A discussion recognizing the recipient of the 2020 Shorenstein Journalism Award Tom Wright, an investigative journalist and former Asia Economics Editor for the Wall Street Journal who broke the story of the Malaysian 1MDB scandal, one of the largest financial heists in history. Wright examines the depth and far-reaching influence of the scandal and talks with the University at Albany's political scientist and Southeast Asia expert Meredith Weiss about the affliction of corruption in Asia, abetted by Western companies and institutions – a theme that runs through his journalistic work over the past 25 years.

Wright's meticulous reporting documents how a few individuals committed one of the largest-ever white-collar crimes by utilizing a network of political connections and the willingness of the global banking system and of Western institutions to turn a blind eye on corruption to make financial gains. Wright gives the full account of the 1MDB scandal in his book, 'The Billion Dollar Whale', co-written with Bradley Hope.

The Shorenstein Journalism Award is made possible through the generous ongoing support of the Shorenstein family.

Event Program:

Opening Remarks and Award Presentation
– Gi-Wook Shin, APARC Director
– James Hamilton, Chair of Stanford's Department of Communication, Director of the Journalism Program, and member of the selection committee for the Shorenstein Journalism Award

Keynote by Tom Wright

Discussion
- Led by Meredith Weiss, Professor and Chair of Political Science, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy, University at Albany, SUNY

Audience Q&A
– Moderated by Donald K. Emmerson, Southeast Asia Program Director at APARC