Investigative journalism in Asia faces a number of challenges. With journalists being threatened and attacked and criminal libel laws frequently being used against them, the press freedom index across the continent remains low. As an answer to these various challenges, Watchdog Asia was founded in 2016 to support, promote and actively produce investigative journalism and ethical reporting across Asia. The network of senior journalists and editors from various Asian countries aims at strengthening independent cross-border and data-driven journalism by providing resources and networking opportunities to investigative journalists in Asia. The launch event will be an opportunity for an exclusive group of senior journalists, editors, think tank representatives and European officials to learn about Watchdog Asia's work and the existing challenges to investigative journalism across Asia. A light dinner and drinks will be provided.