I’m a reporter, geopolitical analyst, and government-relations professional based in Taipei with over eight years of experience across premier media outlets including Newsweek, The Print, BBC World Service, and National Geographic. I focus on China and Indo-Pacific geopolitics, producing on-the-ground reporting, OSINT-informed analysis, and accessible storytelling that connects policy, technology, and public understanding. I also collaborate on grant management and startup funding initiatives, bridging academia, industry, and policymakers. Beyond the newsroom, I enjoy translating complex geopolitical dynamics into clear narratives, data visualizations, and interviews with subject-matter experts to add depth and context to reporting. I’m motivated by cross-border collaboration and the role journalism and government relations play in informing audiences and shaping informed decision-making.

Aadil Brar

I’m a reporter, geopolitical analyst, and government-relations professional based in Taipei with over eight years of experience across premier media outlets including Newsweek, The Print, BBC World Service, and National Geographic. I focus on China and Indo-Pacific geopolitics, producing on-the-ground reporting, OSINT-informed analysis, and accessible storytelling that connects policy, technology, and public understanding. I also collaborate on grant management and startup funding initiatives, bridging academia, industry, and policymakers. Beyond the newsroom, I enjoy translating complex geopolitical dynamics into clear narratives, data visualizations, and interviews with subject-matter experts to add depth and context to reporting. I’m motivated by cross-border collaboration and the role journalism and government relations play in informing audiences and shaping informed decision-making.

Available to hire

I’m a reporter, geopolitical analyst, and government-relations professional based in Taipei with over eight years of experience across premier media outlets including Newsweek, The Print, BBC World Service, and National Geographic. I focus on China and Indo-Pacific geopolitics, producing on-the-ground reporting, OSINT-informed analysis, and accessible storytelling that connects policy, technology, and public understanding. I also collaborate on grant management and startup funding initiatives, bridging academia, industry, and policymakers.

Beyond the newsroom, I enjoy translating complex geopolitical dynamics into clear narratives, data visualizations, and interviews with subject-matter experts to add depth and context to reporting. I’m motivated by cross-border collaboration and the role journalism and government relations play in informing audiences and shaping informed decision-making.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Reporter at TaiwanPlus News
August 1, 2024 - July 31, 2025
Develop news stories for daily coverage on defense, security, and geopolitics. Generates open-source analytical insights for stories concerning Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region. Conducts interviews with leading experts to provide depth and context to reporting.
Reporter at Newsweek
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024
Covered daily news from China and Asia, focusing on geopolitics, economics, and technology. Wrote original news stories with expert comments and developed graphics to explain complex topics. Monitored Chinese media and social media to find exclusive images and develop unique stories.
Columnist at The Print (India)
March 1, 2021 - September 30, 2023
Authored the popular 'Eye on China' column, reaching over one million regular readers and frequently making The Print’s most-read list. Supplemented the column with a weekly video and wrote the 'Chinascope' newsletter, covering Chinese politics and international affairs for Indian readers.
Freelance Journalist at Various Publications
February 1, 2017 - March 31, 2021
Reported stories for The Diplomat, The Wire India, Devex, The Quint, and This Magazine. Developed expertise in international security, technology, and conflict, focusing on China, South Asia, and Canada. Used OSINT techniques to report on the 2020 Sino-Indian clash; this analysis was used extensively by international media.
Digital Journalist (China Media Monitoring) at BBC World Service
April 1, 2019 - February 29, 2020
Monitored open-source news from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, collaborating with partners in the US, Australia, and New Zealand on OSINT analysis. Wrote insightful analyses on 5G, China’s digital yuan, military development, and the Hong Kong protests. Edited videos and created data visualizations using Adobe tools and BBC DataViz.
Grant Management Specialist at Mitacs Inc.
April 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019
Managed the full grant lifecycle for projects assigned to nine Ontario universities.
Lead Analyst (Climate Change Commitment) at G7 & G20 Research Group, Munk School of Global Affairs, Toronto
November 1, 2018 - March 31, 2019
Led a team of eight analysts to develop a comprehensive compliance report for the G20 Buenos Aires cycle. Reported on the climate change and sustainability compliance matrix for G20 countries.
Young Explorer Grantee at National Geographic Society
October 1, 2016 - May 31, 2017
Awarded an independent research grant to assess the impact of a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Conducted qualitative research and interview analyses, publishing outcomes in international media.
Research Assistant at University of British Columbia
September 1, 2013 - August 31, 2016
As a Research Assistant, managed grant proposals and performed data analysis using MAXQDA 12.
Program Assistant at University of British Columbia
September 1, 2013 - August 31, 2016
As a Program Assistant, managed events, wrote annual reports, and initiated student discussion groups, for which I received the International Community Achievement Award.
Lead Analyst (Climate Change Commitment) at G7 & G20 Research Group, Munk School of Global Affairs
November 1, 2018 - March 1, 2019
Led a team of eight analysts to develop a comprehensive compliance report for the G20 Buenos Aires cycle; reported on the climate change and sustainability compliance matrix for G20 countries.

Education

MSc in International Politics at SOAS, University of London
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Research Focus) at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
MSc in International Politics at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology (Research Focus) at The University of British Columbia, Vancouver
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026

Qualifications

Young Explorer Grant
October 1, 2016 - May 31, 2017
MITACS Globalinks Research Grant
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
International Community Achievement Award
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
International Community Achievement Award
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014
Arts Undergraduate Research Award
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
World Archaeological Congress Travel Award
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Young Explorer Grant
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
MITACS Globalinks Research Grant
January 11, 2030 - January 27, 2026
International Community Achievement Award
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2015
International Community Achievement Award
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2014
Arts Undergraduate Research Award
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
World Archaeological Congress Travel Award
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Government, Professional Services, Education, Other, Travel & Hospitality