Ka Man Mak

Investigative journalist specialise in gender-based violence and human rights violations | Trauma-informed and decolonial-minded leader

Norway

About

I've spent the last decade asking uncomfortable questions and telling stories that mainstream media often overlooks. I'm a British Hong-Konger, but I've been based in Oslo since 2011. I started The Oslo Desk in 2017 because I noticed a gap —the city's global diaspora had incredible stories that deserved better coverage. What began as a one-woman operation became an award-winning newsroom. We've done everything from a three-year investigation into domestic violence (Behind Closed Doors) to documenting Norway's largest anti-racism demonstration. That investigation took me beyond journalism into courtrooms, where I appeared as a witness and expert. I've written court testimonies and helped diaspora communities draft defence statements for workplace bullying and police reports. I specialise in gender-based violence across borders and media inclusion, and I'm increasingly interested in financial crime. I'm not afraid to hold power to account. My approach is intersectional and trauma-informed, rooted in practising decolonial journalism—not just as methodology, but as a genuine commitment to doing journalism that serves communities rather than exploits them. Over the years, I've picked up a pretty eclectic skill set. Sometimes I'm behind the camera, sometimes I'm moderating a panel discussion, sometimes I'm teaching trauma-informed communication at a museum. It all comes back to uncovering stories that matter and telling them well. After 15 years in Oslo, I'm heading home to Bristol in April 2026. I'm looking for opportunities where my range of skills and expertise are respected and valued—whether that's investigative journalism, strategic communications, financial crime reporting, digital forensics, policy-making, or roles that blend these disciplines in unexpected ways. If you're working on something that centres community, challenges systems, or amplifies marginalised voices, I'd love to hear about it. Personal website: https://kaman.portfoliobox.net/ The Oslo Desk website: https://oslodesk.com/ Email: [email protected] Instagram : @kamaninvestigates

Experience

  • Personal goal pursuit at Career Break
    Apr 2026 - Present · 4 mos

    - Relocating from Oslo, Norway to Bristol, England. - Healing from workplace mobbing and harassment based on race and gender, and custodial interference abuse. - Creative pursuit: children's illustration book on positive linguistic diversity. - Career pursuit: Reassessing career and business opportunities both in UK and Norway.

  • The Oslo Desk (9 yrs 2 mos)
    • Founder, Publisher and CEO
      Jun 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 2 mos

      Winner of EU Business News "Leading Online Journalist Magazine" Award (2023) and "Blaze Inclusion Award" for media representation (2022). The Oslo Desk (TOD) leverages distinct journalistic practices and a trauma-informed approach with the goal of transforming the Norwegian media’s portrayal of racialized immigrant communities into a more accurate and complete representation. Our journalistic approach sets us apart from other Norwegian media/newsroom, and we can say that we are the first English-speaking newsroom that puts diversity in media, systemic root causes, and constructive journalism in focus.

    • Editor-in-Chief
      Jun 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 2 mos

      Work featured in The Comin' Home Podcast with John Alan, Utrop newspaper, Sam and Caleb: Gone North Podcast, Oh Oslo Magazine, Radio Latin Amerika, Nordic Chinese Communication magazine, Inter-Nationals, and Diversify blog.

    • Investigative Journalist
      Jun 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 2 mos

      Stories covered: bank access, parental-child abduction, domestic violence, black lives matter movement, and workplace harassment scandal.

  • Sunstone Institute (Oslo, Norway)
    • Data Journalist
      Nov 2024 - Mar 2026 · 1 yr 5 mos

      I transform complex data into compelling narratives that drive understanding and impact. Collaborating with data scientists, I analyse datasets to uncover insights, then craft clear, engaging content across multiple platforms. Through research, interviews, and data visualization, I make information accessible while staying connected to current events relevant to our mission.

    • Consultant
      May 2024 - Nov 2024 · 7 mos

      Data storytelling strategy and brand narrative building.

  • Remote Trainer and Moderator - Google News Initiative at UpSkill Digital
    Oct 2020 - Apr 2022 · 1 yr 7 mos

    Trainer to EU and Nordic publishers as part of the Google News Initiative's Digital Growth Programme, including Microsoft's D&I workshop and Financial Times, on behalf of UpSkill Digital. Topics include: Business Strategy, Audience Development, Data Management, Advertising Revenue, and Reader Revenue.

  • Business Consultant at ArtWraps
    Oct 2021 - Dec 2021 · 3 mos

    Developing circular business model and business communication strategy through conducting customer market surveys (museums, galleries, and artists), brief market analysis, and visual documentation of artwork transportation. Worked with service designer to map out user journeys, and developed a mock website and pitch deck.