Website secured a spot as a finalist for journalistic innovation at SOPA awards
In a significant recognition of our journalistic efforts, our website's investigative report, "Killing them softly: Southeast Asia's cautious quest to phase out its coal fleet using transition credits," has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Journalistic Innovation category at the SOPA Awards 2025.
This prestigious award, established in 1999, honours top journalistic and editorial achievements across Asia in multiple categories. The winners of this year's awards will be announced at an awards ceremony on 26 June.
Our report, which was also recognised with the award for excellence in explanatory reporting last year, scrutinizes the use of a new class of carbon credits known as transition credits, proposed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to support the retirement of coal-fired power plants in Puting Bato West, Calaca, Philippines.
The report, which falls under the topics of Carbon & Climate, Energy, and Policy & Finance, and is related to the regions of Asia Pacific, Philippines, and Southeast Asia, combines explanatory graphics, original photography, on-the-ground video, and long-form reporting. Hannah Alcoseba Fernandez, our website's chief correspondent in the Philippines, conducted extensive interviews for the report, with additional contributions from Singapore-based finance correspondent, Gabrielle See. Graphic designer, Philip Amiote, designed and produced the visual elements of the report.
The report contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7. Energy, 8. Economic growth, 9. Infrastructure, 11. Cities, 13. Climate, and 17. Partnerships, as it sheds light on the strategies being employed in Southeast Asia to phase out coal and transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
Joining our website supports independent journalism, which is critically needed to guide business and policy development for positive impact, and provides unlimited access to our content and members-only perks. We are proud to be part of the ongoing conversation on sustainable finance developments and look forward to continuing our investigative work in the future.
[1] SOPA Awards: https://sopa.asia/ [2] SOPA Awards 2025 Winners: https://www.sopa.asia/winners-2025/ [3] SOPA Awards 2025 Finalists: https://www.sopa.asia/finalists-2025/
