KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- A total of 438 staff members and retirees of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) were honoured at the Bernama Appreciation Ceremony today in recognition of their dedication and outstanding service to the organisation.
Of the total, 15 were retirees, 91 received Long Service Awards, while another 332 were staff members from 20 subcommittees involved in organising the 2026 National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), which was entrusted to Bernama by the Communications Ministry.
Bernama Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the ceremony was not merely an annual event or an occasion to present certificates of appreciation, but also a recognition of the loyalty, dedication, sacrifice and high commitment of the national news agency’s staff.
“Every contribution, idea, effort and sacrifice by all of you has helped build Bernama to where it is today,” she said in her speech at the ceremony at Wisma Bernama here.
Also present were Bernama Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, Bernama Deputy Editor-in-Chief of News Services Mohd Shukri Ishak and the agency’s top management.
Also in attendance were former Bernama CEO Datuk Roslan Ariffin, who is also a former director of the Tun Abdul Razak Institute of Broadcasting and Information (IPPTAR), and former Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Bernama Economic News Services Azlina Aziz.
Nur-ul Afida said long years of service were not merely a number, but represented loyalty to the organisation, perseverance in carrying out responsibilities and the willingness to adapt to various changes.
She said Bernama staff had experienced significant changes in the media landscape, from the use of typewriters to computers, printed news to digital news, and conventional broadcasting to social media platforms and now the era of artificial intelligence (AI).
“Experience gained while serving Bernama is an extremely valuable and irreplaceable asset. This knowledge and experience must be shared and serve as a guide for the younger generation of employees,” she said.
She also hoped that experienced staff would continue to serve as mentors, guides and sources of inspiration to Bernama’s younger generation, while the younger staff should strive to acquire the knowledge, experience and work values built by previous generations.
Meanwhile, Nur-ul Afida expressed pride in Bernama’s continued achievements, having won more than 60 awards as of June this year, including at the Malaysian Journalism Night organised by the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
“As of June this year, we have received more than 60 awards, in addition to recognition that has established Bernama as a national media organisation that produces the highest volume of news.
“I see this as a major achievement, especially as most of the recipients are young journalists. This demonstrates their strong drive for excellence, which is evident in their ability to win prestigious awards,” she said.
-- BERNAMA