Penang: The media's frontline role in information dissemination and national development continues to be recognised by government agencies and the corporate sector, as reflected in their support for National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (LPNM) Product Development and Biotechnology Division director Elmie Adha Ismail stated that the agency had maintained its role as a HAWANA strategic partner for the past three years. This partnership acknowledges the media's role in promoting government initiatives, particularly those under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He highlighted that media coverage, including by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), not only benefits pineapple growers and the wider community, but also helps enhance the image of LPNM and the government.
Meanwhile, Penang deputy state secretary (Management) Muhammad Ghopran Yeop Hamzah emphasized the state's commitment to fully utilize its role as this year's HAWANA host to promote its tourism and cultural sectors. He remarked that the presence of media from across the country will certainly help further promote Penang through their respective platforms, including social media. Media practitioners, who are now increasingly active on digital and social media, play an important role in promoting tourism and cultural activities in Penang, especially among young people. Hosting HAWANA is seen as a valuable opportunity to enhance the state's image among the public.
Steve Yap, J and T Malaysia Brand and Public Affairs manager, noted the media's vital role in delivering information and documenting every event. He expressed hope that HAWANA would continue to be held, not only to recognise the contributions of media practitioners but also as a platform to attract more young people into journalism.
LPNM, the Penang state government, and J and T Malaysia are among 113 strategic partners providing sponsorship and support for HAWANA 2026. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching officiated the HAWANA 2026 Strategic Partners event, which was attended by various dignitaries, including Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Strategic Communications and Creative Industry) Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and Bernama chief executive officer and HAWANA 2026 working committee chair Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Also present were Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj and Bernama deputy editor-in-chief (News Service), who also serves as HAWANA 2026 project director Mohd Shukri Ishak.
The highlight of the HAWANA 2026 celebrations will take place on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth in Penang, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event is expected to bring together around 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad, serving as a strategic platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the future direction of journalism.