Kuala lumpur: Telekom Malaysia (TM) has been announced as the new strategic partner of Tabung KasihHAWANA, contributing RM500,000 to ensure the continuity of welfare assistance for media practitioners and former media practitioners in the country. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil stated that the contribution, made through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, aims to enable more media personnel in need to receive financial assistance.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Fahmi expressed his highest appreciation and thanks to TM for its commitment and concern in supporting the welfare of media practitioners through this significant contribution. He made these remarks at the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Grand Finale, which was themed 'Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility' and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The event was also attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, who serves as the HAWANA 2026 Working Committee chairman.
Fahmi highlighted that since its introduction in April 2023, Tabung KasihHAWANA has disbursed RM2.26 million in aid to 773 media practitioners nationwide. He expressed hope that more government-linked companies (GLCs) and local private firms would follow TM's example in supporting local media organisations through various forms of strategic collaboration, including CSR programmes, sponsorships, and industry development initiatives.
Fahmi also pointed out the current challenges faced by media companies in advertising expenditure, noting a decline from RM4.5 billion annually to about RM2 billion a year in recent years. He urged companies, including GLCs, to seize the opportunity and place their media buys with local media companies.
Additionally, Fahmi announced that the Communications Ministry would support the implementation of Project Sigma 2.0. This initiative, led by Google Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Media Council and the Malaysian Press Institute, aims to ensure media personnel continue to have opportunities to enhance their knowledge in technology and artificial intelligence.
Simultaneously, Fahmi welcomed stronger regional media ties through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bernama and TATOLI, the national news agency of Timor-Leste. He emphasized that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional media cooperation, promoting credible journalism, and enhancing information exchange among ASEAN member states. Fahmi noted that this collaboration is particularly meaningful as Timor-Leste became ASEAN's 11th member during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year, highlighting ASEAN's commitment to inclusivity, regional unity, and shared prosperity.