Kuala lumpur: The Jelajah Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2025 Bersama Siswa programme at the polytechnic level is expected to help cultivate good character and role models among students, encouraging them to become responsible netizens, particularly in their use of social media.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) Polytechnic Director Zainah Rujihan said the timing of the programme was appropriate as it provides valuable exposure to all parties on the importance of maintaining ethics when using the Internet and social media. Zainah emphasized that as members of today’s digital society, individuals must be ethical and guided users of digital media. The programme, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), aims to involve all students in becoming more ethical netizens, especially in managing social media and sharing information responsibly.
The event was launched by the Communications Ministry Senior Division Secretary (Management) Mazlan Abd Mutalib and attended by notable figures including Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who is also the Chairman of the HAWANA 2025 Working Committee, and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also the Director of the HAWANA 2025 Project. Broadcasting Department director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman was also present.
Zainah highlighted the importance of strong media support to promote initiatives, achievements, and opportunities offered by polytechnics and community colleges (POLYCC) nationwide. As the largest provider of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Malaysia, POLYCC is committed to delivering quality programmes that meet industry needs, thus producing a skilled and competitive workforce for the national development agenda. Continued media support is seen as crucial in ensuring this message reaches all levels of society.
PSA Mechanical Engineering fifth-semester student Muslihuddin Farihin Mustapha expressed that the programme placed strong emphasis on identifying authentic information and news through the MyCheck.My platform. He hopes that polytechnic students can gain new knowledge and become more aware of current issues. PSA Marketing Diploma student V. Keertna Pilaay highlighted the valuable insights gained, particularly in photography and video production techniques for creating quality content, which are beneficial as she progresses in her marketing career.
The 2025 edition of the Jelajah HAWANA programme builds on the success of the 2024 edition that involved 16 public universities across six main zones nationwide. This year’s programme expands its reach to include polytechnic institutions, aligning with efforts to democratise access to communication knowledge and foster media awareness among students from diverse academic backgrounds.