HAWANA Forum Sparks Meaningful Discussion, Guides Media Towards Industry Challenges

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum kicked off this year’s HAWANA celebration with a call for the Malaysian media industry to adapt to rapid changes while upholding integrity and public trust.

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the one-day forum successfully sparked meaningful discussions on current issues, including digital transformation, technological developments and the need for the media industry to remain relevant.

She said the forum received positive feedback from media practitioners, who described the topics discussed as timely and reflective of the industry’s current realities.

“This is the view of my colleagues...they said the topics brought up were timely. We are also facing a crisis due to the conflict in West Asia, and it has had a real impact on the world, journalism and the media industry,” she told Bernama after the forum here today.

Nur-ul Afida said the media industry must now focus on identifying the best strategies and plans to ensure its long-term survival amid mounting challenges.

“We now need to think about how to face the challenges and plan strategies to ensure the survival of the media industry.

“All the topics brought up, Alhamdulillah, are in line with the current situation, and I believe the content, sharing, and views expressed in these three forum sessions can help media companies, media practitioners and communication students,” she said.

The forum attracted more than 250 participants, including leaders of media organisations from Peninsular Malaysia as well as Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign news agencies in Malaysia and various industry stakeholders.

Across three forum sessions, participants discussed how newsrooms can embrace innovation, strengthen credibility and plan for sustainability in an environment shaped by rapid change.

Among the key issues highlighted were the pressure of digital transformation, the growing role of technology, geopolitical developments and the need for practical planning to ensure newsroom sustainability.

The forum, officiated by Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching, was also attended by Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. 

For the first time, the forum was held over a full day to encourage deeper discussions and more focused exchanges of ideas ahead of the HAWANA 2026 culmination celebration in Penang on June 20, themed “Media with Integrity, Credibility at its Core”.

Organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA serves as a platform to recognise the dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA