Latest news with #Hawana2025


The Star
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Setting up of MMC marks historic milestone
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysian Media Council (MMC) marks a historic milestone, fulfilling a 50-year vision first proposed by Tun Abdul Razak Hussein, which stakeholders have hailed as a turning point for media self-regulation. Its founding board member Datuk Sardahthisa James said the establishment represented a paradigm shift in media governance, enabling industry players to set their ethical standards and best practices while fostering constructive collaboration with the government. 'It does not mean that the government is abdicating its role in regulating the media, as it will always be needed to navigate an environment that considers certain matters sensitive. 'What the MMC does is provide an opportunity for the media to be constructive and work with the government on what these good practices should constitute,' the Daily Express editor-in-chief told Bernama yesterday. The MMC Act took effect on Saturday, with Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announcing the council's 12-member founding board at the Hawana 2025 celebration. James noted that while the late Abdul Razak's original vision for the MMC focused on guiding media operations, he could not have anticipated the way digital media and generative AI would revolutionise information, helping people make informed decisions. 'The MMC must now develop strategies to navigate these challenges and propose solutions that serve the Malaysian media while meeting public expectations,' he said. He added that the council's immediate challenge lies in addressing the impact of emerging technologies, including digital media and generative AI, on information dissemination while developing acceptable guidelines for Malaysian media practitioners. James, who is also part of the Bernama board of governors, highlighted the council's inclusive nature, noting significant representation from Sabah and Sarawak media, particularly from Sabah, in line with the spirit of equal partnership enshrined in the Malaysia Agreement, which determines journalistic standards. Utusan Borneo Sabah editor-in-chief Datuk Lichong Angkui expressed hope that the council would not only serve as a regulatory body but, more importantly, as a strong, independent and inclusive protector in preserving the integrity and freedom of the media. Tawau Journalists and Media Practitioners Association deputy chairman Tamrin Jamil said the council's establishment is timely to safeguard the local media industry amid rapid technological advancements.


The Star
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
RTM's Hawana booth builds connection with deaf community
Hands on: Lee demonstrating her sign language skills at RTM's booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival, Sunway Putra Mall. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: The RTM booth at the Hawana 2025 Carnival offers an interactive sign language learning session, providing visitors with an opportunity to better understand and connect with Malaysia's deaf community. RTM sign language interpreter Tan Lee Bee said the initiative not only provides visitors with an opportunity to learn sign language, but also exposes them to the unique culture of the deaf community. 'The public can come and learn sign language. For anyone or broadcasting station with interest, they can start by taking a basic course, followed by training and interacting with the deaf community to better understand their communication culture. 'Over time, they will become more skilled and have the potential to become sign language interpreters like me,' she said when met at Sunway Putra Mall here yesterday, Bernama reported. Lee said mastering sign language is not just about memorising hand gestures, but rather requires a deep understanding of the facial expressions, body language and communication culture of the deaf, which differs from the general public. 'To be a good interpreter, one has to be close and familiar with the deaf community. From there, we can understand how they communicate more accurately and convey the true meaning through signs. 'Maybe one day, we can broadcast news delivered by deaf individuals themselves using sign language. Who knows, the time will come for TV stations to feature news presenters from this community,' she said. The Hawana 2025 Carnival, taking place for three days since Friday, is part of this year's National Journalists Day (Hawana) celebration, which was held at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre. The Hawana 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with Bernama as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development.


