Support For HAWANA Reflects Recognition Of Media’s Contribution To Nation-building - Bernama CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Support from strategic partners through the organisation of National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) reflects recognition of the role and contributions of media practitioners in national development, said the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

Nur-ul Afida, who is also chair of the HAWANA working committee, said strategic partners from various ministries, departments, agencies, government-linked companies and the private sector have continued to provide strong support and assistance to ensure the event’s success.

“HAWANA 2026 has once again received strong support and cooperation from all strategic partners, including contributions in the form of services, goods and financial support.

“On behalf of Bernama and the media community, I would like to express our deepest appreciation for the trust and commitment shown,” she said at the HAWANA 2026 Strategic Partners event here today.

The session was held to recognise 113 HAWANA 2026 strategic partners for their support and cooperation with Bernama in making the celebration meaningful for the country’s media practitioners.

Nur-ul Afida expressed hope that the collaboration would continue for future editions of HAWANA.

She said this year’s HAWANA celebration, themed ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’, is taking place amid a range of global and domestic challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, shifts in the global economy and the rapid pace of digital technology.

“At a time when society is flooded with information from multiple sources, including artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content, mainstream media in particular has a crucial responsibility to maintain public trust through ethical, balanced and fact-based reporting.

“Ethical, credible and high-integrity media is essential to ensure the public receives accurate, verified and balanced information, while also helping to foster a clearer and more objective understanding of current issues,” she said.

The highlight of the HAWANA 2026 celebrations will take place on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth in Penang, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The event is expected to bring together around 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad, serving as a strategic platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the future direction of journalism.

-- BERNAMA