KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration should serve as an important platform to strengthen Malaysia’s media landscape towards greater ethics, competitiveness and integrity.
Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak said the programme comes at a crucial time as the media industry faces major challenges in the digital era, including declining public trust in information.
“Our hope is for media practitioners to unite in addressing these challenges, including finding ways to restore public confidence in the role of the media.
“HAWANA can also play a key role in promoting public awareness of the importance of accurate information in today’s digital landscape,” he said when appearing as guest on Bernama TV’s Apa Khabar Malaysia programme today.
He added that HAWANA 2026 is not merely an annual event, but a strategic platform that brings together media practitioners to strengthen collaboration, enhance knowledge-sharing and uphold professional standards.
Mohd Shukri said these efforts are vital to ensure the media industry remains relevant, credible and capable of delivering accurate and responsible reporting.
He expressed hope that HAWANA 2026 would further strengthen ties among media practitioners in Malaysia, contributing to a more united and dynamic media community.
“Overall, HAWANA 2026 is expected to unite the media community in delivering credible and responsible reporting that positively impacts society,” he said.
Elaborating, Mohd Shukri, who is also project director of HAWANA 2026, said the main event will gather about 1,000 media practitioners from within and outside the country at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth in Penang on June 20.
Among the side programmes is Riuh@HAWANA, organised by MyCreative Ventures (MyCV), which will run for three days from June 19 at the convention centre grounds, featuring exhibitions, sales, creative workshops, and food and beverage offerings.
Other activities include the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum on May 7, the HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival on May 9, and the HAWANA Fun Walk at Titiwangsa Lake Gardens on June 14.
Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA serves as the pinnacle platform in recognising the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
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