KUALA LUMPUR – Over 1,000 media professionals from local and international organisations are expected to gather at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL) today for the highlight of the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana 2025) celebration.
The prestigious event, taking place at Dewan Merdeka, will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at around 12 noon.
Also expected to attend are Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching.
Other dignitaries include Communications Minister Chief Secretary Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also serves as the Project Director for Hawana 2025.
The event will feature participation from several international media agencies such as Al Jazeera, China Central Television (CCTV), Jiji Press, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Vietnam News Agency (VNA), The Jakarta Post, and MediaCorp.
Organised by the Ministry of Communications and implemented by Bernama, the gathering – themed “New Era Journalism: Balancing AI and Ethics” – marks the largest congregation of Malaysian media practitioners.
The Prime Minister is also scheduled to present the Hawana 2025 Special Award and the Hawana 2025 Award to notable journalists in recognition of their contributions to national journalism.
In a gesture of appreciation, Anwar will hand over contributions from the Tabung Kasih@Hawana fund to three veteran journalists suffering from health conditions, symbolising the nation’s concern for the welfare of its media community.
He will also award prizes to winners of the Hawana-DBP 2025 Pantun Festival, held on 31 May, where recipients will receive RM3,000 in cash, a trophy, and a certificate of appreciation.
The event serves as the culmination of Hawana 2025, which began on 13 June and concludes tomorrow. It features a range of activities aimed at media professionals and industry stakeholders.
Other programmes include traditional games under the media sports category, and a roadshow to premier polytechnics in Selangor, Perak, and Johor – part of an initiative to inspire young Malaysians to explore journalism and media.
In line with the celebration’s theme, a mini documentary produced by Bernama TV using artificial intelligence (AI) will also be screened during the finale.
Prior to the main event, the Hawana 2025 Forum will be held at Dewan Tun Hussein Onn at 9am, exploring the topic “Malaysian Media Council: Regulator or Media Protector?” This will be followed by a technology-sharing session titled “AI & Media: Tool, Threat or Opportunity?”
Jointly hosted by Bernama and the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), the forum provides a crucial platform for the Malaysian Media Council’s Protem Committee to share insights on the industry’s future following the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 in Parliament.
Elsewhere, the Hawana 2025 Carnival continues at the concourse of Sunway Putra Mall. Now in its second day, it offers various engaging activities such as casual talks, quizzes, performances, meet-and-greets, creative workshops, and forums on photography, podcasting, writing, and media literacy.
In the media interactive zone, visitors can experience live broadcasting through showcases by Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Media Prima Berhad, Astro, and TV AlHijrah.
Other attractions include live studio broadcasts by Bernama TV, the interactive game “Breaking News” by Bernama Radio, and the Safe Internet Campaign (KIS) exhibition, organised by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
National Journalists’ Day is observed on 29 May each year, commemorating the publication of the first Utusan Melayu edition in 1939, and honours the contributions of media professionals and veteran journalists in shaping the nation’s development.
Hawana 2025 is supported by nearly 100 strategic partners. – June 14, 2025