Polytechnic-level Jelajah HAWANA Programme Exposes Students To Evolving World Of Media

SHAH ALAM, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- The Jelajah Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2025 Bersama Siswa programme at the polytechnic level aims to expose students to the evolving landscape of Malaysia’s media industry and equip them with essential skills in journalism and digital literacy.

Organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the event was specially curated to deepen students’ understanding of media ethics, the importance of accurate information, and the safe use of the internet.

Bernama chief executive officer and chairperson of HAWANA Working Committee, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, said that in today’s fast-paced information age, youth are no longer just media consumers as they are now trendsetters, issue drivers, and narrative shapers.

“I believe many of us have become ‘instant journalists’. We snap a photo, write a caption, and post or share content, which will be viewed by many, even within seconds.

“But are we sure of its accuracy? Who is the source? What are the consequences of our postings?” she said in her opening remark at the launch of the programme at Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA) by Senior Division Secretary (Management) of the Ministry of Communications Mazlan Abd Mutalib, here today.

Present were Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Bernama editor-in-chief and HAWANA 2025 project director Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and PSA director Zainah Rujihan.

The event drew around 600 students from five institutions, namely PSA, Politeknik METRO Kuala Lumpur (PMKL), Politeknik Sultan Idris Shah (PSIS), Politeknik Banting Selangor (PBS), and Kolej Komuniti Shah Alam (KKSA).

Nur-ul Afida stressed that young people have the power to create a more harmonious society through the spread of positive and truthful content. Sharing false information, she warned, could lead to social unrest.

“Therefore, choose to be agents of truth, not sources of confusion,” she said.

To support this mission, she said Bernama has introduced a series of special workshops during the Jalajah HAWANA programme, including sessions on mobile journalism, fact-checking, and the Safe Internet Campaign.

Nur-ul Afida also expressed hope that this holistic approach would not only strengthen students’ journalistic and digital literacy skills but also empower them to become agents of change who uphold positive values within their campus communities. 

“The presence of about 600 students today shows that the younger generation is curious, eager to learn, and wants to be part of the future of media in this country,” she added.

As part of the programme, the Ministry of Communications also contributed a smart television unit to selected polytechnics and community colleges.

At the press conference after the launch,  Nur-ul Afida said that in its next editions, the programme will continue to carry the Communications Ministry’s message to promote journalism and safe internet use among students.

“We’ll also be working closely with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and other agencies under the Ministry,” she said.

Nur-ul Afida said the strong reception to the Jelajah HAWANA programme has also encouraged the organisers to expand the outreach further to all levels of educational institutions.

 “Last year, we toured six zones involving 16 public universities. So, this year, we’re focusing on polytechnics to ensure inclusivity, and we’re grateful to have brought together around 600 students from four polytechnics and one community college today,” she remarked.

The HAWANA polytechnic tour began today at PSA and is expected to wrap up in Johor.

The inclusion of polytechnics and community colleges in the current edition reflects a broader push to democratise access to media knowledge and raise awareness about responsible digital engagement among students from diverse academic backgrounds.

-- BERNAMA