JOURNALISM REMAINS A RELEVANT AND ATTRACTIVE PROFESSION FOR TERTIARY STUDENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- Bernama engaged with several journalism students and a seasoned lecturer recently to gain their perspective of the field.

The first to be met was Mohd Erwannizam Osmand, 23, who shared that he used to dislike journalism, due to being influenced by prevalent negative stereotypes surrounding the profession.

Speaking to Bernama, the Kudat, Sabah native revealed that after completing Form Six, his initial plan was to pursue a degree in education, however, he switched to journalism following guidance from one of his school teachers.

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After dedicating more than two years to earning a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication (Honours) majoring in Journalism at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Selangor, Mohd Erwannizam's passion for the field has intensified.

 Currently in his fifth semester, he aspires to embark on a career as a political or sports journalist.

"I was discouraged from a young age by the mistaken belief that journalism is biased, so I was not interested. However, following my teacher's advice, I decided to explore it, and now I've developed a genuine passion for this field," he explained.

"Do not underestimate this profession because mastering it is no simple feat. A journalist possesses unique skills; they can write or speak impeccably, a talent not possessed by everyone," he emphasised.

It was a different story with Maria Madelina Anak Kiri, a 22-year-old journalism student from UiTM Shah Alam, who dreamed of pursuing journalism since childhood.

She recognises the significant role the field has played in honing her ability to write news or articles effectively while also improving her social skills.

"I used to be an introvert. I was always impressed by TV news anchors for their eloquence and presentation skills, and aspired to be like them. People say that anyone can become a journalist but there's a difference in the level of professionalism in terms of delivery and writing," she said.

"If we watch news produced by those with a journalism background, it's more ethical and accurate compared to journalists who fail to fact-check before reporting or sharing," she added.

As for R. Sivavartini, a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (Media Communications) student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), studying journalism has provided her with a broader perspective of the world. 

"I've had a passion for writing since childhood. I feel it's essential to have expertise in the field itself if I am to excel as a good journalist," she remarked.

Nurul Iman Muhammad Dimyati, a lecturer in journalism at UiTM Shah Alam, holds a firm conviction contrary to those who question the relevance of journalism courses in contemporary university settings.

She contends that despite the proliferation of communication channels, the field remains relevant.

She emphasised that while the forms and tools of communication may have changed with technological advancements, the fundamental principles of journalism such as credibility, quality reporting, and journalistic ethics remain paramount.

"Journalism programmes also equip students with skills such as critical thinking, effective writing, and the ability to communicate information clearly, which are all valuable skills in various fields of employment," she stated.

National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024 will be held in Kuching, Sarawak from May 25 to 27, themed “Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mapan”, and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Various programmes are scheduled for HAWANA 2024, including the Sarawak Media Conference 2024 themed ‘Evolution of Media in the Digital Era’. 

Additionally, there is the “Jelajah Siswa” programme covering Sabah, Sarawak, and the Northern, Eastern, Southern and Central zones with the launching ceremony by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on May 24.

HAWANA 2024 is Malaysia's largest gathering of journalists, organised by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Sarawak state government, and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) serving as the event's implementing agency.

May 29 is declared as National Journalists’ Day to commemorate the inaugural publication of the Utusan Melayu newspaper on that date in 1939, celebrating the contributions of industry players who serve as a medium to shape an informed society, fostering cooperation, and driving positive change in the industry.

-- BERNAMA