Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin was among the recipients of the Women of the Decade award at the Women Economic Forum (WEF) ASEAN 2025. WEF ASEAN 2025 president Datin Dr Hartini Osman highlighted the award as a tribute to Nur-ul Afida’s leadership and commitment to enhancing the media industry.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the award recognises Nur-ul Afida’s potential and significant achievements in her field of leadership. Dr Hartini Osman expressed hope that the award would inspire Nur-ul Afida to continue elevating the role of women globally. Nur-ul Afida, who became CEO of Bernama on February 27 last year, was the first woman to be appointed editor-in-chief since the agency’s inception in 1967.

A prominent figure in Malaysian journalism, Nur-ul Afida joined the Administrative Council of the Malaysian Press Institute on May 16 last year. Her leadership and ability to inspire women in journalism were further acknowledged when she received the Luminary Media Award at the National Press Club Diamond Jubilee Awards on September 27, 2023.

Despite her absence from the award presentation, which was conducted by the Prime Minister’s wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, due to her attendance at the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies General Assembly in St. Petersburg, Russia, Nur-ul Afida expressed gratitude for the recognition. She thanked the WEF organisers and attributed her success to the support from Bernama staff.

The event also saw the Women of the Decade award presented to other notable figures including Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif. Additionally, Leaders of the Decade awards went to figures such as Yayasan Basmi Kemiskinan founder Tan Sri Muhammad Taib.

The forum, themed ‘Women Leaders Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of the ASEAN Sheconomy,’ focused on the crucial role of women in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth. It provided a platform for women leaders to engage in dialogue, network strategically, and explore opportunities to enhance women’s participation in the future economy.