Over 1,000 Media Practitioners Converge in Kuching
KUCHING: Approximately 1,000 local and international media practitioners have begun gathering in Kuching to celebrate the 2024 National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), commencing tomorrow. This significant event brings together editors, journalists, photographers, cameramen, and behind-the-scenes professionals, as well as representatives from various media associations worldwide.
International Media Representation
The largest assembly of the Malaysian media fraternity will include participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Brunei, the Philippines, Timor Leste, Vietnam, China, Korea, and Qatar. The event promises to be a melting pot of ideas and networking opportunities for media professionals from diverse backgrounds.
Programmes and Activities
‘Jelajah HAWANA 2024 Bersama Siswa’
The festivities will begin with the ‘Jelajah HAWANA 2024 Bersama Siswa’ programme at the Sarawak State Library, featuring an address by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. This programme, targeting students in Communications and Media Studies, will travel to selected Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) across several states until October. It will feature knowledge-sharing sessions on topics like ‘Fact-Check’ with MyCheck Malaysia and BERNAMA Data Journalism Unit editor Sakina Mohamed, and Mobile Journalism (MoJO) by BERNAMA’s Digital Media Desk senior journalist Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman.
HAWANA 2024 Exhibition
Another highlight is the HAWANA 2024 Exhibition at the Main Atrium of the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Centre, running for three days starting tomorrow. The exhibition will feature 17 agencies showcasing their services and historical media equipment, and will be open from 10 am to 5 pm daily. Participating agencies include BERNAMA, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), TVS, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), FINAS, the Department of Information (Japen), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), and the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA).
Sarawak Media Conference 2024
The 2024 Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) themed ‘Evolution of Media in the Digital Era’ will take place over two days starting May 26, with around 600 participants including local and international speakers. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will inaugurate the conference, which will delve into the transformations within the media industry in the digital age.
Cultural and Networking Activities
HAWANA 2024 participants will have the opportunity to explore Sarawak’s unique culture and developments through the ‘Juh Raon’ programme. This includes visits to iconic locations such as the Borneo Cultural Museum, Darul Hana Bridge, and Dataran Ibu Pertiwi, followed by a high-tea and networking session at the English Tea House & Restaurant.
Dinner Reception
Participants will also attend a dinner reception with the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, on Sunday, May 26.
Prime Minister’s Address and Awards
The highlight of HAWANA 2024 will be the address by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Monday, who will inaugurate the celebration. The Prime Minister will present the Tokoh HAWANA Award, while seven media practitioners from Sarawak will be honored with the Sarawak Premier’s Special Award.
HAWANA 2024 Theme
This year’s theme, ‘Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mampan’ (Ethics as the Core of Sustainable Journalism), underscores the importance of ethical journalism in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. HAWANA 2024 is organized by the Ministry of Communications in collaboration with the Sarawak government, with Bernama as the implementing agency.