HAWANA Remains Relevant As Platform To Recognise Media Practitioners

BUTTERWORTH, June 20 (Bernama) -- National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) should continue to be upheld as a key platform that brings together members of the media fraternity to assess achievements, address current challenges and chart the future of the journalism industry amid the rapidly evolving media landscape.

Radio Televisyen Malaysia director-general Ashwad Ismail said HAWANA must remain relevant as the “heart” that unites media practitioners.

“Every year, we have the opportunity to reflect. Reflection here means recognising what we have done well, where we have fallen short over the past year, as well as understanding the circumstances and challenges we are currently facing.

“At the same time, industry players, including content creators, journalists and media organisations, can discuss the future of the industry as it confronts technological changes, artificial intelligence (AI) and various emerging challenges,” he told Bernama here today after attending the HAWANA 2026 Summit, held at the PICCA @ Arena Butterworth Convention Centre and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Penang State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, and Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil also attended the event.

Other attendees included Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer and HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama Editor-in-Chief and HAWANA 2026 Working Committee Deputy Chairman Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) as well as HAWANA 2026 Project Director Mohd Shukri Ishak.

Meanwhile, Han Chiang University College of Communication lecturer Siti Nor Aina Omar said programmes such as HAWANA have a positive impact on the journalism industry by serving as a platform to recognise journalists' contributions.

She also likened HAWANA to an annual gathering that brings together media practitioners while honouring both past and present members of the profession.

“From both an academic perspective and as a former industry practitioner, I view programmes like this as an important means of recognising the journalism profession,” she said.

Meanwhile, Siti Zubaidah Zakaria, a journalist with Sinar Harian in Kedah, also expressed the view that HAWANA should be continued as a mark of appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices of media practitioners in the country.

“HAWANA should continue to honour the services and sacrifices of media practitioners in Malaysia. At the same time, improvements can be made in terms of welfare and the work equipment required to ensure that news reports remain accurate and truthful,” said the 17-year-veteran.

Approximately 1,000 media practitioners, particularly journalists, including participants from several ASEAN countries, gathered in Penang beginning yesterday to attend the HAWANA 2026 Summit, which carries the theme Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility.

HAWANA 2026 is organised by the Communications Ministry, with Bernama serving as the implementing agency, to recognise the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in the country.

-- BERNAMA