Shafizan Johari, is a journalist based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His current position is the Multiplatform News Innovation Lead Editor at Astro AWANI. In his current capacity, he spearheads the integration of The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) into media practices, including the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) within the newsroom’s operations. With a diverse history at Astro AWANI, Shafizan previously held the role of Forward Planning Editor Lead Editor and Big Data Editor.

His extensive expertise spans narrative and content development, ranging from ideation and strategy to successful implementation. Proficient in digital content data analytics, Shafizan played a pivotal role in Astro Awani’s recognition as the country’s most trusted news brand (Reuters Digital News Report 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) and the foremost news brand on social media (2021).

Shafizan’s passion for socioeconomic matters, particularly within rural communities and among the urban poor, has been evident since his student days. He engages in community development through overseeing capacity building initiatives. Presently, he plays an integral part in multiple civil society organizations (CSOs) and serves on the board of trustees for Teach for The Needs (TFTN), a non-profit organization dedicated to equalizing educational opportunities for marginalized communities.

In 2016, Shafizan was honored with the Khazanah Media Fellowship and completed the Wolfson Press Fellowship at the University of Cambridge. His research titled “Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Massaging Strategies: Using Defectors’ Voice in ‘Counter-Narratives’ Efforts” exemplified his dedication to critical issues.

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in anthropology history at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Shafizan’s research focuses on the diaspora communities among Southern Thailand’s population.