Latest news with #HAWANA2025Award
Barnama
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Barnama
Veteran Newsman Yong dedicates HAWANA 2025 Award To Journalism Fraternity
KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- HAWANA 2025 Award recipient Datuk Yong Soo Heong has dedicated the recognition to all those involved in journalism. Yong, who is also Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president, said the award is a collective honour for all those who have guided and supported him throughout his career in the nation's media industry, rather than a recognition of his contribution alone. The former editor-in-chief and general manager of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) also expressed hope that the national news agency would continue to uphold the highest standards and become a respected institution not only within Malaysia but globally. 'Bernama must be a respected news organisation, and its personnel must be more dynamic because ultimately, the staff are the backbone of the organisation. 'They need to work even harder to elevate Bernama's reputation. The production of credible and well-crafted stories is vital. We need to learn how to tell compelling stories to attract readers, viewers and listeners. That is what matters,' he said after receiving the award at the HAWANA 2025 highlight celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. The veteran newsman received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Veteran newsman Yong dedicates HAWANA 2025 award to journalism fraternity
KUALA LUMPUR: HAWANA 2025 Award recipient Datuk Yong Soo Heong has dedicated the recognition to all those involved in journalism. Yong, who is also Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president, said the award is a collective honour for all those who have guided and supported him throughout his career in the nation's media industry, rather than a recognition of his contribution alone. The former editor-in-chief and general manager of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) also expressed hope that the national news agency would continue to uphold the highest standards and become a respected institution not only within Malaysia but globally. 'Bernama must be a respected news organisation, and its personnel must be more dynamic because ultimately, the staff are the backbone of the organisation. 'They need to work even harder to elevate Bernama's reputation. The production of credible and well-crafted stories is vital. We need to learn how to tell compelling stories to attract readers, viewers and listeners. That is what matters,' he said after receiving the award at the HAWANA 2025 highlight celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. The veteran newsman received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also HAWANA 2025 project director, and the top management of local media companies. Looking back on his career, Yong recalled serving as a business desk journalist at Bernama in 1991, during which he was specially selected to write an article aimed at stabilising the then-volatile stock market. In 1998, he appeared in a prime-time live interview on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to speak on the implementation of currency control measures on the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). On the RM30 million allocation announced by the Prime Minister for digital transformation initiatives, Yong said the funds could be used by media agencies to upgrade staff skills and strengthen their ability to face evolving industry challenges. 'This is a positive injection (of funds) that can enhance the capabilities of local media agencies through training or advanced equipment to improve news delivery and strengthen operational efficiency,' he said. The HAWANA Award recognises and honours professional journalists, individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions not only in journalism but also in shaping public awareness through their work. The inaugural HAWANA Award was posthumously conferred to the Father of Independence and Malaysia's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in 2018, followed by the Karangkraf Group (2022), renowned cartoonist Datuk Lat (Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid) in 2023 and late veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie, widely known as James Ritchie, in 2024.
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Datuk Yong dedicates HAWANA 2025 award to journalists
KUALA LUMPUR: HAWANA 2025 Award recipient Datuk Yong Soo Heong has dedicated the recognition to all those involved in journalism. Yong, who is also Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president, said the award is a collective honour for all those who have guided and supported him throughout his career in the nation's media industry, rather than a recognition of his contribution alone. The former editor-in-chief and general manager of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) also expressed hope that the national news agency would continue to uphold the highest standards and become a respected institution not only within Malaysia but globally. 'Bernama must be a respected news organisation, and its personnel must be more dynamic because ultimately, the staff are the backbone of the organisation. 'They need to work even harder to elevate Bernama's reputation. The production of credible and well-crafted stories is vital. We need to learn how to tell compelling stories to attract readers, viewers and listeners. That is what matters,' he said after receiving the award at the HAWANA 2025 highlight celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today. The veteran newsman received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, witnessed by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. Also present were Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who is also HAWANA 2025 project director, and the top management of local media companies. Looking back on his career, Yong recalled serving as a business desk journalist at Bernama in 1991, during which he was specially selected to write an article aimed at stabilising the then-volatile stock market. In 1998, he appeared in a prime-time live interview on Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) to speak on the implementation of currency control measures on the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). On the RM30 million allocation announced by the Prime Minister for digital transformation initiatives, Yong said the funds could be used by media agencies to upgrade staff skills and strengthen their ability to face evolving industry challenges. 'This is a positive injection (of funds) that can enhance the capabilities of local media agencies through training or advanced equipment to improve news delivery and strengthen operational efficiency,' he said. The HAWANA Award recognises and honours professional journalists, individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions not only in journalism but also in shaping public awareness through their work. The inaugural HAWANA Award was posthumously conferred to the Father of Independence and Malaysia's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in 2018, followed by the Karangkraf Group (2022), renowned cartoonist Datuk Lat (Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid) in 2023 and late veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie, widely known as James Ritchie, in 2024.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Datuk Yong Soo Heong wins HAWANA 2025 journalism award
