Mal Young, the acclaimed British television producer and Emmy-winning screenwriter, has hailed the Golden Panda Awards as a vital platform for introducing Chinese stories to the world. Serving as the Chairman of the TV Drama Category jury for the Second Golden Panda Awards, Young emphasized the event’s role in bridging cultural divides and expanding global understanding through television.   

For Young, the awards prompted his first visit to China, an experience he described as “eye-opening” and “invigorating.” “It’s a culture shock in a very good way,” he said, praising Chengdu’s vibrancy and the warmth of the people behind the event. His enthusiasm was palpable as he spoke about the diversity and quality of Chinese television, which he admitted had taken him by surprise.   

Young highlighted how television has evolved into a medium for authentic, localized storytelling. “We’re seeing stories coming from places we wouldn’t normally expect,” he noted, citing examples from Sweden, Iran and France alongside China. “These stories show us worlds we never knew about, or thought we knew, but in a new and very authentic way.”  

For Young, the power of these stories lies in their ability to connect with audiences on a human level. “It doesn’t matter if it’s set in another country, another culture or even outer space—it has to touch you emotionally,” he explained. This, he believes, is where Chinese television excels, offering fresh perspectives and narratives that resonate globally.   

Young expressed confidence in the awards’ potential to become a major international event, comparable to the UK BAFTAs or U.S. Emmys. “The awareness it brings will inspire new Chinese talent to get involved in television, whether in front of or behind the camera,” he said. He encouraged creators to “lead, not follow,” urging them to draw from China’s rich cultural legacy while embracing innovative storytelling techniques.   

Young looked to the future with optimism. “We will look back and say we were part of the beginning of something huge,” he predicted. “The Golden Panda Awards deserve to have a profile around the world, and I think they will.”   

With a focus on celebrating diverse narratives and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, the awards are not just honoring excellence—they are helping to shape the future of global television.   

(Reporting from the Second Golden Panda Awards in Chengdu)   

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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