Alum creates platform that celebrates Asian representation in media

Madelyn Chung, a 2011 graduate of the School of Journalism, is the founder and Editor-In-Chief of The RepresentASIAN Project, a platform that showcases and celebrates Asian communities. 

Chung launched the project in March 2020, which has produced profiles, features and other coverage of prominent members of the Asian community. Since its launch, the platform has continued to grow, now with well over 20,000 followers on Instagram. 

“I really wanted to create a platform where I could see people who looked like me being celebrated,” said Chung. “Asian representation in the media was something I lacked when I was growing up, and I was beginning to recognize how it affected me and my identity. Essentially, I wanted to create the media platform I didn't have when I was younger.”

According to Chung, some of the highlights for the RepresentASIAN Project have been interviews with the founders of Glow Recipe, Sarah Lee and Christine Chang, a profile on Tanya Kim, and features on Kevin Kreider and Kelly Mi Li from Netflix’s Bling Empire. 

Isabelle Docto, a Class of 2017 graduate, has also contributed to the platform. Docto, who is now an assistant editor with Chatelaine, says she saw writing for the platform as the ‘perfect opportunity’ to cover a topic she’s passionate about. Among the work she’s done for the platform were profiles on actress and content creator Asia Jackson and author Catherine Hernandez. 

Docto says the platform helps to ensure that coverage is being provided for trailblazing Asian Canadians.

“It definitely fills in a gap talking about Asian representation, especially here in Canada,” said Docto. “In the U.S. there’s NBC Asian America and other publications that focus on Asian representation, but here in Canada, not as much.”

While the platform has had success, operating it hasn’t come without some challenges. Chung says that in addition to working with limited resources, it also takes a lot of energy, both mentally and emotionally.

“The Asian community has been through a lot this year and has experienced a lot of trauma, and there were many times where I just went into action mode to support and inform the community while offering education and resources to both Asians and allies. It took a lot out of me as I was experiencing all of this trauma as a community member, but not really taking the time to care for myself,” said Chung. 

However, Chung notes that her care for the community drives her to continue doing the work, and she plans to continue growing the platform and promoting Asian Canadian talent. 

“One thing that has stuck with me is the idea that representation is not a moment, it's a movement, and we're just getting started.”