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Scott Tong

Correspondent

SHORT BIO

Scott Tong is a former correspondent for Marketplace. He reported on sustainability issues (energy, climate, environment, resources) for Marketplace, as well as the U.S.-China technology relationship, frequently described as “fraught.” He is Marketplace’s former China bureau chief.

What was your first job?

English-language audiotape (yes, tape) voice-over work. Sixth grade.Taiwan.

What advice do you wish someone had given you before you started this career?

Show up an hour before the interview.

Fill in the blank: Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you ______.

Gas for kid carpools; Washington Capitals hockey tickets.

What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs?

Smoker (plus wooden slotted spoon).

What’s your most memorable Marketplace moment?

Sneaking into Burma for twenty bucks.

Episodes by Scott (2)

Make Me Smart | Episode 408

The weirdest trade secrets

Apr 9, 2021
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Marketplace Tech

There’s not enough internet for remote learning to go around

Oct 19, 2020
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Latest Stories (1,339)

Fast-Track Vaccines

As ultra-cold Pfizer vaccines ship out, dry ice supplies tighten in Northeast

by Scott Tong
Dec 21, 2020
The question is whether there’s enough dry ice to store and transport vaccine to neighborhoods and remote places.
A worker pours dry ice into boxes containing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as they are prepared to be shipped in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Dec. 13, 2020.
Morry Gash/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Another paper suggests wearable devices can predict COVID-19 before symptoms

by Scott Tong
Dec 14, 2020
Smartwatches, smart rings and fitness trackers have been found to detect fever and other warning signs early on, a study says.
Some smartwatches and other wearable devices have been found to provide early COVID-19 warning signs.
Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Vaccine delivery across the country faces complex supply chain challenges

by Scott Tong
Dec 10, 2020
Within 24 hours of emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, the vaccine maker Pfizer plans to move the product to patients nationwide.
A worker prepares boxes of vaccines before shipment at a French pharmaceutical company world distribution center.
Joel Saget/AFP via Getty Images
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Global supply chain delays push back return of Ford Bronco SUV

by Scott Tong
Dec 8, 2020
Ford has a lot riding on the new Bronco, returning after 25 years off the market.
Ford has a lot riding on the new Bronco, which was taken off the market in 1996, Below, a person watches the premiere of the 2021 Ford Bronco on a computer.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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Cybersecurity experts warn of hackers trying to infiltrate vital vaccine supply chain

by Scott Tong
Dec 3, 2020
If one spot in the cold chain is compromised, it could risk the whole COVID-19 vaccine delivery system.
Malicious hackers see coronavirus chaos as an opportunity.
Getty Images
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COVID-19

AstraZeneca vaccine is third to show promising data in unprecedented hurry-up race

by Scott Tong
Nov 23, 2020
The COVID-19 vaccine is being produced so quickly due to a combination of factors involving the research community, government, industry and the public.
A volunteer receives a COVID-19 vaccination at the Research Centers of America in Hollywood, Florida.
Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
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Hackers with a heart? Cyber crooks seek to provide charitable donations

by Scott Tong
Nov 18, 2020
Several cybercrime groups are trying to brand themselves as ethical. But it's hard to know a hacker's actual motivation in any particular case.
Some hackers view themselves as Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, one expert said.
Thomas Samson/AFP via Getty Images
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Conservatives flock to Parler, social media app funded by GOP donor Mercer

by Scott Tong
Nov 16, 2020
One issue for influencers is that joining a perceived ideological site like Parler could turn off some online fans.
In the past week, the number of people using Parler has rocketed to more than 8 million.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Why Pfizer says it pushed for transparency and diversity in vaccine development process

by Scott Tong
Nov 9, 2020
To build public trust, Pfizer shared details of their trials: who was tested, the race and ethnicity of participants, how they were monitored, how to measure success and funding sources.
A person walks by Pfizer headquarters on Nov. 9, 2020, in New York City. Transparency is key for a vaccine-skeptical public.
David Dee Delgado/Getty Images
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COVID-19

With a divided government likely, chances of a big economic relief plan wane

by Scott Tong
Nov 4, 2020
As the pandemic continues, it may fall to the Federal Reserve to find more ways to boost the economy.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in July. A divided government will make it harder to pass COVID-19 relief, which has already been a challenge for politicians.
Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images
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