Leveling Up the Newsroom

The Challenge

Project Liber8 sought to create the "Beyond the Headlines" fellowship, a programme to equip established journalists to cover one of the most complex and sensitive issues: Trafficking in Persons (TIP). The challenge was not just to teach advanced investigative skills, but to foster a trauma-sensitive and human-centred approach essential for reporting on this topic with integrity and care.

Our Insight

Suluh was chosen as the lead partner for our deep background in investigative journalism on highly sensitive issues. Our insight was that true impact required more than a workshop; it needed long-term mentorship grounded in a human-first ethos. We believe the most rigorous and impactful journalism is also the most compassionate.

Our Action

We designed and delivered an exclusive fellowship focused on trauma-sensitive interview techniques, investigative storytelling, and rigorous fact-checking. We selected four outstanding fellows from The New Straits Times, Astro AWANI, Cilisos Media, and New Naratif, and provided months of dedicated editorial oversight as they applied these principles to their work.

The Impact

The fellowship was a resounding success, creating both massive reach and profound substance.

• Under our oversight, the fellows produced and published 16 high-quality news and long-form stories.

• These stories reached a combined audience of over 14 million readers.

More importantly, this project set a new standard for reporting on human trafficking in Malaysia. The stories were more nuanced, ethical, and human-centred, elevating the public discourse while protecting the people at the heart of the issue.