Kuala lumpur: The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum kicked off this year's HAWANA celebration with a call for the Malaysian media industry to adapt to rapid changes while upholding integrity and public trust. Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the one-day forum successfully sparked meaningful discussions on current issues, including digital transformation, technological developments and the need for the media industry to remain relevant.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nur-ul Afida highlighted that the forum received positive feedback from media practitioners, who described the topics discussed as timely and reflective of the industry's current realities. She noted that her colleagues found the issues raised at the forum particularly pertinent, especially amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia, which has had significant impacts on global journalism and the media industry.
Nur-ul Afida emphasized the necessity for the media industry to focus on identifying effective strategies and plans to ensure its long-term survival in the face of mounting challenges. She expressed confidence that the content, sharing, and views expressed during the three forum sessions would be beneficial to media companies, practitioners, and communication students alike.
The forum attracted over 250 participants, including leaders of media organisations from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak, as well as representatives from foreign news agencies in Malaysia and various industry stakeholders. Discussions across the three sessions centered on how newsrooms can embrace innovation, strengthen credibility, and plan for sustainability in a rapidly changing environment.
Key issues highlighted during the forum included the pressures of digital transformation, the increasing role of technology, geopolitical developments, and the necessity for practical planning to ensure newsroom sustainability. The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching and attended by Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
This year's forum, held for the first time over a full day, aimed to encourage deeper discussions and more focused exchanges of ideas in preparation for the HAWANA 2026 culmination celebration in Penang on June 20, themed 'Media with Integrity, Credibility at its Core'. Organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA serves as a platform to recognize the dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.