Kuala lumpur: Journalism's role as a public trust remains not only relevant but increasingly vital amid a rapidly evolving media landscape, said Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. She emphasized that journalism, at its best, serves to inform, explain, and connect, equipping citizens with the knowledge needed to make sound decisions, holding institutions accountable, and giving voice to the voiceless.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, these core functions do not diminish in times of change; rather, they become even more essential. Nur-ul Afida highlighted the immense responsibility borne by journalists and media organizations, calling for vigilance in verification, discipline in reporting, and integrity in judgment during her welcome address at the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum. The forum will be officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, with other notable attendees including Communications Ministry Deputy Secretary-General Nik Kamaruzaman Nik Husin, Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
Nur-ul Afida, who also serves as the HAWANA 2026 Working Committee chairman, stressed the need for the profession to evolve by embracing new skills, technologies, and approaches to audience engagement without losing sight of its fundamental purpose. She also emphasized the importance of greater collaboration within the industry, as the challenges faced are not confined to any single organization. Shared challenges necessitate shared responses through dialogue, partnerships, and a collective commitment to raising standards.
Regarding the HAWANA Media Forum, she noted that for the first time in six years, the program is being held on a separate date from the main HAWANA celebration, allowing for a full day dedicated to discussion rather than the half-day format of previous editions. This expanded platform is intended to foster deeper engagement and a more meaningful exchange of ideas among participants.
Nur-ul Afida also pointed out that the media industry stands at a critical juncture, both globally and in Malaysia, as media organizations navigate complex and unforgiving environments. Traditional revenue streams are under pressure, audience behavior is shifting rapidly, and the demand for immediacy has intensified, sometimes at the expense of depth and verification. Furthermore, public trust, arguably the most valuable currency of journalism, is being tested as never before.
The HAWANA 2026 Media Forum is held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration on June 20. The program gathers more than 200 invited guests, including heads of media organizations from Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign media agencies in Malaysia, academics, public relations practitioners, and students from public and private universities.