By Rohani Mohd Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has renewed its existing pacts with two other news agencies, namely Indonesia’s Perusahaan Umum Lembaga Kantor Berita Nasional or ANTARA and Japan’s Kyodo News, adding further value to their ongoing cooperation.
The renewal, formalised on Monday (Feb 17), aims to strengthen content services to meet the evolving demands of new media, where news is no longer confined to text alone.
The renewed cooperation with the agencies was formalised through an exchange of documents at the sidelines of the ongoing Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies’ (OANA) 54th Executive Board Meeting (EBM) held here.
The current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Bernama and ANTARA was initially signed in November 2021 in Jakarta, witnessed by then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during his official visit to Indonesia.
Bernama’s Chief Executive Officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, said the renewed agreements seek to complement the 2021 MoU.
“Previously, the collaboration focused on text-based news without photographs. The renewed MoU now extends to photo and video content as well.
“This enhancement builds upon the existing agreement from four years ago and is expected to bring positive changes in disseminating both agencies' content,” she said to Bernama International News Service (PBA).
Bernama and ANTARA have enjoyed a collaborative relationship spanning more than five decades, with news exchanges between the two state media agencies.
Notably, Bernama stationed its first overseas correspondent in Jakarta in October 1971.
Established on Dec 13, 1937, ANTARA provides news services to various media outlets and maintains correspondents throughout Indonesia and in several international locations.
During the exchange ceremony, Nur-ul Afida represented Bernama; Teguh Priyanto, Managing Editor of ANTARA, represented his organisation; and Moriyasu Chikazawa, Managing Director of the International Department at Kyodo News, represented his agency.
The event was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Communications Fahmi Fadzi and Bernama’s Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
Also present were Bernama’s Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Bernama’s Executive Editor for International News Service Mohd Shukri Ishak, who is also discharging the duties of Deputy Editor-in-Chief, and OANA Executive Board members.
On the MoU renewal with Kyodo News, Nur-ul Afida explained that the initiative was proposed by the Japanese news agency to further enhance their existing agreement.
“Both parties agreed to renew the MoU, recognising the success of our previous collaboration,” she said.
Nur-ul Afida emphasised that Bernama prioritises partnerships with international news agencies to ensure its content reaches audiences across various platforms at both regional and global levels.
“Collaborations like these allow Malaysia’s voice and stance to be heard globally.
“For instance, the world is now more aware of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s strong position on Gaza, thanks to Bernama's reports being shared through various international channels,” she added.
According to kyodonews.net, Kyodo News, founded in 1945, is Japan's leading news agency emphasising on Japanese and Asian viewpoints, with coverage ranging from political, economic and societal developments to sports, arts and culture.
Kyodo News has earned a reputation as Japan's most reliable news agency through coverage which is independent of government and commercial interests.
Bernama was founded as a statutory body under the 1967 Parliament Act.
Malaysia, through Bernama, is hosting the 54th OANA EBM over four days beginning Sunday (Feb 16). -- BERNAMA
