KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The final preparations for the HAWANA media forum, which is the inaugural programme for all events planned in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026, proceeded smoothly today.
Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said that the programme, which is expected to be a focal point, will be attended by media leaders, journalists, academics, public relations practitioners, as well as lecturers and students from public and private universities.
"Tomorrow is the day we have been eagerly waiting for as the kickoff for all the programmes planned in conjunction with this year's HAWANA celebration.
"Alhamdulillah, the preparations we arranged today went smoothly, everything is ready, and I hope the inauguration ceremony tomorrow by the Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching will go smoothly and perfectly," she said while inspecting the rehearsal for the HAWANA 2026 media forum here today.
Nur-ul Afida said the forum will feature three interesting sessions, with the first session discussing issues related to the media industry during a crisis period, such as the current situation following the West Asia conflict.
The same goes for the second and third sessions, which will touch on how journalists navigate their journey in the media industry and how they must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies in their daily tasks.
"All the topics we have arranged are interconnected, and I am sure can help media practitioners in the current industry," she said.
The summit of HAWANA 2026, which is scheduled to be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, will be held at the PICCA Convention Centre in Penang on June 20.
In addition to the forum, HAWANA, organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, also features various events, including a Pantun Festival (poetry festival), Fun Walk, exhibitions and a sports carnival.
-- BERNAMA
