KUALA NERUS: Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil has lauded the success of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) Campus Tour, orchestrated by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) this year. The six-series event was praised for its seamless execution, led by Bernama’s chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also serves as the director of the HAWANA 2024 project.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fahmi expressed his appreciation for the Bernama team, noting their capability in managing both the internal operations and the public events associated with the HAWANA programme. His remarks came following the conclusion of the tour’s final leg in the Eastern Zone at Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), attended by notable figures including Nur-ul Afida, Arul Rajoo, and UniSZA vice-chancellor, Prof Datuk Dr Fadzli Adam.
The Minister emphasized that the HAWANA 2024 Campus Tour played an essential role in elevating journalism awareness
among students and strengthening ties between agencies like Bernama and aspiring journalists. This initiative aimed to bridge the gap between media professionals and students embarking on journalism careers.
Fahmi also disclosed that the Ministry of Communications is drafting a proposal to expand the HAWANA 2024 Campus Tour next year to include polytechnic institutions and expand several programme modules. He pointed out the growing need to address issues such as news verification and the influence of artificial intelligence on the journalism industry, with plans for improvements in the upcoming edition.
The programme, which reached over 2,000 students and lecturers across 16 public universities this year, is expected to attract even more participants next year. Fahmi stressed the importance of involving a broader range of stakeholders, including academics and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), to increase participation and enhance the programme’s impact.
He highlighted social media as one of the signi
ficant challenges in journalism today, noting the necessity of learning skills such as Mobile Journalism and effective social media use for reporting. Fahmi expressed hope that the programme would kickstart during the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration in May 2025.
During the event, UniSZA, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and Universiti Malaysia Kelantan each received donations comprising a high-capacity computer set and a smart television. Additionally, the event featured interactive workshops designed to equip students with skills for the digital era, including Mobile Journalism, fact-checking, and a ‘Klik Dengan Bijak’ talk by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) officials.