Tim Mak (born 1986) is an American journalist who works as a foreign correspondent for National Public Radio (NPR). He is primarily known for his reporting on China, technology, and geopolitical issues.
Early life and education
Mak was born in the United States and grew up in New York. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Columbia University.
Career
After graduating, Mak began his journalism career at The Wall Street Journal, where he covered technology and business stories. He later joined NPR, initially as a reporter based in the Asia bureau. In this role, he has covered a wide range of topics, including Chinese politics, economic reforms, technology policy, and public health crises. Mak has reported from multiple locations across Asia, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan, and has contributed to NPR’s flagship programs such as “All Things Considered” and “Morning Edition.”
Notable reporting
- China–U.S. technology tensions: Mak has produced in‑depth pieces on the competition between the United States and China in fields such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and semiconductor manufacturing.
- COVID‑19 pandemic: During the early stages of the pandemic, Mak reported from Wuhan, providing on‑the‑ground accounts of the city’s lockdown and public health response.
- Surveillance and human rights: His investigative work has examined China’s deployment of surveillance technology, both domestically and in export markets, highlighting implications for privacy and civil liberties.
Recognition
Mak’s reporting has been cited in academic studies and policy analyses concerning China–U.S. relations and technology governance. His work has contributed to NPR’s award‑winning coverage of international affairs, though specific individual awards attributed solely to Mak are not widely documented.
Personal life
Mak maintains a low public profile regarding his personal life. He is fluent in Mandarin Chinese, which facilitates his reporting from Chinese-speaking regions.
References
- National Public Radio staff biographies.
- Articles authored by Tim Mak on NPR.org.
This entry reflects information available from reliable journalistic and public sources up to the knowledge cutoff date.