Polytechnic-level Jelajah HAWANA Programme Aims To Encourage Students To Become Responsible Netizens

SHAH ALAM, Aug 14  (Bernama) -- The Jelajah Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2025 Bersama Siswa programme at the polytechnic level is expected to help cultivate good character and role models among students, encouraging them to become responsible netizens, particularly in their use of social media.

Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) Polytechnic Director Zainah Rujihan said the timing of the programme was appropriate as it provides valuable exposure to all parties on the importance of maintaining ethics when using the Internet and social media.

“As members of today’s digital society, regardless of background or age, we must be ethical and guided users of digital media.

“Throughout today, Insya Allah, all our students will participate in the programme organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) to help them become more ethical netizens, especially in managing social media and sharing information responsibly,” she said in her speech at the launch of the programme at PSA here today.

The programme,  launched by the Communications Ministry Senior Division Secretary (Management)  Mazlan Abd Mutalib, was also attended by Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who is also the Chairman of the HAWANA 2025 Working Committee,  and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also the Director of the HAWANA 2025 Project

Also present was Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.

Meanwhile, Zainah said strong media support is essential to continue promoting the various initiatives, achievements, and opportunities offered by polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) nationwide.

She said that as the largest provider of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia, POLYCC is committed to delivering quality programmes that meet industry needs, thereby producing a skilled, knowledgeable, and competitive workforce to drive the national development agenda

“Therefore, continued media support will help ensure that this message reaches all levels of society, thereby strengthening POLYCC’s role as the national TVET leader.

“I also welcome smart collaborations, particularly between the media and PSA, to enhance information dissemination and highlight the successes of PSA and POLYCC. Such strong support will not only help elevate TVET, but also ensure its benefits are felt across all levels of society,” she said.

Meanwhile, PSA Mechanical Engineering fifth-semester student, Muslihuddin Farihin Mustapha, 20, said the programme placed strong emphasis on identifying authentic information and news through the MyCheck.My platform.

“This way, we can verify which information is genuine. I hope today’s polytechnic students can gain new knowledge while becoming more aware of current issues,” he said.

PSA Marketing Diploma student, V. Keertna Pilaay, 22, said she gained valuable insights, particularly in photography and video production techniques for creating quality content.

“These techniques and knowledge will definitely help me move forward in marketing, especially in producing videos, considering I am now in my final semester,” she said.

The Jelajah Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2025 Bersama Siswa programme at the polytechnic level builds on the success of the 2024 edition, which involved 16 public universities across six main zones nationwide.

This year’s edition expands its reach to include polytechnic institutions, in line with efforts to democratise access to communication knowledge and foster media awareness among students from diverse academic backgrounds.

-- BERNAMA