News Broadcasting
HSBC chairman Vincent Cheng on CNN ‘Talk Asia’
He came from humble beginnings playing on the street and helping his father sell fruit. Today he is the new chairman of one of the world’s biggest banks and the first Chinese to lead the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Vincent Cheng joins CNN’s TALK ASIA this weekend and tells Lorraine Hahn about his story of success.
When asked if his nationality has added any pressure to his new role, Cheng says: “A little bit because it adds an extra dimension… In terms of work, it doesn’t add any pressure to me personally. But there is a lot of interest because I am the first Chinese chairman. So it has a social dimension to it… I have told myself I can’t fail.”
During the half-hour interview, Cheng recalls a childhood affected by polio and how he took the disease in his stride. He also talks about his young life spent at his father’s fruit-stand. “I helped my father to sell fruit… And then I did my homework just on… a carton box… That’s quite common in Hong Kong those days,” he says.
On the focus of his new job, Cheng says: “The biggest challenge is of course to take the group’s business forward in Asia…, to ensure that number one, you serve the customers’ well; number two, to expand our business, find more business opportunities.”
Cheng also comments on China’s economic development, saying the country “would need to change the regulatory regime and government policies and laws and regulations to accommodate a more flexible, a more market-oriented economy. And, this is not easy.”
Log onto CNN’s dedicated website for TALK ASIA on www.CNN.com/talkasia to find out more information on upcoming guests.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
