Kuala Lumpur: The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration, aimed at recognising the role and contributions of media practitioners in the country's development, will commence tomorrow at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the event is organised by the Communications Ministry, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) serving as the implementing agency. This fifth edition, which will run until Sunday, is themed "Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics." The celebration will begin with the HAWANA 2025 Carnival at Sunway Putra Mall, featuring 20 exhibition booths from prominent media outlets and private companies, with Communications Ministry deputy secretary-general (Telecommunications Infrastructure) Mano Verabathran officiating at the opening ceremony.
Several private companies, including UDA Holdings Bhd and travel company SelamatBercuti.com, are participating in the carnival, which aims to attract 5,000 visitors. The HAWANA 2025 Media Forum will take place on Saturday, discussing the topic 'Malaysian Media Council: Regulator or Media Protector?' and a session on 'AI and Media: Tool, Threat or Opportunity?' The forum is co-organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) and will feature the Protem Committee of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC).
On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will inaugurate the celebration at the Dewan Merdeka WTCKL. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and other notable figures are expected to attend. The Prime Minister will present the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA contributions to veteran journalists in need of assistance and award prizes to winners of the Pesta Pantun HAWANA-Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.
The HAWANA 2025 celebration will include the presentation of the HAWANA 2025 Award and HAWANA 2025 Special Award to individuals who have made significant contributions to journalism and public discourse. Performances by local singers Dayang Nurfaizah and Anuar Zain will also be featured. The celebration continues throughout the year with media sports events and tours to premier polytechnics.
Nearly 100 strategic partners have sponsored HAWANA 2025, an increase from 44 last year, highlighting its growing significance. May 29 was declared National Journalists' Day to commemorate the first edition of the "Utusan Melayu" newspaper in 1939. Promotional banners for HAWANA 2025 have been installed along major highways and roads, further enhancing the event's visibility.