HAWANA 2025 To Strengthen ASEAN Media Ties, Knowledge Sharing

By Shaidathul Suhana Ros

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- The upcoming National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025, set to welcome media practitioners from across ASEAN, is expected to become a vibrant platform for exchanging expertise and experiences in modern journalism.

President of the Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia, Mohamad Fauzi Ishak, said events like HAWANA offer valuable opportunities for regional media professionals to learn from one another, especially in embracing technological and digital advancements crucial to contemporary journalism.

“This will not only enhance regional cooperation through information-sharing and discussions on current issues faced by ASEAN countries, particularly in communication and broadcasting, but also foster strategic partnerships that can elevate the quality of news delivery in the region,” he told Bernama.

He said that the convergence of diverse media approaches within ASEAN on platforms like HAWANA could pave the way for mutual learning, especially in mastering digital tools increasingly essential in today’s fast-paced media landscape.

On similarities and differences in the region's media landscape, Mohamad Fauzi, who is also Johor Media Club president, said ASEAN member states generally share similar journalistic ethics, though media regulations and legal frameworks differ significantly.

“The media industry in ASEAN reflects the region’s cultural diversity, varying political systems, economic development levels, and democratic maturity. Each country adopts its own approach to managing the media sector.

“While ethical journalism principles are largely consistent, the legal provisions governing media and communication vary across the region. These regulatory differences present opportunities for Malaysian media to innovate and lead by example,” he noted.

He cited the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 passed by Parliament in February as a progressive step toward more open and inclusive media regulation which allows industry players to actively participate in shaping important decisions, marking a move towards greater transparency and shared governance.

Mohamad Fauzi also highlighted the unique challenges of modern journalism, particularly the explosion of information on social media and digital news portals, where content can spread instantly, often without proper filtering or verification.

“Previously, traditional outlets like TV, radio, and newspapers were the main sources of news. Today, information flows in real-time. The main challenge now is ensuring accuracy and preventing the spread of fake news, slander, or extremist content that could threaten public order,” he explained.

The highlight of HAWANA 2025 will take place on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim being the guest of honour.  The event is expected to gather around 1,000 journalists from Malaysia and abroad.

Organised by the Ministry of Communications with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, HAWANA 2025 will feature a variety of activities, including a Pesta Pantun on May 31, a pre-launch event with strategic partners at Wisma Bernama on June 3, and a media forum jointly hosted with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14.

-- BERNAMA