The National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration in Penang this June is expected to attract approximately 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and abroad, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said.
The event’s highlight will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the PICCA Convention Centre at Arena Butterworth on 20 June.
Fahmi said the celebration will strengthen HAWANA’s position as a key platform for fostering strategic cooperation within the media industry at national and ASEAN levels.
“I will also invite communications ministers and information department representatives from ASEAN countries, international media representatives based in Malaysia, local media practitioners as well as industry veterans to attend this year’s celebration,” he said here today.
He told reporters after presenting contributions from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA to Radio Televisyen Malaysia assistant engineer Razif Saidin. Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah and Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin were also present.
Fahmi said this year’s HAWANA will feature a range of programmes beneficial to media practitioners beyond lively attendance.
He said a key focus is providing space for working journalists to strengthen ties among themselves and gather insights from industry veterans.
The celebration serves not only as a platform to appreciate media practitioners but also as a strategic space to empower the industry in facing challenges including misinformation spread, shifting media consumption patterns and new technology adaptation.
“It is not just about job opportunities, but job security for our colleagues in the media industry will be my priority moving forward,” he said.
HAWANA is celebrated on 29 May each year in conjunction with the publication of the first edition of Utusan Melayu on 29 May 1939, recognising media practitioners’ contributions to national development.
Organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, HAWANA serves as the pinnacle platform for recognising the contributions, dedication and professionalism of media practitioners in Malaysia.
Source: Bernama
