Global Investigative Journalism Network's landmark investigation conference amid increasing repression
Asia is increasingly under siege from authoritarian regimes that have accelerated a concerning slide in press freedoms, making the region home to five of the world’s ten most populous countries ranked among the harshest environments for independent journalism. From entrenched state repression and environmental exploitation to widespread human trafficking, Asia’s complexities and stakes for public interest journalism are unmatched globally. It is a critical time for investigative journalism in the region, not only due to the escalating threats but also because Asia is fast becoming a centre of economic power and innovative technologies.
Despite severe intimidation including harassment, police raids, financial pressures, and enforced exile, independent investigative journalists in Asia have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and determination. Pioneering outlets such as Malaysia’s Malaysiakini have become beacons of journalistic courage, holding powers accountable for over 25 years. The outlet’s co-founder Steven Gan said at a recent announcement that “citizens in [Asia] are often kept in the dark — they can smell the stench of corruption but they cannot see. Our task as journalists is to turn on the light.” This statement underlines the vital role played by reporters in exposing truths in environments where access to credible information is tightly controlled.
Against this challenging backdrop, the forthcoming Global Investigative Journalism Conference (GIJC25) will convene in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 20 to 24, 2025. This will mark the first time the conference is held on Asian soil and is co-hosted by the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) and Malaysiakini, reflecting the region’s urgent and growing need for journalistic collaboration and skill development. GIJC25 is expected to attract more than 1,500 journalists from over 100 countries, featuring an extensive program of expert panels, data workshops, and networking events. The conference will focus heavily on Asia-specific issues, including press freedom under siege, cross-border investigations, digital journalism technologies, and dealing with repression in hostile environments.
Journalists from countries facing the greatest restrictions will share their experiences and strategies for survival and impact. Media law and security sessions, as well as mental health support for journalists under stress, will form part of a comprehensive approach to nourishing this vital profession. The event also includes the presentation of the prestigious Global Shining Light Award, recognising courageous investigative journalism in the face of adversity. Asia’s vibrant investigative journalism community, which has grown rapidly in recent years despite formidable obstacles, will showcase nearly 100 expert journalists from across the continent, underlining the region’s pivotal role in the global fight for press freedom.
However, Asia’s press freedom situation remains dire. According to reports from the International Federation of Journalists and other watchdogs, journalists across the region face sustained digital attacks, gender-based violence, and criminalization. In China, for instance, the government employs rigorous surveillance and intimidation tactics to thwart reporting critical of the Communist Party, while in Burma, journalism is effectively treated as a state crime. Moreover, countries like North Korea, Vietnam, and others maintain strict state control over news media, leaving independent journalists to operate underground with little protection or economic security. This expansion of authoritarian control, modelled notably on China’s information suppression methods, poses a grave threat to the ability of citizens to access truthful information.
Malaysiakini’s experience vividly illustrates this challenging landscape. The outlet has endured police raids, computer seizures, and political harassment, yet it has retained its commitment to independent journalism. A police raid in 2003 triggered a significant public outcry, including vigils by supporters outside its newsroom, affirming the profound public demand for trustworthy reporting. Malaysiakini’s role as co-host of GIJC25 symbolises both the difficulties and the strength of independent media in Asia — a testament to the power of journalism to challenge corruption and foster democratic accountability even in the most repressive contexts.
Looking ahead, GIJC25 in Kuala Lumpur represents more than just a conference; it is a powerful statement of solidarity with Asian journalists and a call for the global community to support their vital work. By facilitating the sharing of knowledge, tools, and networks, the conference aims to empower journalists confronting some of the world’s most hostile conditions for free expression. The global investigative journalism community not only has much to learn from Asia’s resilience but also an imperative to back it amid increasing dangers.