The Straits Times wins three Society of Publishers in Asia awards

The Straits Times executive artist Manuel A. Francisco's prize-winning cartoon, which was linked to an opinion piece about Japan's attempt to revive itself as a world power. -- ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO
The Straits Times executive artist Manuel A. Francisco's prize-winning cartoon, which was linked to an opinion piece about Japan's attempt to revive itself as a world power. -- ST ILLUSTRATION: MANNY FRANCISCO

SINGAPORE - The Straits Times won prizes in cartoon, opinion writing and infographics at the annual Society of Publishers in Asia (Sopa) awards on Wednesday night.

Executive artist Manuel A. Francisco swept the top prize in the Excellence in Editorial Cartooning category.

His work was linked to an opinion piece about Japan's attempt to revive itself as a world power, and judges said it captured perfectly the state the country was in, with regard to its economy and overall security.

Sopa gives out the awards to honour journalistic excellence in publications in Asia. This year it received more than 670 entries for 18 award categories.

The ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

ST Foreign editor Ravi Velloor got an honourable mention in the Excellence in Opinion Writing category for his piece calling for an Asia-wide natural disaster response body and emergency fund.

Executive Infographics Journalist Lim Yong also received an honourable mention for his infographic on innovative solutions and designs inspired by nature.

Said The Straits Times Editor Warren Fernandez: "We at the Straits Times are fortunate to have writers and artists who can hold their own against the best, as these awards show. We are proud to have them as part of the ST team, which strives to do our best for our readers."

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