Developing Asia Journalism Awards 2026 Celebrate Outstanding Reporting on Artificial Intelligence and Regional Development

The Developing Asia Journalism Awards (DAJA) 2026 have recognised some of Asia’s most impactful journalism, honouring reporters whose work explores how artificial intelligence is transforming economies, communities, public services, and everyday life across the region. Organised by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI), this year’s awards highlighted the growing importance of responsible journalism in helping the public understand the opportunities and challenges created by rapidly advancing technologies.

The 2026 edition attracted 79 submissions from 17 countries, reflecting strong regional interest in reporting on development issues through the lens of innovation and technology. After a competitive evaluation process, five outstanding stories were recognised for their originality, depth of reporting, and contribution to public understanding of artificial intelligence’s influence on society.

Sharing the First Prize were two Indonesian journalists whose investigations examined very different aspects of AI’s growing impact. Roni Satria of CNN Indonesia was honoured for “AI and Dietary Colonization: When Nasi Uduk Is Considered a Sin,” an article exploring how artificial intelligence may influence cultural identity, food traditions, and public perceptions. Also receiving First Prize was Caecilia Mediana of Kompas for “Fate of Digital Platform Shadow Workers,” an in-depth report examining the realities faced by workers supporting the expanding digital economy behind online platforms.

The Second Prize recognised two reports addressing technology’s role in solving complex development challenges. Anup Ojha of AFP Nepal received the award for “Landslide-prone Nepal Tests AI-powered Warning System,” which highlighted how artificial intelligence is being used to improve disaster preparedness and provide earlier warnings in one of the world’s most landslide-prone countries. Meanwhile, Guinevere Latoza of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism was honoured for “Data Centers Raise Concerns for Energy-Burdened Households,” an investigation into how the rapid expansion of AI-related digital infrastructure could affect electricity demand and household energy costs.

An Honourable Mention was awarded to Khulan M. of Inside Mongolia for the article “Can AI Strengthen Mongolia’s Disaster Prevention?” The report examined the potential of emerging technologies to improve disaster management and enhance public safety in a country facing increasingly complex environmental risks.

Collectively, the winning articles demonstrate that artificial intelligence is no longer limited to the technology sector. Instead, it is influencing agriculture, disaster risk reduction, labour markets, energy systems, culture, and public policy across Asia. The selected stories also show that while AI offers enormous opportunities for innovation and economic development, it raises important questions about social equity, employment, environmental sustainability, and cultural preservation.

The Developing Asia Journalism Awards were established to encourage high-quality reporting on issues that shape the region’s future. By recognising investigative and analytical journalism, the awards aim to strengthen public awareness of development challenges while encouraging informed discussion among policymakers, researchers, businesses, and citizens.

Organisers emphasised that quality journalism remains essential as governments and industries increasingly adopt advanced technologies. Independent reporting helps explain how technological changes affect ordinary people, ensuring that discussions surrounding artificial intelligence include not only innovation and economic growth but also ethics, inclusion, transparency, and public accountability.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape societies across Asia, the stories recognised by the Developing Asia Journalism Awards 2026 illustrate the vital role journalists play in documenting both the promises and the challenges of technological transformation. Through rigorous reporting and thoughtful analysis, the award winners have contributed valuable insights into how AI is influencing the region’s development and helping shape conversations about a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.