Kuala Lumpur: Staff of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) must remain agile, efficient, and innovative to ensure the 58-year-old news organisation stays relevant, its Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said. She highlighted the need for adaptation in the evolving landscape of journalism to remain competitive alongside other media organisations.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nur-ul Afida addressed Bernama staff at the agency’s 58th anniversary celebration. She acknowledged the challenges faced by news agency professionals in maintaining integrity in today’s media environment. Emphasizing the principles of delivering truth and fostering public understanding, she expressed confidence in the staff’s ability to succeed.
Nur-ul Afida pointed out that Bernama today operates in a more challenging media environment compared to the past. She noted the vulnerability of their content to ‘spun’ narratives or fake news, circulated as misleading or unauthenticated information. The CEO identified the rising expectations of clients and stakeholders, particularly in the face of technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a major challenge.
To address these demands, Bernama is focusing on training and upskilling its workforce, particularly in journalism courses and AI-related education. Nur-ul Afida reiterated the agency’s commitment to strengthening its international presence and reputation, with 2025 set to be an active year through strategic collaborations with regional and global news agencies under the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) network.
She highlighted Bernama’s role in hosting 14 Presidents and Editors-in-Chief from OANA member agencies for the Executive Board Meeting in February in Kuala Lumpur. Furthermore, in April, Bernama co-organised the ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum with China’s state news agency, Xinhua, and received recognition from the China Media Group (CMG) for their collaborative efforts.
Bernama is also undertaking responsibilities as the Host News Agency managing the International Media Centre for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, which began in January. The agency is preparing for a series of ASEAN-related meetings, including the ASEAN Summit in May.
Domestically, Bernama is gearing up for the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration on June 14, with various side events involving the entire Bernama workforce. The anniversary celebration featured a cake-cutting ceremony, prize presentation for the ‘BERNAMA Treasure Hunt,’ and the announcement of the 58th Anniversary Logo Design Contest winner.
Since its establishment under the BERNAMA Act 1967 and the start of operations on May 20, 1968, Bernama has expanded from a text-based news service to include photo services, radio, television, and digital media. Over the decades, the agency has adhered to its founding objective of delivering accurate, fair, and balanced news while safeguarding national interests.