Walter Sim of The Straits Times

Icons of Change

Icons of Change Awards 2025  Mr. Walter Sim Japan Correspondent of The Straits Times, Singapore Chairperson of the Foreign Press in Japan (FPIJ) Second Vice President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan  SDG Focus: Sustainable Development Goal 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions Excellence in Global Journalism and International Media Diplomacy  ---  Advancing Truth Across Borders: Honoring Walter Sim for Elevating Public Discourse Through Responsible Global Journalism  In the complex, ever-evolving landscape of international relations and media, one constant remains vital: the pursuit of truth through responsible, fair, and courageous journalism. It is in this spirit that Mr. Walter Sim, Japan Correspondent for The Straits Times, is recognized as an Icon of Change 2025 for his enduring contributions to the values of transparency, justice, and institutional accountability—values which are foundational to Sustainable Development Goal 16.  Since his appointment as The Straits Times’ Tokyo-based correspondent, Mr. Sim has demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to promoting international understanding through nuanced and balanced reporting. His coverage spans a wide breadth of topics—from Japan’s domestic political transformations and imperial transitions, to economic diplomacy, climate adaptation, and pressing social issues such as population aging, equity, and resilience in the face of national crises. His dedication to thorough, on-the-ground journalism is evident in the geographic and thematic scope of his work—having reported from every corner of Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, and even beyond, with a rare and insightful reporting assignment in North Korea.  In an era marked by information overload and geopolitical tensions, Mr. Sim’s ability to present critical developments with clarity, cultural sensitivity, and analytical depth has served as an essential bridge between nations, offering readers around the world a more informed, empathetic, and objective understanding of regional and global affairs. His work not only reflects journalistic excellence but also promotes the very pillars of peaceful, inclusive, and well-informed societies.  Beyond his professional reporting, Mr. Sim holds important leadership roles that amplify the voice and rights of foreign correspondents operating in Japan. In 2024, he was elected Chairperson of the Foreign Press in Japan (FPIJ)—an influential organization representing over 100 global media institutions. In this role, he champions improved access, ethical reporting standards, and collaborative media relations, ensuring that the international press community remains both robust and respected. Additionally, he serves as Second Vice President of the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan, where he contributes to critical dialogues on press freedom and media ethics in one of Asia’s most vital information hubs.  These dual leadership appointments further reflect his stature not only as a journalist b

Transcript

00:00Hello everyone, my name is Walter Sim and I am the Japan correspondent for Singapore English

00:07language newspaper, The Straits Times. It gives me great honour and I am truly humbled to have

00:14been put up for consideration for the Icons of Change Awards 2025. As the world is facing

00:22tumultuous times given ongoing wars and trade uncertainties, I think it is highly significant

00:29for the United Nations to have proclaimed this year as the International Year of Peace and Trust.

00:35This sends a very strong message that the vast majority of countries around the world

00:41are intent on protecting the existing order. This would include Singapore, where I was born and

00:47raised, as well as Japan, where I currently reside. I joined The Straits Times all those years ago,

00:54be living in the power of words and the role of journalism in promoting positive social change,

01:01as well as in setting the agenda for that to happen. But it has admittedly been a very difficult journey,

01:08and even having been a reporter out in the field for more than 10 years, I think this will continue

01:15to be a work of progress given the stumbling blocks and challenges along the way.

01:19Now, as Japan correspondent, I do my best to shape how global audiences look at a country that often

01:29gets misunderstood, even as it has quickly risen up the ranks to be a very popular bucket list travel

01:36destination. Over the years, I've written about a whole series of issues that dovetail with the United

01:43Nations Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, and I think it is going to be all the more important to

01:51draw attention to Japan's efforts on this front, including its progress on some aspects and lack

01:58thereof in others. Amongst the issues I've written about include climate action and green and clean energy,

02:06its efforts to tackle gender equality issues and combat discrimination, as well as addressing economic

02:14disparities. I really appreciate the opportunity to do deep dives and witness a side of Japan that many

02:22foreigners may not be exactly privy to. Over the years, I've also written about how Japan has had an

02:31unwavering commitment and focus to uplifting foreign communities, be it in regions such as Africa,

02:38Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands, and this has been done through its Official Development Assistance,

02:45or ODA, schemes. And as I continue to write and report about Japan-related issues going forward,

02:53I will do so with humility and with the primary mission of promoting greater understanding

02:59and bridging cultural gaps between Japan and the rest of the world.

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