Kuala Lumpur: The role and function of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) will continue to be balanced in line with current technological developments, especially the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to remain relevant as the country's leading news agency. Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin stated that this strategic move aligns with the recognition Bernama has received as the Best Media Award (Agency), which has served as an inspiration for the staff to advance further.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the CEO emphasized Bernama's commitment to enhancing equipment and hardware in line with technological advancements. This includes a focus on AI through various training programs and courses, particularly aimed at the TV department. Nur-ul Afida also revealed plans for a mobile application featuring AI elements, developed in collaboration with Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA) for an analytics system and a chatbot for readers.
The mobile application is targeted for launch by the end of this year or by mid-next year at the latest. The development reflects Bernama's proactive steps to integrate AI technology into its operations, ensuring that its journalists maintain journalistic ethics while leveraging new technologies to verify sources and facts.
Yesterday, Bernama was honoured with the Best Media Award (Agency) during the 2025 National Labour Day celebration, presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This award, introduced by the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA), acknowledges the role of media agencies in delivering accurate, fast, and integrity-based information across various platforms.
Bernama has a history of accolades, having previously secured the Malaysian Public University Special Premier Leadership Award as the Most Popular News Broadcasting Agency and the Media Award of the Year 2024 at the Medical Device Authority (MDA) Excellent Service Awards. It also earned the Audio and Digital Media Excellence Award at the 2023/2024 AKPK Collaboration Awards and other recognitions at the 2024 KPKT Media Excellence Awards.
Nur-ul Afida praised Bernama's dedicated and efficient workforce for their ability to adapt to the evolving media landscape. She highlighted the agency's commitment to maintaining journalistic standards, ensuring that factual accuracy and source authenticity remain central to their reporting.
Bernama continues to play a critical role in connecting Malaysians with relevant and integrity-based information, fostering harmony among all parties while appreciating the contributions of its staff, particularly the Editorial Department, for their achievements.