Various Initiatives For Media Practitioners Showcased At HAWANA 2026

By Siti Nur Athirah Abdullah & Yasmin Damia Mohd Rizal

BUTTERWORTH, June 20 (Bernama) -- Exhibition booths at the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 at the PICCA@Arena Convention Centre here have become a platform for various agencies and organisations to promote their innovations, services and initiatives to media practitioners and the public.

Among the 11 exhibitors taking part is the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), which is promoting training programmes under the Media Innovation Fund, an initiative by the Ministry of Communications aimed at strengthening the skills of the media industry workforce.

MPI Special Projects Manager Nur Ramizah Abdul Aziz said one of the most sought-after programmes is the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent Workshop, in addition to training in videography, multimedia and photography that aligns with current technological developments.

“MPI provides training modules tailored to the needs of today’s media industry. Besides technical and digital skills, we also place emphasis on strengthening journalism ethics to ensure media practitioners remain professional in carrying out their duties,” she told Bernama.

Meanwhile, Pos Malaysia Penang Retail Sales Manager Nor Suria Che Sab said Pos Malaysia is offering its SetemKu service, allowing visitors to preserve their HAWANA 2026 memories in the form of personalised stamps at prices starting from RM25.

“One sheet contains 10 60-sen stamps, which are also valid for postal use. Visitors should seize this opportunity because SetemKu is only available here and at selected post offices,” she said.

Pos Malaysia is also selling various souvenirs, including Visit Malaysia 2026 postcards and keychains.

Also making use of the HAWANA 2026 platform is MyCreative Ventures Holdings Sdn Bhd, which is raising awareness of financing facilities and support programmes available to local creative industry players.

Its Assistant Vice-President for Strategic Communications and Stakeholder Management, Rafiezi Tahir, said among the highlighted initiatives is the MyCreative Matching Grant Scheme (SDP), a one-to-one matching fund for the creation of new works and/or intellectual property, with a maximum allocation of RM250,000.

“This SDP programme is open specifically to creative sectors such as performing arts, visual arts, crafts, music, creative digital content and multidisciplinary arts,” he said.

Other exhibitors participating include the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Malaysian Media Council, MyDigital ID, MyCheck Malaysia, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO), as well as the official HAWANA 2026 merchandise booth.

National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Communications, with Bernama serving as the implementing agency, bringing together media practitioners, industry players and government and private-sector agencies.

Besides serving as a recognition event for journalists and media practitioners, HAWANA also functions as a platform for industry networking, knowledge-sharing and exhibitions of services and innovations related to media and communications.

-- BERNAMA