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) President Datuk Yong Soo Heong was today honoured with the HAWANA 2025 Award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to journalism, at the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 main celebration held at the World Trade Centre. The award was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and witnessed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil; Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai; its chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also serves as HAWANA 2025 project director. With nearly five decades of experience in the media industry, Yong, 70, began his journalism career with The Star and The Straits Echo, local newspapers in Penang, before joining Bernama on Aug 15, 1974. He held several key positions at Bernama, including editor-in-chief and general manager, and played an instrumental role in developing the agency's editorial style guide to ensure consistent, high-quality reporting. Yong also strengthened Bernama's commercial arm by introducing initiatives to boost revenue and reduce dependence on government funding. This reflected Yong's business acumen, honed through his years of experience in the Economic News Service during his time at the agency. His expertise in business reporting and strong ties with a wide network of corporate leaders proved highly valuable, particularly in attracting more commercial entities to advertise on the news portal, further reinforcing Bernama's relevance and reach. Throughout his career, Yong frequently covered then-Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who now serves as Malaysia's Prime Minister. His in-depth business reporting brought him into close contact with key figures in government economic and business circles, including Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, and the late Tun Daim Zainuddin. Before retiring in October 2014, he led Bernama in supporting Malaysia's hosting of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) Conference in Putrajaya. Yong's contributions continue beyond his present role at MPI, where he has led efforts to strengthen journalistic professionalism in Malaysia. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of The Weekly-Echo, a news portal he founded, and is a regular contributor of opinion pieces to the New Straits Times and Nanyang Siang Pau. Since 2018, the Penang-born veteran journalist has also played an active role as a member of the Pro-Tem Committee for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, an initiative which ultimately led to the enactment of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2024, a milestone nearly 64 years in the making, dating back to the late 1960s. From 2019 until October 2024, Yong served as a member of the Bernama Supervisory Council, an appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Communications Minister. The council plays a vital role in safeguarding the national news agency's editorial independence and legal compliance, ensuring Bernama continues to operate without disruption or legal risk. HAWANA 2025, themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics,' was held over three days starting Friday, and drew around 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners. The HAWANA Award recognises and honours professional journalists, individuals, or organisations that have made significant contributions not only to journalism but also to shaping public discourse through their work. The inaugural HAWANA Award was posthumously presented in 2018 to the Father of Independence and Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Subsequent recipients include Karangkraf Group (2022), renowned cartoonist Datuk Lat (2023), and veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie (2024).
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Yong Soo Heong receives HAWANA 2025 Award for lifetime contribution to journalism
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) President Datuk Yong Soo Heong was today honoured with the HAWANA 2025 Award in recognition of his lifelong contribution to journalism, at the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 main celebration held at the World Trade Centre. The award was presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and witnessed by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil; Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai; its chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; and editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, who also serves as HAWANA 2025 project director. With nearly five decades of experience in the media industry, Yong, 70, began his journalism career with The Star and The Straits Echo, local newspapers in Penang, before joining Bernama on Aug 15, 1974. He held several key positions at Bernama, including editor-in-chief and general manager, and played an instrumental role in developing the agency's editorial style guide to ensure consistent, high-quality reporting. Yong also strengthened Bernama's commercial arm by introducing initiatives to boost revenue and reduce dependence on government funding. This reflected Yong's business acumen, honed through his years of experience in the Economic News Service during his time at the agency. His expertise in business reporting and strong ties with a wide network of corporate leaders proved highly valuable, particularly in attracting more commercial entities to advertise on the news portal, further reinforcing Bernama's relevance and reach. Throughout his career, Yong frequently covered then-Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who now serves as Malaysia's Prime Minister. His in-depth business reporting brought him into close contact with key figures in government economic and business circles, including Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, and the late Tun Daim Zainuddin. Before retiring in October 2014, he led Bernama in supporting Malaysia's hosting of the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) Conference in Putrajaya. Yong's contributions continue beyond his present role at MPI, where he has led efforts to strengthen journalistic professionalism in Malaysia. He currently serves as editor-in-chief of The Weekly-Echo, a news portal he founded, and is a regular contributor of opinion pieces to the New Straits Times and Nanyang Siang Pau. Since 2018, the Penang-born veteran journalist has also played an active role as a member of the Pro-Tem Committee for the establishment of the Malaysian Media Council, an initiative which ultimately led to the enactment of the Malaysian Media Council Act 2024, a milestone nearly 64 years in the making, dating back to the late 1960s. From 2019 until October 2024, Yong served as a member of the Bernama Supervisory Council, an appointment by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the advice of the Communications Minister. The council plays a vital role in safeguarding the national news agency's editorial independence and legal compliance, ensuring Bernama continues to operate without disruption or legal risk. HAWANA 2025, themed 'Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics,' was held over three days starting Friday, and drew around 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners. The HAWANA Award recognises and honours professional journalists, individuals, or organisations that have made significant contributions not only to journalism but also to shaping public discourse through their work. The inaugural HAWANA Award was posthumously presented in 2018 to the Father of Independence and Malaysia's first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj. Subsequent recipients include Karangkraf Group (2022), renowned cartoonist Datuk Lat (2023), and veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie (2024).
