Penang: The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration, scheduled for June 20 in Penang, will center around the theme 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility' to enhance the role of media practitioners in national development. The main event, held annually to honour media practitioners, will see the presence of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil highlighted that the theme aligns with the government's initiatives to improve the quality of information dissemination and foster public trust in media institutions. The official HAWANA 2026 logo, featuring the iconic Penang Bridge, symbolizes the host state's rich history, heritage, and modernity. The logo reflects HAWANA's aspiration as a unifying platform for the media fraternity and society in supporting inclusive and sustainable national development.
The announcement was made at a weekly press conference in Angkasapuri, with notable attendees including Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching, ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, deputy editor-in-chief of news service Mohd Shukri Ishak, and Radio Televisyen Malaysia director-general Ashwad Ismail. Fahmi, who is also the MADANI Government spokesperson, mentioned that activities for this year's HAWANA celebration will kick off with the Media Forum in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow to address current industry challenges.
Highlights of the celebration include the HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka on May 9, a Strategic Partners Engagement on June 4, the HAWANA Fun Walk on June 14, Mai RIUH@HAWANA from June 19 to 21, the HAWANA Sports Carnival running from July to October, and the HAWANA Campus Roadshow also from July to October. A variety of activities have been planned around the main event in Penang to ensure wide participation from local and international media practitioners.
Officially celebrated annually on May 29, HAWANA is the largest gathering of Malaysian journalists, aimed at acknowledging the media's role in shaping public opinion and acting as a bridge between the people and the government. This year marks the sixth edition of the event, following last year's celebration in Kuala Lumpur.