Hawana: The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration, slated to take place in Penang this June, is anticipated to draw approximately 1,000 media practitioners from both local and international spheres, as announced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event will be highlighted by an official opening led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the PICCA Convention Centre Arena Butterworth (PICA) on June 20. The celebration aims to bolster its role as a crucial platform for fostering strategic collaboration within the media sector at both national and ASEAN levels.
Fahmi emphasized the significance of the event by stating his intent to invite communications ministers and information department representatives from ASEAN countries, international media representatives based in Malaysia, local media practitioners, and industry veterans. This diverse attendance underscores the event's importance in the media landscape.
Following a ceremony where contributions were presented from the Tabung KasihHAWANA to a Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) assistant engineer, Fahmi outlined that this year's HAWANA is expected to be vibrant in terms of attendance. It will feature an array of programs designed to benefit media practitioners, with a key focus on providing a forum for journalists to strengthen professional ties and gain insights from seasoned industry professionals.
Fahmi further articulated that the celebration is not solely about acknowledging media practitioners but also serves as a strategic space to empower the industry in tackling challenges such as misinformation, evolving media consumption patterns, and the integration of new technologies. He reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing job security within the media industry as a forward-looking goal.
HAWANA is annually observed on May 29, commemorating the first publication of Utusan Melayu on the same date in 1939, recognizing media practitioners' contributions to national development. Organized by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA stands as a premier platform for acknowledging the dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.