Sharifah Zaini Is New Chairperson of Benita, Bernama CEO Announces

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Head of Management Services and Finance Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain has been appointed chairperson of the Association of Women and Wives of Bernama Employees (Benita) for the 2026/2028 term.

The appointment was announced at the association’s annual general meeting (AGM) held at Wisma Bernama today, which also saw Executive Editor I (News Services) Sh Nur Shahrizad Sy Mohamed Sharer named deputy chairperson, while Bernama Radio programme manager Nas Zamimi Nasbah was appointed secretary and Bernama Centre of Excellence administrative assistant Yasmin Yusof as assistant secretary.

Assistant Manager of Subscription Services Division Haidazira Manan was reappointed as treasurer.

Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaluddin, who announced the new leadership line-up, said the appointments were aimed at ensuring Benita remains active and continues to strengthen ties among its members.

She also expressed the highest appreciation to the outgoing 2024-2026 committee for successfully organising a range of activities, including International Women’s Day celebrations, member appreciation events, Tadarus and Khatam Al-Quran programme, as well as a charity ‘Sepatu Raya’ initiative for orphans.

“Moving forward, I would encourage the association to introduce more high-impact and inclusive programmes, including informal activities such as movie outings, cooking demonstrations and recreational events suitable for members of all ages,” she said.

Also present were acting deputy-editor-in-chief (Economic News Services) Harlina Samson, Head of Commercial Mastura Hassan, and former Benita chairperson Datin Rohana Mustaffa.

Nur-ul Afida, who also serves as Benita adviser, said the association should continue focusing on women’s leadership development, skills training, talent enhancement and members’ mental health and wellbeing.

She noted that although Benita membership has grown annually to more than 300 members from various departments, participation, particularly among wives of male staff, remains relatively low.

Bernama management would continue to support Benita activities, but large-scale programmes were currently not feasible due to government cost-cutting measures amid global supply constraints, she added.

-- BERNAMA