NEWS
SOPA 2026 Journalism Awards now open for entries
Now in its 28th year, the awards program remains one of the most respected honors in Asia-Pacific journalism, often described as the region’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prizes.
The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) has opened submissions for the SOPA 2026 Awards for Editorial Excellence, with entries accepted until 3 p.m. Hong Kong time on 26 February 2026.
Now in its 28th year, the awards program remains one of the most respected honors in Asia-Pacific journalism, often described as the region’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prizes. SOPA’s 21 categories span English, Chinese, and Bahasa Indonesia entries, creating space for both major international outlets and smaller independent newsrooms across the region.
Last year’s awards drew more than 700 entries, with regional and local submissions rising by nearly twenty percent. SOPA noted that the program continues to be an important platform for smaller outlets. In 2025, The Wire won the top Regional/Local Women’s Issues Award for “Breaking the Nets,” while Mekong Eye earned the leading investigative prize for “Cattle Hustle.”
SOPA will again offer subsidies for first-time entrants and smaller media organizations with no more than 20 full-time staff, at least half of whom work in editorial. Eligible outlets can receive funding for up to two entries at HKD 200 (USD 25) per entry. Publications are encouraged to inquire early via mail@sopasia.com.
This year’s awards will be administered by a new five-member SOPA Awards Administration Panel headed by veteran journalist Chris Yeung, with Jeffrey Timmermans, Edith Terry, Heng Yu Chien, and Harry Surjadi. The panel will oversee the judging process, where more than 100 journalists and academics from around the world review and score entries.
For a limited time, new SOPA members can receive a 40 percent discount on membership fees, which grants an equivalent discount on up to five award entries at non-member pricing. New and existing members must request their discount codes by 26 February 2026.
2026 Award Categories
Excellence in Reporting on Women’s Issues
Excellence in Journalistic Innovation
Excellence in Audio Reporting
Excellence in Video Reporting
Excellence in Human Rights Reporting
Excellence in Feature Writing
Excellence in Technology Reporting
Excellence in Magazine Design
Excellence in Arts and Culture Reporting
Excellence in Bahasa Indonesia News Reporting
Excellence in Explanatory Reporting
Excellence in Business Reporting
Excellence in Infographics
Excellence in Reporting Breaking News
Excellence in Opinion Writing
Excellence in Reporting on the Environment
Excellence in Photography
The Scoop Award
Carlos Tejada Award for Excellence in Investigative Reporting
SOPA Award for Young Journalist
SOPA Award for Public Service Journalism
Full entry guidelines, eligibility requirements, and submission information are available at www.sopawards.com.