Kuala lumpur: A total of 84 current and former staff of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were honoured at the Bernama Appreciation Ceremony today in recognition of their dedicated service and lasting contributions to the organisation. The event, held at Wisma Bernama, saw 62 employees, who have served between 15 and almost 40 years, receive the Long Service Award. Also celebrated were 22 retirees, as well as deputy editor-in-chief (News Service) Nasriah Darus, who is scheduled to retire on July 21.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, all of them were presented with certificates of appreciation by Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj. In her address, Nur-ul Afida praised the loyalty and commitment of Bernama's employees and retirees, calling it an exceptional achievement that should inspire future generations. She expressed her hopes that they continue to serve with excellence and leave a lasting legacy within the organisation and among their colleagues.
Nur-ul Afida highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity and relevance in the rapidly changing media landscape. She emphasized Bernama's significant roles leading up to ASEAN 2025, including acting as the Host News Agency (HNA) and managing the International Media Centre (IMC) during key ASEAN meetings. This includes providing regional media coverage, handling media registrations, and distributing official information.
Additionally, Bernama is tasked with communicating ASEAN narratives to a global audience and supporting regional policies. Nur-ul Afida noted that the agency is enhancing human capital development and adopting new technologies like artificial intelligence to optimise efficiency and productivity.
The ceremony also honoured Bernama personnel involved in organising the 2025 National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) and winners of the 2024 MPI-Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards (HKM). The agency presented retirement benefits to the family of the late Shahfiee Abu Bakar, a Bernama technical assistant who passed away on July 1 due to complications from diabetes.