Kuala Lumpur: Strategic partners of the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 have emphasized their sponsorship as a significant initiative to bolster the media’s influence in shaping Malaysia’s image and reputation on the international stage. World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) Group Managing Director Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim expressed that their decision to host this year’s HAWANA celebration is an acknowledgment of the media industry’s contributions.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Irmohizam mentioned that HAWANA serves as the perfect platform to recognize and appreciate journalists’ efforts. He highlighted the necessity for collaboration among multiple agencies to ensure the event’s mission and vision are fully met. He shared these insights during the HAWANA 2025-Bernama Strategic Partners’ Appreciation Ceremony and the official launch of the BERNAMA Motorhome-Mobile Studio by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Wisma Bernama.

Present at the ceremony were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also serves as the HAWANA 2025 project director.

GM Klang Brand Communication executive Nurhani Yasmeen Mohd Zainan echoed similar sentiments, stating that the company’s sponsorship reflects its gratitude for the media’s ongoing support of local industry development. She expressed hope that their contribution aids in furthering the development of the media sector and journalism as a whole.

Amanah Saham Nasional Berhad (ASNB) Head of Marketing and Branding Natasha Abd Aziz also praised the media, particularly Bernama, for their unwavering support in promoting Permodalan Nasional Berhad’s (PNB) financial literacy initiatives across the nation. She acknowledged the crucial role Bernama plays as a primary news source and appreciated journalists’ efforts in delivering quality reporting amidst challenges.

HAWANA 2025, scheduled from June 13 to 15 at the WTCKL with the theme ‘Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics’, has garnered support from 79 strategic partners, up from 44 last year, indicating increased confidence in the nation’s largest journalism event. The main ceremony on June 14 will feature Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the guest of honour. The event is expected to host over 1,000 media practitioners and representatives from local journalists’ associations and ASEAN member states, fostering idea exchange and strategic relationships.

Now in its fifth edition since its inception in 2018, HAWANA is organized annually to acknowledge the vital role journalists play in national development.