By Huma Sheikh (APLP 09)

Huma Sheikh is a journalist from Kashmir working in New Delhi with United News of India. In her position as Senior Sub-editor she covers issues in her homeland, politics, lifestyle, economics, and culture. Ms. Sheikh has also written for the Hindustan Times. In addition to print media, she anchors a live English language television program on Doordarshan TV and a Western music program on All India Radio. She narrated in English for a University of Kashmir Educational Multimedia Research Center documentary that was telecast on Doordarshan TV. Ms. Sheikh struggled amidst mandatory bans on school attendance during her region’s conflict, eventually completing her secondary education. She now holds a BA and postgraduate degree from the University of Kashmir – New Delhi in Journalism.

It was on February 23, when I joined Xinhua News agency’s web portal, Xinhunet, as Foreign Language Expert and Editor. Xu “Sharon” Shi gave me – an Asia Pacific Leadership fellow at EWC – a chance to explore Beijing as a working journalist at Xinhua News. And she is happy to help more APLP or EWC journalists in the future.

“Last November, I met Christina Monroe (APLP Internship Coordinator) at the Bali conference and we discussed how to help the APLP fellows find internship opportunities. I found out from the APLP Profiles about an Indian journalist. As an international journalist, I understand quite well that working in different countries helps a journalist get more in-depth understanding of people from other cultures. This is a very valuable experience. My suggestion was welcomed by Christina and she recommended you,” said Xu Shi.

Xinhua News Agency had never offered internships to foreigners. After talks with Chief Editors at some news departments in Xinhua, I became the first intern at Xinhuanet.

Xu Shi also showered me with praises. “Having you work at Xinhua made me proud. I’m glad that as an APLP fellow, you are very dedicated to your work. Your columns about your experiences in China are particularly good. As an experienced journalist and easy-going colleague, you are highly appreciated for your excellent performance in Xinhua. I wish to continue helping more EWC journalists in the future.”

Xu Shi has been working with Xinhua News Agency for 25 years. Before working as Chief, Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, she was a PR Liaison Officer. She has also worked in some African countries such as Guinea, Cameroon and Kenya.
She was born to journalist parents in Northeast China’s Ji Lin Province. Her father and mother were working for “Ji Lin Daily”, the leading newspaper in Chang Chun City, the province’s capital. “I grew up in piles of newspapers and I always wanted to be a journalist.”
Not surprisingly, she has also carried her family legacy to her marital life. Xu Shi married Wang Chaowen—a veteran journalist at Xinhua News Agency. He is now General Director of the African Regional Bureau at Xinhua in Nairobi.

I was happy to contribute my skills in journalism in this new environment and hope others have this chance with the help of the EWCA Network!

Links:

• Read an article from Huma about the Wenchuan earthquake
• Interested in hiring an APLP fellow? Read Profiles of current fellows available for regular, short-term or internship positions
• Questions? Contact Christina Monroe, APLP Internship Coordinator, via LinkedIn or e-mail or phone (808) 944-7645
• Learn more about the Asia Pacific Leadership Program
• Contact the EWCA Beijing Alumni Chapter