At the 2026 Society of Publishers in Asia Awards held in Hong Kong, CNA's innovative 2025 Budget calculator and an evocative feature on Malaysian charcoal workers earned regional recognition for excellence in journalism and photography.
- Interactive Budget calculator wins for journalistic innovation
- Photo feature on Malaysian charcoal workers earns photography award
- CNA highlights creativity and dedication under tight deadlines
What happened
CNA secured two regional accolades at the Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) Awards, showcasing journalistic excellence in both digital innovation and visual storytelling. The interactive Budget calculator, developed by CNA’s multimedia team, earned top honours for its user-friendly design and timely delivery on the day of Singapore’s 2025 Budget announcements. The team prepared the tool’s framework in advance, enabling them to quickly convert speech highlights into personalized insights for readers under pressing deadlines.
In parallel, CNA visual journalist Zamzahuri Abas received recognition for his striking photographic portrayal of Malaysia’s charcoal workers. His work captured the challenging and hazardous conditions faced daily by these workers, immersing himself fully in their environment. The judges lauded his commitment to authentically telling this often overlooked story through powerful imagery that resonated deeply.
Why it feels good
The accolades underscore CNA’s ability to leverage creativity and dedication beyond large team sizes or lengthy timelines. The Budget calculator exemplifies how thoughtful innovation can make complex government announcements accessible and engaging for everyday readers. It demonstrates that cutting-edge journalism doesn't require a massive operation, but rather a clear focus on usefulness and ease of use.
Similarly, the photographic feature highlights the human side of hard labor and the importance of intimate storytelling. Zamzahuri’s commitment to experiencing the smoky, tough environment firsthand added authenticity and emotional depth that moved audiences and judges alike. These recognitions validate journalism’s power to inform with empathy and impact.
What to enjoy or watch next
Readers can explore the interactive Budget calculator on CNA’s website to see how various budget measures might personally benefit them, an engaging tool perfected through rapid innovation. The charcoal workers photo story offers an insightful visual journey into a rarely told narrative, inviting readers to appreciate resiliency and unseen struggles behind everyday products.
Looking ahead, CNA’s recent momentum includes accolades for digital innovation and media excellence across multiple awards, affirming its growing leadership in the region’s journalism space. Following these wins, audiences can anticipate further creative storytelling and interactive features that continue to blend technology, human stories, and timely news coverage.