{
  "id": 615587,
  "title": "Malaysiakini appoints new editor-in-chief",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/malaysiakini-appoints-new-editor-in-chief",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T00:39:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malaysiakini",
    "slug": "malaysiakini",
    "url": "https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/781939"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysiakini's board of directors has announced the appointment of Andrew Ong as the new editor-in-chief, effective August 10. This marks the end of a vacancy that had been open since January 27, 2023. Ong, who has been with Malaysiakini since 2003, will take over from co-founder Steven Gan, who continues to serve on the board. Ong began his tenure at Malaysiakini as a newsroom intern and has since held various roles, most recently serving as the product lead. His new position will involve strengthening the website's commitment to editorial independence, while also driving strategic initiatives focused on long-term financial sustainability, audience growth, and digital innovation. Ong's responsibilities will include overseeing the overall newsroom governance, directing the core editorial agenda, and leading Malaysiakini's multi-platform strategy into its next phase of growth. Steven Gan, who also serves on the board, praised Ong's qualifications, stating that he embodies the ideal leader required in the evolving media landscape. Gan emphasized the importance of maintaining uncompromising editorial independence alongside cutting-edge digital product delivery. Ong expressed his honor at leading Malaysiakini during this transformative period, noting that the newsroom has built public trust through decades of fearless, independent reporting. He looks forward to collaborating with his dedicated editorial team to deepen the impact of Malaysiakini, expand its reach, and create a sustainable future for independent journalism in Malaysia. Malaysiakini encourages readers to join their WhatsApp Channel for the latest news and perspectives that matter.",
  "summary": "Andrew Ong takes over from Steven Gan, who stepped down in 2023.",
  "key_points": [
    "Andrew Ong appointed as new editor-in-chief of Malaysiakini, effective August 10",
    "Ong joins from product lead role, with 20 years of experience at Malaysiakini",
    "Ong focuses on editorial independence, growth, and digital innovation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/615587.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malaysiakini",
        "title": "Malaysiakini appoints new editor-in-chief",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/malaysiakini-appoints-new-editor-in-chief-616063",
        "published": "2026-08-12T00:39:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}