Pantun Festival Strengthens Journalistic Integrity, Empowers National Language In Digital Era – Bernama CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival is a vital platform for strengthening journalistic integrity while uplifting Malaysia's cultural heritage in the digital age, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

She described the second edition of the traditional Malay poetry festival as more than just a display of linguistic artistry; rather, it reflects Bernama's ongoing commitment to empowering the national language and positioning pantun as a medium of communication rich in cultural values, wisdom and social ethics.

"Pantun is not merely a beautiful arrangement of words. It reflects the values of our society, courtesy, gentle satire, deep advice and a spirit of unity,” she said at the closing ceremony of the HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival today.

"In today's fast-paced digital and technological era, heritage art forms like pantun must be preserved so they are not lost to time," added Nur-ul Afida, who chairs the 2026 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) working committee. 

Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (News Services) Mohd Shukri Ishak, who also serves as HAWANA 2026 project director.

Others at the event included Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Language and Literature Development Department acting director Roziah Md Yunus, and Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation, Industry Development Division senior director Azran Arip. 

Nur-ul Afida said that as the national news agency, Bernama carries a heavy responsibility not only to deliver information and news, but also to shape the national narrative and strengthen Malaysia's identity in an increasingly competitive global media landscape.

She noted that the strategic collaboration between Bernama and DBP in organising the festival reflects an integrated approach between media institutions and language bodies to empower high-quality local content.

"This aligns with our aspiration to make Malay a language of knowledge, a primary language of communication and a language that remains relevant in the digital economy. 

"At the same time, initiatives like this support the development of new-generation talent, especially among young media practitioners, by helping them stay sensitive to the value of language, culture and communication ethics," she emphasised.

Commenting on this year's pantun festival theme, Journalism and Technology, Nur-ul Afida said that advancements in digital platforms, social media and artificial intelligence have fundamentally reshaped the journalism landscape.

"Yet amid this rapid transformation, one thing remains non-negotiable: the core values of journalism itself, accuracy, integrity, credibility, responsibility and ethical delivery of information," she said.

She noted that this aligns with the HAWANA 2026 theme, Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility, which emphasises the importance of delivering information honestly, accurately and responsibly to build public trust in the media.

Nur-ul Afida extended her appreciation to the eight competing teams: Bernama, RTM, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), Astro Radio News, Berita Harian, TV3, Sinar Harian and Media Selangor.

She also thanked the Bernama organising committee for their tireless efforts in preparing and managing the festival, while acknowledging the cooperation and support of DBP and Kraftangan Malaysia as strategic partners.

The HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival is the second event after the HAWANA Media Forum on Thursday, leading up to the main HAWANA 2026 celebration in Penang on June 20. 

Organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA serves as the premier platform to recognise the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA