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May 01, 2026 – Singapore –
Singapore-based investigative journalist Shibani Mahtani has been named the recipient of the 2026 Shorenstein Journalism Award, recognizing her extensive reporting on democracy, human rights, and political influence across the Asia-Pacific region.
The award, presented by Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center, honors journalists whose work demonstrates sustained excellence in covering complex issues affecting the region. Mahtani was selected for her investigative reporting on the erosion of democratic institutions, state influence operations, and human rights conditions across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Until early 2026, Mahtani worked as an international investigative correspondent for The Washington Post, where she reported on topics including transnational criminal networks in Myanmar, China’s expanding geopolitical influence, and the repression of ethnic and religious minorities, including Uyghur communities.
Her coverage has also focused on Hong Kong’s political transformation, including detailed reporting on the decline of civil liberties following the 2019 pro-democracy protests and subsequent legal and institutional changes. She has previously received recognition for investigations into alleged police misconduct during the protests and reporting on high-profile political trials in the territory.
Mahtani’s work has also examined the role of Chinese influence in media ecosystems and economic systems across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, and Laos. These investigations have explored how infrastructure investments, vocational programs, and media partnerships intersect with broader geopolitical strategy and governance shifts in the region.
The Shorenstein Journalism Award, which carries a $10,000 prize, is awarded annually to journalists or media organizations that produce influential reporting on the Asia-Pacific. It is part of Stanford’s efforts to support journalism that enhances global understanding of the region while maintaining strong editorial standards and independence.
Selection committee members praised Mahtani’s reporting for its depth, investigative rigor, and sustained focus on accountability. The award highlights her ability to connect localized developments with broader regional and global power dynamics, particularly in relation to governance and human rights.
The 2026 recognition places Mahtani among a group of past honorees that includes leading international correspondents and media organizations known for their work on Asia-focused reporting. Previous recipients have included journalists from major global outlets as well as independent investigative platforms.
The award will be formally presented at Stanford University in an upcoming ceremony, where Mahtani’s contributions to investigative journalism in the Asia-Pacific region will be further highlighted.
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