New Straits Times
15-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Hawana 2025 Carnival gives public a taste of journalism
KUALA LUMPUR: The final day of the Hawana 2025 Carnival at Sunway Putra Mall ended on a lively note, as visitors took the opportunity to learn more about journalism. One of them, Nurimshah Muhammad Yaseen, 20, said her interest in the field, particularly in becoming a news presenter, inspired her to attend the three-day carnival. "So far, I have only seen journalists on television, but this time I got the chance to experience what it's like to report on an actual incident, the Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) bus accident incident, at the Bernama Radio and Media Prima booths," she told Bernama. She said that she also had the chance to audition for an acting role at the RTM booth, describing the experience as meaningful and unforgettable. Having recently completed her diploma in software, Nurimshah expressed hope that programmes like this would continue to be organised annually, as they help bring the public closer to the real world of journalism and media. Another visitor, Ismail Mohd Azlan, 49, said the carnival provided the best opportunity for the public to get to know the role of the media. "Usually, we only see artiste performances at shopping malls, but this time, we saw mini news and radio studios brought here. It provided exposure and thus attracted the public's interest in journalism. "Carnivals like this are good for bringing the public closer to journalists. Visitors can also ask directly about how to channel complaints to journalists about local issues and problems," he said. Ismail, who is a technician, said that the visit to the Selangor Media booth also opened his eyes to the existence of newspapers under the Selangor government. He said such a carnival should continue so that the public can obtain information directly from media agencies about the products and services offered. The Hawana 2025 Carnival, being held for three days since Friday, is part of this year's National Journalist Day (Hawana) celebration, with the culminating ceremony held yesterday and officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre (WTCKL). The Hawana 2025 celebration, organised by the Communications Ministry with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, aims to recognise the role and contribution of media practitioners in the country's development. – BERNAMA


The Star
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Rozaid posthumously honoured at Hawana 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: The late Rozaid Abdul Rahman was posthumously honoured at the National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025. Rozaid, who served as the media and strategic communications director for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, was the recipient of the Hawana 2025 Special Award. His eldest son, Roz Ariffin, 34, accepted the award from Anwar at the Hawana 2025 gathering in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Rozaid, who previously held the position of group consulting editor at The Star, passed away from a heart attack on Aug 18 last year. During his illustrious career, Rozaid also served as the group editor of Sinar Harian. Born on Oct 1, 1964, in Nibong Tebal, Penang, Rozaid began his career as a cadet journalist at Utusan Melayu in 1984 and became the youngest news editor of the Utusan Group at 27. Malaysian Press Institute president Datuk Yong Soo Heong received the Hawana 2025 Award. He previously served as Bernama's editor-in-chief. With over five decades of experience in the media industry, Yong began his journalism career at The Star and The Straits Echo.


The Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
All for media digitalisation
KUALA LUMPUR: As media organisations embark on digital transformation, the government is stepping in with support through a RM30mil fund to aid them in such efforts. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement yesterday in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana) 2025. 'We want to ensure the journalism world is not left behind in adopting artificial intelligence while also maintaining a balance between AI and ethics,' he said during his speech at Hawana 2025 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur yesterday. 'The government has agreed to allocate RM30mil for journalists. This is the largest allocation the government has provided for journalists since Merdeka,' he said, adding that the fund would be used for training. He said the journalism fraternity must strike a balance between the development of technology and journalistic ethics. Press freedom must be defended as it is one of the pillars of democracy, he said. Citing American philosopher Noam Chomsky, he said there are some challenges in the form of manufacturing consent, whereby the tools of power are used to create a narrative. 'Journalists and media leaders have to ensure that while we reject manufacturing consent, we must also reject manufacturing dissent,' he said. He said that as much as one would not want the 'tyranny of the majority' where power is used to oppress, the tyranny of the minority which divides the country is also not wanted. Anwar also acknowledged some of the criticisms he has received, adding that some of his government's measures may not be seen as popular. This includes the push for higher wages in the government and corporate sector. However, he remains firm in his commitment to weed out corruption and steering reforms, although it may take some time. 'I will do my job regardless of whether I have the general support or not,' he said. Anwar emphasised that his intention is not to incarcerate people but to recoup money squandered through corruption and use it for the betterment of the people. He highlighted that in a tradition where corruption was endemic and systemic, his government has initiated reforms, including proper tender and award of projects and enacting new legislation such as the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act. 'It sounds simple, to most of you, but it is not easy. Many are not comfortable. Those who are used to the old ways,' he added. 'When we have taken action against those corrupt leaders, past or present leaders, businessmen, corporate leaders who have squandered billions of ringgit, I have not seen that sort of anger and support that we should have. But it does not matter,' he said. At a press conference later, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the RM30mil fund is meant to help media organisations navigate the changing journalism landscape. He said the changes included the shift of the interests of news audiences and emergence of technologies. Also present were Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng and chief news editor Mazwin Nik Anis.