Macaranga Media is collaborating with Universiti Malaya and Taylor’s University to run a 2-day journalism workshop and a competition for students at these universities.

Competition

First Prize
Article/Video - RM2,500
Social Media - RM2,500
Second Prize
Article/Video - RM1,500
Social Media - RM1,500
Third Prize
Article/Video - RM1,000
Social Media - RM1,000

Enter the Competition Here

Important dates

  • 17 May 5pm: Deadline for submission (story idea + social media strategy)
  • 24 May: Six finalist teams announced and notified
  • 25 May: Finalist teams start working on stories and social media content
  • 23 July: Deadline to publish stories and post social media content
  • 2 Aug: Final Award Ceremony

Eligibility

  • Registered students at Universiti Malaya and Taylor’s University who attended the workshops on 3 May and 10 May
  • Each team must have 2 or 3 persons
  • In any one team, each member must have attended at least one workshop (3 May or 10 May), and at least one member of the team must have attended both workshops (3 May and 10 May)

Competition Rules

  • Each finalist team must produce two entries by the deadline:
    1.  An original article or video of an environmental issue or topic
      • Article (700-900 words long)
      • Video (2.5-3 minutes long)
    2. At least two social media posts/reels on Instagram that relate to the article or video
  • All entries must be posted on YELL’s website; social media will be posted on the team’s newly created Instagram account and add YELL as a collaborator
  • Judges will evaluate the entries for excellence in environmental reporting and writing, and effectiveness and creativity of the social media content
  • Prizes will be awarded in two categories: article/video and social media. Any finalist team could win awards in more than one category.
  • Rules on AI 
    1. AI can be used to
      • Research the story
      • Brainstorm narratives, titles, reporting plan, interview questions for story and social media
      • Improve your draft for story and social media, e.g., using Grammarly
      • Generate visuals (e.g., graphics, animation, graphs) for story and social media
    2. AI cannot be used to write an entire story or social media content from scratch to final copy
    3. Finalist teams must submit with their stories a full disclosure of if and how they have used AI in their works
  • Finalist teams must submit with their stories a digital copy of their original reporting materials (sources and contact information, documents, interview recordings) to facilitate fact-checking during judging
  • Finalist teams must attend the award ceremony in-person and present their stories to the audience, but this presentation will not be considered for judging
  • All decisions by the organisers and judges are final and not subjected to disputes
  • The organisers reserve the right to change the competition rules at any time

Resources Provided

  • Every finalist team will receive RM500 to produce their entries and mentorship (up to 4 hours) to guide their work

Workshop

  • “Environmental Reporting” — 3 May, Universiti Malaya
  • “Storytelling on Social Media” — 10 May, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
  • 9am-12pm + lunch
  • Trainers: Macaranga Media and Cilisos Media

Eligibility

  • Registered students at Universiti Malaya and Taylor’s University

Is there a fee for the workshop?
The workshop is free to attend. 

Will transportation be arranged?
Yes, your university will arrange transportation to send students to attend the workshop at the other university.

What can I learn at the workshop?
In the first workshop, you will learn how to spot and tell environmental stories like a journalist would. In the second workshop, you will learn how to effectively deliver social media content. 

I'm not a journalism student. Can I join?
Yes. Any registered student at Universiti Malaya and Taylor's University can join the workshop. 

What language will the workshops be in?
English. 

Will I get a certificate of participation?
Yes, all students that attend the entire 2-day workshop will receive a certificate of participation. 

Must I attend both days of the workshop?
You must attend both days of the workshop to receive a certificate of participation and to qualify for the competition.