Bernama Journalist Selected For 2026 Khazanah Wolfson Press Fellowship

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) economic news service journalist Zufazlin Baharuddin has been selected for Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s Khazanah Residency Programme (KRP) Wolfson Press Fellowship 2026.

Zufazlin will undertake a 10-week fellowship at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, from May 4 to July 10, 2026.

Besides Zufazlin, other selected participants are The New Straits Times specialist writer Iylia Marsya Iskandar, Business Times editor Muhammed Ahmad Hamdan, and The Borneo Post business reporter James Wong.

Zufazlin, who has 14 years of experience covering capital markets and Bursa Malaysia, said her research will focus on the role of the media in shaping emergency fund awareness in Malaysia, with a comparative perspective against the United Kingdom.

“The research will highlight how people consume news, how they respond to it, and how it influences their financial preparedness. It will hopefully raise awareness among the public and strengthen the role of journalism in financial literacy,” she said after the fellowship award presentation ceremony here today.

Also present were editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and economic news service executive editor Saraswathi Muniappan.

Zufazlin also expressed her excitement and gratitude upon receiving the prestigious fellowship, describing her selection as both surprising and meaningful given the rigorous application and interview process.

“I would like to thank Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and my executive editor Saraswathi Muniappan, who consistently encouraged me to apply for this fellowship.

“I also want to express my gratitude to editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo and deputy editor-in-chief (economic news service) Harlina Samson for endorsing my project,” she said.

Arul Rajoo congratulated Zufazlin on securing the prestigious fellowship, saying the programme has enabled Bernama participants to broaden their networks, deepen their knowledge, and gain meaningful global exposure.

“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Khazanah for this invaluable opportunity. These experiences have greatly benefited Bernama, strengthening our capabilities and enhancing the quality of our reporting,” he said.

Meanwhile, Saraswathi expressed pride in Zufazlin’s achievement, noting that it reflects the team’s consistency.

“Her selection marks a proud milestone, as she becomes the second consecutive journalist from the business desk to be chosen for this prestigious fellowship,” she said.

Since 2013, Khazanah has partnered with Wolfson College for the fellowship, supporting 33 Malaysians to date, comprising 23 journalists and 10 corporate communications professionals.

-- BERNAMA