Reporting on Business and Human Rights – Malaysia

What’s it about?

The media and civil society landscape in Thailand is evolving, especially in the realm of Responsible Business and Human Rights (RBHR) initiatives. Despite this progress, journalists and civil society organizations (CSOs) face a complex array of challenges. Those focusing on business and human rights, such as labour rights and corporate accountability, often navigate legal and political pressures that can complicate investigative reporting and advocacy efforts. This environment may lead to cautious editorial practices and selective coverage. Similarly, CSOs, which are crucial in advancing human rights, encounter constraints like funding challenges and the need to manage political sensitivities carefully. 

Since 2020, the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) has been supporting journalists and CSOs in Thailand, enhancing their reporting and advocacy on key issues such as labour rights, migration, and corporate accountability. With the current training course, TRF continues its mission to promote responsible business practices through capacity-building, aiming to uphold and advance business and human rights principles. 

This training is your opportunity to sharpen your practical skills and enhance collaboration with media and CSOs. It focuses on improving how you report and advocate for Business and Human Rights (BHR), with a special emphasis on labour rights. You’ll receive hands-on, skills-based learning that you can apply immediately—no fluff, just the tools you need. 

We understand your time is valuable, and with most of you able to attend only one external training per year, we’ve designed this course to fit your schedule. You’ll leave with tangible outcomes, like publishable stories and communication strategies. Plus, you’ll engage in purposeful, activity-based collaborations, ensuring that the connections you make are meaningful and impactful. 

TRF Business and Human Rights training – a dual-track approach 

TRF is hosting the “Business and Human Rights Training in Malaysia” for journalists and civil society organizations (CSOs) from 30th March-1st April 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This training is a structured learning initiative designed to cater to two distinct groups with intersecting goals: 

 Journalists: This track is tailored to enhance the skills of journalists, focusing on effectively and sensitively covering labour rights issues. 

CSO Representatives: This track targets CSO actors involved in labour rights advocacy and communication, aiming to strengthen their strategies to support advocacy efforts and media engagement. 

Joint Networking Sessions: These sessions bring both groups together to facilitate cross-sector synergies, allowing journalists and advocates to exchange insights, generate potential story ideas, and forge meaningful connections. 

Training Details and Participation Requirements 

 This training offers a series of live, interactive sessions designed to enhance skills and foster collaboration among journalists and CSOs. Over three days, participants will engage in focused learning and networking opportunities. 

 Schedule: The training runs for three full days, 30th March-1st April 2026 from 9am to 5pm each day. 

Focus Areas: Journalists will refine reporting skills, with a specific investigative and solution journalism focus; while CSOs will enhance strategic communication abilities, especially in their communication with the media. 

Collaboration Day: On the third day, both groups will collaborate, applying their skills and expanding their networks. Participants will also reflect on the power dynamics between CSOs and the media and explore better collaboration. 

Language: The course will be conducted in English. 

Preparation: Participants are encouraged to bring a story idea to develop during the course. 

Mentorship Opportunity: Selected participants from both groups will receive one-on-one mentoring for three months.  
Story grant for journalists: Selected journalists will also receive a story grant to support the development and publication of a new story on Business and Human Rights. 

Who should apply?

Full-time mid-career journalists (3-5 years professional experience) with prior business, human rights or investigative experience, or interested in exploring this field, or regular contributors to media organisations in Malaysia. 

Applicants must be fluent in English. Communication in English is essential.   

What’s in it for you

•  Investigative Techniques: Gain advanced skills in investigative journalism, including data visualization, source protection, OSINT, and navigating legal risks. 
•  Solution Journalism: Learn to focus on reporting responses to social problems, offering insights into effective solutions and shifting public discourse 
•  B+HR Reporting Skills: improve to report accurately and safely on business and human rights issues, focusing on labour rights, migration, and corporate accountability. 
•  Legal Awareness: Improve your understanding on the legal landscape and learn strategies to mitigate risks associated with reporting on B+HR, with access to legal resources and support. 
•  Ethical Journalism Practices: Reinforce the importance of ethical journalism, emphasizing accurate, balanced, and fair reporting while obtaining informed consent from sources. The session will also cover ethical interviewing techniques and trauma-informed approaches. 
•  Mentorship and Support: Opportunity for selected participants to receive one-on-one mentoring and story grants to develop and publish stories on business and human rights. 
•  Cross-Sector Collaboration: Build networks and connections with guest speakers, lawyers and CSOs, to improve your reporting efforts through shared resources and knowledge. 
•  Networking Opportunities: Participate in social sessions and joint exercises to expand professional networks and collaborate with peers and CSOs.