The Straits Times’ creative team wins multiple awards, including a silver for a standout infographic on Joseph Schooling’s career.
The Straits Times (ST) achieved significant recognition at the 23rd edition of the Asian Media Awards on November 6, 2024, securing one gold and two silver awards for its innovative journalism and design. Among the highlights was the silver award for Best Newspaper Infographics for the striking infographic From Boy To Champion, which chronicles the life and career of Singapore’s first Olympic gold medallist, Joseph Schooling.
The infographic, produced in response to rumors of Schooling’s retirement in March 2024, was published on April 3, 2024, just after the swimmer announced his decision. Created in under a week, the piece is a manga-style depiction of Schooling’s rise to prominence, culminating in his victory in the men’s 100m butterfly at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The creative team behind the award-winning piece included senior executive infographics journalist Chng Choon Hiong, executive artist Billy Ker, and senior sports correspondent David Lee. The infographic condenses key moments of Schooling’s journey into 15 frames, skillfully balancing artistry with journalistic storytelling. According to Chng, the team spent significant time experimenting with various manga styles to create a visually engaging yet informative narrative.
In addition to the silver award for Best Newspaper Infographics, ST won gold in the category of Best Newspaper Front Page Design for its coverage of a Tokyo airport runway collision on January 3, 2024. Senior executive sub-editor Merlene Michael designed the page, opting for a dramatic, bold image of a Japan Airlines plane engulfed in flames, a visual choice that successfully captivated the readers’ attention.
Furthermore, ST’s photojournalist Shintaro Tay received a silver award in Best in Feature Photography for his stunning image of Arc Zero: Nimbus, an installation by Australian artist James Tapscott. The photograph, taken during the “blue hour,” captures the ethereal beauty of the artwork, which featured a mist ring and a floating walkway at Marina Bay as part of the 2024 i Light Singapore festival.
These accolades reflect ST’s continued excellence in visual and journalistic innovation, showcasing its strong commitment to delivering high-quality content across both print and digital platforms.
