Kuala Lumpur: The National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025's main event is set to take place on June 14 at the prestigious World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), as announced by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. The event is expected to attract approximately 1,000 media practitioners from both local and international organizations and will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida emphasized the strategic location of Kuala Lumpur as the capital, which facilitates the attendance of a larger number of media outlets compared to previous editions held in different states. Additionally, media representatives from ASEAN countries have been invited to participate, coinciding with Malaysia's role as the ASEAN chair this year.
Key figures such as Bernama Editor-in-Chief and HAWANA 2025 Project Director Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service) Azlina Aziz were present at the HAWANA 2025 Coordination Meeting held at Wisma Bernama. The meeting also saw virtual attendance from top management of local media organizations like Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), Astro Awani, Malaysia Gazette, Media Prima, Sarawak Tribune, and Kupi-Kupi FM.
Nur-ul Afida outlined a series of events planned for HAWANA, organized by the Ministry of Communications through Bernama as the implementing agency. These include a pre-launch ceremony with strategic partners on June 3 at Wisma Bernama, a media forum co-organized with the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) on June 14, and a 'pantun' recital event in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) on May 31.
Further activities include a HAWANA carnival and exhibition at Sunway Putra Mall on June 13 and 14, featuring a media sports carnival with traditional sports, and roadshow visits to premier polytechnics in Selangor, Perak, and Johor. As HAWANA's implementing agency for the fifth time, Bernama aims to mobilize resources from various departments to ensure the event's success, reinforcing its commitment to recognizing the contributions of journalists and media practitioners in Malaysia.
Initiated in 2018, HAWANA is an annual event dedicated to gathering media professionals to honor their significant roles and contributions to the nation's development.