The Financial Times won two awards and two honourable mentions at the 2026 Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) Awards in Hong Kong. The Awards recognise excellence in journalism across the Asia Pacific region.
China correspondent Edward White and news assistant Xueqiao Wang won Excellence in Arts and Culture Reporting for their profile of author Hu Anyan, the former courier turned author whose writing captured the realities of work, ambition and everyday life in contemporary China.
The judges commended the piece, “I loved how the writer puts you right into the opening scene as you follow the protagonist through the market. Wonderful portrayal of this unusual, self-effacing talent. A perfect example of show, don’t tell journalism.”
The FT won Excellence in Explanatory Reporting for the visual story "Why Trump can't build iPhones in the US", which explores the complex manufacturing ecosystem underpinning Apple's supply chain. The winning team spanning regional correspondents and the visual team includes Sam Joiner, Nassos Stylianou, Lucy Rodgers, Dan Clark, Michael Acton, Sam Learner, Kathrin Hille, John Reed and Irene de la Torre Arenas.
The judges said the “iPhone story stood out for its clarity and importance both to investors and consumers. Most readers probably had more than an inkling that Trump's dream was illusory. This story spelled out precisely why…Rather than relying on rhetoric or leaks, the FT team dismantled the iPhone's supply chain piece by piece to test a political claim against industrial reality. The visual approach compliments rather than substitutes for the reporting.”
The FT’s "Japan's demographic time bomb" video essay received an honourable mention in the Video Reporting category for its examination of the economic and social consequences of Japan's shrinking and ageing population as the country approaches a critical demographic turning point. The piece is produced by Tokyo bureau chief Leo Lewis, video producer Tom Griggs, chief data reporter John Burn-Murdoch, and the production team comprising Russell Birkett, Alex Langworthy, Thomas Beswick and Karin Sugiura.
Judges remarked, “Not easy to tell an old story in a way that still hooks you from the get-go. Terrific use of numbers, especially in their display. Incisive sweep of angles related to the aging problem, all packed in with a sharp script. An excellent retelling of a story many think they know: Japan has an aging crisis. Extremely well done.”
Asia tech correspondent Zijing Wu, China business and finance reporter Cheng Leng and global tech correspondent Tim Bradshaw received an honourable mention for The Scoop Award for reporting that revealed China’s ban on Nvidia AI chip purchases. The scoop offered new insight into Beijing's efforts to reduce dependence on US technology and accelerate domestic semiconductor development amid growing geopolitical tensions.
The judges commented, “Early definitive piece on China's decision, as opposed to other stories saying China was considering, banning purchases of key Nvidia microprocessors. This showed enterprise and sourcing on one of the most sensitive issues between the U.S. and China, and described the inter-reliance and tensions between the countries regarding this highly strategic component.”
Robin Harding, Asia editor, said, “The work recognised by SOPA this year is the result of close collaboration across the FT, drawing from expertise across Asia and beyond. These awards reflect the determination of our teams, and their commitment to delivering original journalism that helps readers understand the forces shaping the region and beyond."
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