Widia Jalal
Widia Jalal is a journalist and producer with ABC News Digital. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Marketing from the University of Queensland in 2019.
Latest by Widia Jalal
When is Lunar New Year 2024 and where can I join celebrations?
By Widia Jalal
Lunar New Year represents a fresh start for many Asian countries and their diaspora communities where some recognise 2024 as the Year of the Dragon. Here's what celebrations are about and where you can join in the fun across Australia.
Updated
Why is overseas travel so expensive and how can I sneak in a low-cost getaway?
By Widia Jalal
Statistics show a majority of Australians are prioritising travel despite the biting cost of living, even if that means tightening the belt in other areas. We ask experts what it would take for prices to fall and if there are ways to be a savvy traveller.
NASA's Hubble telescope delivers spectacular images of galaxies
By Widia Jalal
From colourful smidges to striking streaks and captivating swirls, the latest gallery of interstellar snapshots has it all.
How to safely return to swimming after a shark incident
By Widia Jalal
Following any shark incident, understanding the minimal risk it poses, along with shark behaviour, can help alleviate your worries. Here's how to ease back into a swim with peace of mind.
Updated
What does a toxic workplace culture look like and how to rise above?
By Widia Jalal
A difficult environment can be "systemic", says an expert, but with a new law in place to support employee wellbeing, everyone can play a part in change. It first starts with knowing the signs.
Jonathan's bank transactions show exactly where scammers used his details. But neither his bank nor the police offered help
By Widia Jalal
Hours after replying to a message he thought was from Australia Post, fraudsters were spending his money at a local store. He says his experience with the bank and police left him feeling defeated.
Updated
'Our dream of growing old together': Jock Zonfrillo's wife shares emotional posts for missed anniversary
By Widia Jalal
Lauren Fried shares a video montage marking eight years since their wedding as she documents the family's missed milestones since her husband's death in May.
How these Australians made the holidays special despite prohibitive travel prices
By Widia Jalal and Neryssa Azlan
Determined to maintain traditions, here's how these Australians redefined what the holidays are all about to make it meaningful on a budget.
Dazzling outfits often steal the limelight at any Diwali gathering. Here's your style glossary
By Widia Jalal
New outfits are a must on Diwali as it believed to attract blessings over the new year. An emblem of tradition and culture, we unpack some common ones and exhibit your best looks over this festive season.
When is Diwali 2023? What is the Festival of Lights about and where to join in the fun?
By Widia Jalal
Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means "row of lights". Lights are the essence of the celebration that lauds the victory of good over evil. Here's where celebrations are happening across Australia
Updated
Singapore goes passport-free as experts raise alarms on risks. But it's not the first country to do it
By Widia Jalal
Singapore will soon join Dubai to provide travellers with a more efficient immigration clearance as early as 2024 following an update to its Immigration Bill.
Updated
Answers to the most-asked questions about the Voice referendum
Illustrations by Widia Jalal
We asked ABC readers what they wanted to know about the Voice referendum and received thousands of responses. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Updated
Australia's reputation for world-class education is slipping. Here's how our universities fare on the global scale
By Widia Jalal
Australia's universities have taken a hit on global rankings with just one local institution holding onto its top 50 spot.
Updated
Dugongs, sharks and a 'paper nautilus' — the winning images from the Ocean Photographer of the Year competition
By Widia Jalal
An image of a paper nautilus — a type of octopus — floating on a piece of ocean debris comes out on top of 8,000 entries.
Endometriosis hospitalisation rate for 20-24 age group doubled in 10 years, report shows
By Widia Jalal
One in seven women aged between 44 and 49 live with the chronic disease as more are getting diagnosed early, a new report finds.
Updated
Ever heard of salary sacrifice? Here's what it is and how it can help reduce debt
By Widia Jalal
Some experts say a salary sacrifice or a salary package agreement can help maximise income and reduce tax debt — depending on the industry you're in and what your employer offers.
Singapore wants to be the first to outlaw cancel culture. But can it be done? Here's what experts say
By Widia Jalal
With no existing blueprint, Singapore wants to regulate the social phenomenon to better support public discourse. Experts cast their doubts and say existing laws in Australia could help.
Updated
Bradley Cooper has been accused of 'Jewface' over his new movie — here's what that means
By Widia Jalal
This is not the first time prosthetic noses have popped up on screen and caused controversies towards the Jewish community.
Updated
DMA's Cher cover takes out triple j's first ever Hottest 100 Like a Version — as it happened
By Velvet Winter and Widia Jalal
Look back on our countdown of the 100 most popular triple j Like A Version's of all time!
Updated
Instead of $200 boots, Melinda was sent $2 sunnies. Then came the emails
By Widia Jalal
Fraudulent sites are mimicking real brands, going as far as stealing logos and brand design. Melinda did the checks but they weren't enough — so here are the signs to look out for.
Updated
Qantas to allow flat shoes, make-up and long hair on crew of any gender — but what does this mean for inclusivity?
By Widia Jalal
The airline is scrapping its gender-based uniform guidelines — and it's not the first, with many airlines having updated their rules to allow staff to show their authentic selves.
Ramadan ends this weekend. Here's where to celebrate and how to wish someone a happy Eid
By Widia Jalal
The setting of the sun marks the end of the fasting season and signals the beginning of the feasting season.
Updated
Code-switching is a direct result of colonialism, and many of us do it in the workplace to survive. How do we thrive?
By Widia Jalal
For many of us, it's become a survival strategy. And we may not even be aware we're doing it.
Updated
Fed up with dodgy messages, this mum started replying to scammers — but is revenge worth the risk?
By Widia Jalal
Melanie has had enough of being preyed on by scammers so she decided to have a little bit of fun with them. But are there risks and is it worth it?
Updated
Mark was close to buying a used car until he received a legal threat. Now his details are with scammers
By Widia Jalal
Mark Bardsley was on the hunt for a second-hand car when he came across what seemed to be a good deal on a trusted car-sales website. It ended with scammers having his personal details.