Kuala lumpur: Support from strategic partners through the organisation of the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) reflects recognition of the role and contributions of media practitioners in national development, said the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. Nur-ul Afida, who is also chair of the HAWANA working committee, highlighted the continued support from various ministries, departments, agencies, government-linked companies, and the private sector in ensuring the event's success.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nur-ul Afida expressed gratitude for the strong support and cooperation from strategic partners, which includes contributions in the form of services, goods, and financial support. She conveyed her appreciation on behalf of Bernama and the media community for the trust and commitment shown at the HAWANA 2026 Strategic Partners event.
The session aimed to recognise 113 HAWANA 2026 strategic partners for their support and collaboration with Bernama in making the celebration meaningful for the country's media practitioners. Nur-ul Afida expressed hope that this collaboration would continue for future editions of HAWANA.
She emphasized that this year's HAWANA celebration, themed 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility', is occurring amid various global and domestic challenges, including geopolitical uncertainties, economic shifts, and the rapid pace of digital technology. Nur-ul Afida stressed the crucial responsibility of mainstream media to maintain public trust through ethical, balanced, and fact-based reporting, especially when society is inundated with information from multiple sources, including AI-generated content.
The highlight of the HAWANA 2026 celebrations will occur on June 20 at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth in Penang, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event is expected to gather around 1,000 media practitioners from home and abroad, serving as a strategic platform for exchanging ideas and shaping the future direction of journalism.