New York Chinese Writers Association held a unique lecture on July 7, inviting two senior members of the association and veteran journalists – Zeng Huiyan and Zhou Yunzhi, to share their exciting stories from years of interviewing and their experiences as media professionals, narrating “How Steel Is Forged”.
The venue at the New York Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Services Center was packed, with many readers who admire these two experienced media individuals and others who resonate with their articles, coming to listen eagerly.
Zeng Huiyan, with 38 years of interviewing experience, has worked for seven major newspapers in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and North America, winning numerous awards and creating several firsts. With the theme “The Good Fight I Have Fought,” she shared her fortunate participation in covering major news events, prominent figures, historic incidents, and interactions with celebrities and political leaders across China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and North America. She expressed gratitude for these opportunities that enriched her life and left precious memories.
Since her teenage years, Zeng Huiyan aspired to become a journalist. Moving from Guangdong, China to Hong Kong in January 1979, she started as a proofreader at a newspaper, stating, “This enabled me to quickly learn writing traditional Chinese characters and realize my dream of becoming a journalist.” Due to her diligent and responsible work ethic, she was praised as a “zero-error proofreader” by established columnists.
Beginning her journalism career in 1980 without formal training or background, in a year, Zeng Huiyan achieved remarkable success in the industry. She won three major awards at the annual journalism competition organized by the Hong Kong Journalists Association, including Best Journalist, Best General News Writer, and Best Feature Writer, breaking previous records and creating a legend as a “mainland girl” in journalism.
Zeng Huiyan attributes her rapid progress to diligence and humble learning from others’ strengths. She emphasized her personal motto throughout her journalistic career as “Bearing the moral responsibility with a strong shoulder and crafting articles skillfully.”
She described journalism as not merely a profession but a mission and calling, treating it as a business where she invested herself wholeheartedly, building trust with interview subjects and portraying their stories authentically. She strived for objective and impartial reporting, treating every interviewee equally regardless of their status, and putting utmost effort into each article without taking any lightly. Many readers and interview subjects have become good friends with Zeng Huiyan.
Zhou Yunzhi, a seasoned media professional with 40 years of experience, entered Taipei Central News Agency as a reporter and translator in the 1960s, reporting and translating in nearly 30 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Sent to Africa from 1974 to 1976, he was the only Chinese language journalist in Africa at the time. After moving to the United States, he held positions as chief translator, weekly editor, and later as the chief editor at the Hong Kong “Asian News Agency.” He served as the Secretary-General of the North American Chinese Writers Association and President of the New York Chinese Writers Association, and authored multiple works including “Miscellaneous Memories of a Journalistic Career,” receiving overseas Chinese writing awards.
Zhou Yunzhi remarked that a news agency, unlike newspapers, acts as a wholesaler distributing news to various media outlets, highlighting the importance of producing high-quality news to be adopted by newspapers and TV stations.
Given the global reach of news agencies, speed and efficiency are crucial as each minute matters in submitting news articles for publication. Zhou Yunzhi emphasized the intense competition in news release timing worldwide.
Reflecting on his extensive experience, he stressed the necessity for continuous learning as a media professional, admitting that despite encountering numerous people and situations across nearly 40 countries and regions, making mistakes and missing opportunities, he deeply feels that true knowledge comes from perpetual learning and self-improvement.