Kuala lumpur: A total of 438 staff members and retirees of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were honoured at the Bernama Appreciation Ceremony today, acknowledging their dedication and service to the organization.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, 15 were retirees, 91 received Long Service Awards, and another 332 were staff members from 20 subcommittees involved in organizing the 2026 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA), which was entrusted to Bernama by the Communications Ministry. Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin emphasized that the ceremony was not just an annual event but a recognition of the loyalty and commitment of Bernama's staff.
'Every contribution, idea, effort, and sacrifice by all of you has helped build Bernama to where it is today,' Nur-ul Afida stated in her speech at Wisma Bernama. Present at the event were Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services Mohd Shukri Ishak, and the agency's top management. Former Bernama CEO Datuk Roslan Ariffin and former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Bernama Economic News Services Azlina Aziz were also in attendance.
Nur-ul Afida highlighted that long years of service were more than just numbers but signified loyalty, perseverance, and adaptability to changes. Bernama staff have witnessed transitions in the media landscape, from typewriters to computers, and from print to digital news, adapting to social media platforms and the era of artificial intelligence.
She underscored that the experience gained is invaluable and should serve as a guide for the younger generation. She encouraged experienced staff to mentor younger employees, while urging the latter to acquire the knowledge and work values of their predecessors.
Nur-ul Afida also expressed pride in Bernama's achievements, having won more than 60 awards by June this year, including at the Malaysian Journalism Night organized by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI). 'I see this as a major achievement, especially as most of the recipients are young journalists. This demonstrates their strong drive for excellence, evident in their ability to win prestigious awards,' she concluded.