Riuh Pi HAWANA Serves As Platform To Empower Journalism, Creative Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- The Riuh Pi HAWANA Carnival is set to become a significant platform for discussions, storytelling and knowledge-sharing that contribute to the growth of journalism and the creative industries.

MyCreative Ventures acting chief executive officer Zainol Haqim Zainol Rashid said the carnival aligned with the theme of National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026, “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”.

He said the three-day carnival, starting on June 19, will blend creative arts with dialogue sessions and educational workshops, while offering a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.

Activities include workshops on cyanotype printmaking, albumen printing and traditional East Asian stone carving, as well as a marketplace featuring local fashion labels, accessories and creative products.

“Riuh Pi HAWANA provides an important platform to nurture greater appreciation of arts and culture among visitors, especially in Penang, which is well known for its rich cultural heritage,” he said during Bernama Radio’s Fokus 30 Riuh Pi HAWANA programme here today.

Zainol Haqim said the carnival would also help stimulate participation among local creative practitioners through marketplace activities and live performances, while providing opportunities to expand their networks and promote their work.

He said visitors can expect more than 24 local creative brands, 20 food and beverage vendors and 16 stage performances, including appearances by Sakura Band, Kaka, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng.

He also said the carnival is expected to draw 30,000 visitors to PICCA Convention Centre @ Arena Butterworth in Penang, with free entry for all.

Meanwhile, he said MyCreative Ventures has so far held 85 Riuh editions, attracting nearly one million visitors and over 10,000 creative industry players, while preparations are underway for Riuh Merdeka and several marketplace and touring events this year.

HAWANA, the largest gathering of the national media community, provides a key platform for enhancing journalistic professionalism amid an increasingly complex communications environment.

The event, to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20, is expected to gather around 1,000 local and international media practitioners, serving as a strategic platform for fresh ideas and the future direction of journalism.

The Ministry of Communications, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, organises HAWANA as the nation’s flagship platform to celebrate the contributions and professionalism of media practitioners.

-- BERNAMA