KUALA LUMPUR, May 31 (Bernama) -- The HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival has successfully raised awareness on reviving Malay cultural arts, particularly within the field of journalism, says Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.
She said the inaugural competition proved the ability of media practitioners to express current issues through the beauty of the national language while showcasing their creativity.
“I witnessed how the pantun (Malay poetic verses) exchanged were not only amusing but also highlighted current issues in their own unique style.
“It's no easy feat, as composing pantun requires skill and a deep appreciation for the language,” she told Bernama after the event at Wisma Bernama here today.
Also present were Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service) Azlina Aziz, and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Language and Literature Development Department director Abang Haliman Abang Julai.
Commenting further, Nur-ul Afida said the festival was not merely a competition, but a platform to empower the nation’s cultural heritage.
She said Bernama was committed to supporting efforts to strengthen the use of the Malay language in journalism and believed that such culture-based initiatives could bridge connections between the media, language, and society.
“I have discussed with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) and expressed hope that the Pantun Festival can be continued next year as the second edition in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), God willing,” she said.
Meanwhile, Abang Haliman praised the organisation of the pantun festival, which he described as capable of instilling deep awareness among media professionals regarding the importance of language and literature.
“The experience of participating in this pantun festival will certainly help media professionals in other aspects to improve the quality of their journalistic services to the community.
“Support and cooperation from various parties, such as Bernama, are vital for DBP in championing the Malay language in the country,” he said when officiating the HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival.
The HAWANA-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival, themed "Classic Traditional Malay," was held in conjunction with HAWANA 2025, which will take place from June 13 to 15 this year. The highlight event will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL) on June 14.
A total of 32 participants from eight teams, including the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim), Malaysia Gazette, Sinar Harian, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Media Prima Berhad’s News and Current Affairs Unit, and Bernama, competed from as early as 9 am.
The teams from the Islamic Content Department of TV3 and Astro Radio News made it to the finals to compete for the title, with the winners to be announced on June 14.
The champions will take home RM3,000 in cash, while the runners-up will receive RM2,000, with both also receiving trophies and certificates.
-- BERNAMA
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