The Society of Publishers in Asia has opened submissions for the SoPA 2026 Awards for Editorial Excellence, with entries accepted until 3 p.m. Hong Kong time on 26 February.

Now in its 28th year, the awards program is regarded as one of the most prestigious honors in Asia-Pacific journalism, often described as the region’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prizes. The competition features 21 categories spanning English, Chinese and Bahasa Indonesia entries, providing opportunities for both global media organizations and smaller independent newsrooms.

Last year’s edition drew more than 700 submissions, with regional and local entries increasing by nearly 20 percent. Among the 2025 winners were The Wire for “Breaking the Nets,” which received the top Regional/Local Women’s Issues Award, and Mekong Eye, which won the leading investigative prize for “Cattle Hustle.”

SoPA said it will again offer subsidies to first-time entrants and smaller media organizations with no more than 20 full-time staff, at least half of whom work in editorial roles. Qualified outlets may receive funding support for up to two entries at HKD 200 (approximately P1,480) per entry.

This year’s awards will be overseen by a new five-member Awards Administration Panel headed by veteran journalist Chris Yeung, alongside Jeffrey Timmermans, Edith Terry, Heng Yu Chien and Harry Surjadi. More than 100 journalists and academics worldwide will participate in the judging process.