KUCHING: Business journalists play an important role in highlighting issues regarding the development of the industry and its community.
In stating this, former chairman and editor-in-chief of Bernama, Datuk Yong Soo Heong said writing on such issues not only open up opportunities to economic analysts to voice out their opinions but also be a starting point for them to generate income.
“The business desk is very special as it has various news and issues that can be written and highlighted for the public to understand the depth of the situation.
“And this is where the analysts and professionals come into play.
“For a global issue to be relatable locally, business journalists need to establish good relationships with many sources (analysts) to obtain information and talk about the issue while relating it to the business sector here,” he said.
Yong said this during a business and economic reporting masterclass organised by Malaysian Press Institute on Friday (Oct 14).
Aside from the analysts, he also stated that journalists in the business desk also have their own advantage as they are given a great number of opportunities to meet many successful entrepreneurs, thus expanding their network.
“Aside from being up to date with the current issues, they need to expand and keep their network.
“As a good business writer with good sources, our reputation will be built when we are able to reflect the thoughts of the business world in addition to successfully getting our message across to the public.”
