Serdang: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) was honored with the Highest Media Coverage category, the premier accolade at Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) Media Awards 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this award celebrates Bernama's persistent efforts in spotlighting UPM's expertise, knowledge dissemination, and research activities, as demonstrated by the substantial number of media mentions. The award was presented by UPM Vice-Chancellor Datuk Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah to Bernama Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin during the UPM Media Engagement 2026 ceremony.

As recipients of the top award, Bernama was granted RM1,500 in cash, a plaque, and a certificate of appreciation. In addition, Bernama triumphed in the Highest Online Portal Coverage category, recognizing its contribution to enhancing UPM's digital presence, and received RM500 in cash, a plaque, and a certificate.

Other notable placements included Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and Malaysia Gazette, securing second and third positions, respectively, and each receiving a certificate of appreciation. Bernama Radio also achieved success by finishing second in the Highest Radio Coverage category, with BFM Radio taking first place and Nasional FM securing third.

The first-place winner in the radio category received RM500, a plaque, and a certificate, while the second and third-place winners were awarded certificates of appreciation. Bernama TV's talk show, Apa Khabar Malaysia, was recognized with a Special Recognition Award for Talk Shows, for consistently featuring UPM experts and elevating the university's visibility, alongside Malaysia Hari Ini (TV3), Selamat Pagi Malaysia (RTM), and Awani Pagi (Astro Awani).

Nur-ul Afida expressed that winning the Top Media Coverage Award is a significant acknowledgment of the agency's dedication to sharing knowledge and expertise from higher education institutions. She noted that this achievement underscores the collective effort of the Bernama team in providing high-quality news and coverage, especially in education and university expertise.

"This is Bernama's biggest achievement in the first quarter of 2026, and I want to congratulate the entire team. Without their dedication, winning this top award wouldn't have been possible," she stated post-ceremony. Nur-ul Afida also mentioned Bernama's plans to continue its collaboration with UPM and other higher education institutions through platforms like 'Tinta Minda' and 'Thoughts', enabling academics to share insights and research.

Representatives from Bernama included Bernama TV Assistant Producer Mohamad Zikirullah Zolkefli, Senior Manager of Bernama Radio and acting Head of Radio Endok Baleana Bachok, and Bernama.com Assistant Content Editor Amrizan Madian.