HAWANA 2026 Ends On High Note, Reinforces Media Integrity And Credibility

By R.Ratcharathan

BUTTERWORTH, June 22 (Bernama) -- The curtain came down on National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 in style at the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre here, marking the successful conclusion of another significant chapter for Malaysia's media industry.

For three days, Penang played host to nearly 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad, including delegates from ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia and Timor-Leste, who gathered to celebrate journalism and strengthen regional cooperation.

Held under the theme ‘Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility’, the main celebration of HAWANA 2026, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Saturday, underscored the nation's appreciation of journalists' role in fostering an informed and responsible society.

At the event, Anwar announced an additional RM1 million allocation for the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA welfare fund, reinforcing support for media practitioners in need. He also reaffirmed the continuation of the Media Innovation Fund to assist local media organisations in accelerating their digital transformation efforts.

The Prime Minister also presented Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contributions to former Media Prima executive producer Noraini @ Talhah Mat Tahir, Makkal Osai journalist Guanalan Sengalaney and former Kwong Wah Yit Poh freelance journalist Ch'ng Lay Wah.

Adding to the occasion, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced Telekom Malaysia as the latest strategic partner of Tabung Kasih@HAWANA, contributing RM500,000 to support the welfare of current and former media practitioners.

Since its introduction in 2023, the fund has benefited 773 media practitioners nationwide, with total assistance amounting to RM2.26 million.

The main celebration was attended by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, State Secretary Datuk Seri Zulkifli Long, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

Present were Bernama chief executive officer and HAWANA 2026 organising committee chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, editor-in-chief and deputy organising chairman Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak, who also served as project director.

In recognition of professional excellence, former Broadcasting director-general Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman was named the recipient of the HAWANA Award this year for his outstanding contributions to broadcasting and journalism.

One of the most poignant moments of the event was the posthumous presentation of the Special HAWANA Award 2026 to the former head of Bernama Radio, Azlan Idris.

The hall fell silent as Anwar presented the award to Azlan's widow, Wan Syahrina Wan Abdul Rahman, Bernama TV's Channel and Content Manager, who appeared visibly emotional as images of her late husband were displayed on the main screen.

Azlan, who passed away on Jan 15 this year at the age of 57, was instrumental in the success of Bernama Radio since its establishment in 2007. He also served with TV3, NTV7 and Channel 9, and played a key role in organising four editions of HAWANA.

The event also celebrated cultural heritage, with TV3 retaining its title in the HAWANA-Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Pantun Festival 2026, while Bernama finished runner-up.

Regional media cooperation was further strengthened during the event through the exchange of a memorandum of understanding between Bernama and Timor-Leste's national news agency, Agência Noticiosa de Timor-Leste (TATOLI).

The exchange of the MoU, signed by Nur-ul Afida and TATOLI president Noémio Mateus Soares Falcão, was formalised by Fahmi and Timor-Leste Secretary of State for Social Communication Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, and witnessed by Anwar.

Beyond the official programme, the three-day RIUH Pi HAWANA Carnival held in conjunction with the celebration, concluded on Sunday night after featuring performances by local acts including Exists, Bunkface, Kugiran Masdo, Sakura Band, Budak Nakal Hujung Simpang and Chelsea Ng.

Organised in collaboration with the Communications Ministry through MyCreative Ventures' RIUH platform, the carnival featured more than 24 local creative brands and 20 food and beverage vendors, alongside a variety of interactive workshops.

HAWANA 2026 also provided a platform for media organisations and industry bodies to discuss key challenges and strengthen professional standards.

Among the programmes held were the Malaysia Media Retreat 2.0 organised by the Malaysian Federation of Media Clubs (GKMM), a dialogue session with the Communications Minister, a town hall organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) titled "2035: Will Journalists Still Exist?", and a dinner hosted by the Malaysian Media Council.

For Penang, hosting HAWANA 2026 was more than a ceremonial role, showcasing the state's infrastructure, logistical capabilities and capacity to host major national events while delivering economic and tourism benefits.

A day before the summit, Penang Governor Tun Ramli Ngah Talib hosted a dinner in honour of media practitioners from across Malaysia and ASEAN, recognising the media's contribution to nation-building.

The event brought together nearly 350 guests, including journalists, editors, senior media executives, veteran media practitioners and state leaders.

HAWANA 2026 also highlighted and proved Bernama's capabilities as the national news agency and lead organiser as they successfully managed the large-scale event using in-house expertise, including the first live television broadcast in HAWANA's history.

The celebration was preceded by several lead-up programmes, including the HAWANA Media Forum on May 7, a meet-and-greet event with strategic partners on June 4, and the HAWANA Fun Walk on June 14.

Organised by the Communications Ministry through Bernama, HAWANA remains the country's premier platform for recognising the dedication, professionalism and vital role of media practitioners in delivering accurate, credible and trustworthy information to the public.

-- BERNAMA