media outlets to act as "journalistic detectives" and deliver credible reporting.
Chen Jing, speaking under the theme "Reporting on the Ground in China," shared her frontline experiences as Lianhe Zaobao's Shanghai correspondent from 2020 to 2024. On topic selection, she noted that foreign correspondents can not only chase hot topics through the eyes of locals but also uncover angles that locals may overlook. On interviewing, she illustrated the importance of getting out of the office with examples such as "people bedding down with their belongings at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station." On writing, she emphasized the importance of comprehensive and objective reporting without taking sides.
"Will journalists be replaced by AI?" Chen Jing was straightforward: "AI can help us sort through data trends and draft interview outlines, but it cannot replace the process of going to the scene, observing, and listening to people's stories. Human expression is something AI cannot replicate." She believes that what AI can least replace about humans is that "people do not follow the rules." Han Yongmei added that when interacting with AI, a journalist's critical thinking and news sense are more important than ever, guiding AI to produce more in-depth content.
Associate Professor Li Yong noted during the discussion that many students now consume fragmented information from platforms like WeChat Moments and Weibo, making it difficult to distinguish truth from falsehood. He suggested that students follow reliable media outlets over the long term, which would allow them to efficiently obtain accurate information, reduce the time cost of verification, and build a more comprehensive understanding.
The interactive session was lively, with many students asking questions centered on the key topic of "how journalism students can enhance their international communication capabilities." Chen Jing replied: "I recommend making full use of internship opportunities to experiment and find your strengths. No single skill determines whether you can enter the media industry — the key is finding a platform that suits you." Han Yongmei added that students should strive to understand different perspectives on China from around the world, rather than focusing solely on short-term mainstream narratives, and that broadening their horizons is essential for building long-term career capabilities.
At the conclusion of the event, Lianhe Zaobao presented the College of Journalism and Communication with commemorative teacups inscribed with the words "A Century, Ever New", symbolizing the legacy of the profession and the spirit of exchange. Lucky draws were also held, with gifts awarded to four fortunate students. The seminar came to a close in a warm and convivial atmosphere.
