HAWANA 2026 Proves Bernama's Capability To Stage Major Events

BUTTERWORTH, June 20 (Bernama) -- The successful organisation of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Grand Finale demonstrated the capability of personnel from the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) to execute a large-scale event by fully leveraging the agency’s in-house expertise.

Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said she was proud of the dedication shown by Bernama staff involved in the various sub-committees that ensured the success of the event.

Nur-ul Afida, who is also HAWANA 2026 Working Committee chairman, said one of the notable achievements of this year's edition was the successful execution of Bernama’s first-ever live broadcast produced entirely through in-house efforts.

“We handled all the planning internally. The artificial intelligence (AI) video production, posters and layouts were all produced entirely by our own staff.

“As the implementing agency, Insya-Allah, we will plan future editions in another state so that media colleagues can gather and at the same time get to know the states that will host the event in the future,” she told Bernama after the HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale at PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena here today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated at the event, which was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Nur-ul Afida said the positive response received from media practitioners reflected the importance of HAWANA as an annual platform that brings together members of the country's media fraternity.

According to her, some media practitioners had already enquired about the venue for next year's HAWANA celebration, indicating continued interest in the event.

She said Bernama hoped to continue being entrusted by the Communications Ministry with the responsibility of serving as the implementing agency for HAWANA.

“This is the sixth year Bernama has been entrusted with the role of implementing agency. I hope the ministry is satisfied with the planning and organisation we have carried out and that this responsibility will continue to be entrusted to Bernama in the future,” she said.

About 1,000 media practitioners, particularly journalists, including some from other ASEAN countries, gathered in Penang from yesterday to attend the HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale, themed “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”.

-- BERNAMA