Latest news with #NationalJournalismLaureate
Barnama
5 days ago
- General
- Barnama
Services Of Professional Journalists Essential To Face New Media Landscape
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) – The services of professional journalists is still essential in facing the challenges of a media landscape now dominated by influencers, content creators, and citizen journalists. This is crucial for disseminating authentic and high-quality news content and reports to the public. National Journalism Laureate Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), said that the credibility and integrity of trully professional journalists are highly sought after in an era where everyone has unlimited access to news sources. "Not everyone can be a journalist. Citizen journalists, for example, can be contributors, but not actual journalists, because an actual journalist needs to be systematically trained, starting from the newsroom. It's not just about having a diploma or a degree. "The journalism profession requires knowledge of regulations, laws, constant awareness of societal sensitivities, and every report produced must be of high quality with sufficient sources and a fact-checking system because we are responsible for all the writings produced," he said during an interview with Bernama Radio today. Wong, 64, who has over 40 years of experience in the world of journalism, was announced as the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards 2024 last Friday. The award, which saw Wong etch his name alongside 13 other prominent journalism icons who have received the same recognition, was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. Touching on his journalism career, which he embarked on in 1984, Wong described it not merely as a job but as a significant trust and responsibility as a chronicler of the nation's history. "This field doesn't offer the highest salaries or fixed working hours, but it's the most meaningful career. We get to witness history unfold before our eyes, and it makes this career addictive; we are constantly 'news junkies' eager to disseminate information to the public," he said.
The Sun
5 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai: Journalists vital in digital era
KUALA LUMPUR: The services of professional journalists is still essential in facing the challenges of a media landscape now dominated by influencers, content creators, and citizen journalists. This is crucial for disseminating authentic and high-quality news content and reports to the public. National Journalism Laureate Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who is also the Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), said that the credibility and integrity of trully professional journalists are highly sought after in an era where everyone has unlimited access to news sources. 'Not everyone can be a journalist. Citizen journalists, for example, can be contributors, but not actual journalists, because an actual journalist needs to be systematically trained, starting from the newsroom. It's not just about having a diploma or a degree. 'The journalism profession requires knowledge of regulations, laws, constant awareness of societal sensitivities, and every report produced must be of high quality with sufficient sources and a fact-checking system because we are responsible for all the writings produced,' he said during an interview with Bernama Radio today. Wong, 64, who has over 40 years of experience in the world of journalism, was announced as the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards 2024 last Friday. The award, which saw Wong etch his name alongside 13 other prominent journalism icons who have received the same recognition, was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. Touching on his journalism career, which he embarked on in 1984, Wong described it not merely as a job but as a significant trust and responsibility as a chronicler of the nation's history. 'This field doesn't offer the highest salaries or fixed working hours, but it's the most meaningful career. We get to witness history unfold before our eyes, and it makes this career addictive; we are constantly 'news junkies' eager to disseminate information to the public,' he said. The veteran figure also advised the current generation of young journalists to continuously add value to their personal quality and news writing, urging them not to merely process media statements and attend press conferences. 'You need to improve, always be dedicated, write analyses, and commentaries to upgrade yourselves. At the same time, always adhere to principles, have integrity, always continue to improve yourself,' he said. During the interview session, Wong also expressed his gratitude to Bernama following the recognition he received as the National Journalism Laureate. 'This recognition is the highest level, the pinnacle of my career... and it is certainly the highest honour for me to be here as Chairman of Bernama. There are many newspapers, many news and media companies, but there is only one Bernama,' he said.
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Bernama boss is named nation's top journo
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Wong holding the award. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held last night. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt 'small and humbled' to be among these luminaries. Advertisement The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular 'On The Beat' column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey,' he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Melayu by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. 'My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally. 'Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing,' he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that 'we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society.' 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
Decades of dedication: Wong (centre) and Roz Ariffin (left), representing his late father Rozaid Abdul Rahman, with Zambry during the MPI-PETRONAS Malaysian Journalism Awards 2024 in Kuala Lumpur. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has been accorded the country's highest media award as a National Journalism Laureate. The Bernama chairman has thus joined a handful of veteran journalists who have been given the honour. Wong, 64, was announced as a recipient at the Malaysian Press Institute 2024 awards here last night. The Star columnist with over 40 years experience joined the newspaper as a junior reporter at its Penang office in 1984 after graduating from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. 'The Star remained my only employer until 2023 but I have continued writing for the newspaper every Sunday,' he said. Wong had also served Star Media Group as its group chief editor and chief executive officer. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir. Wong is the 14th journalist to be chosen for the award. The first was the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu and New Straits Times in 1988. This was followed by the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee (1992) of New Straits Times and writer cum activist, the late Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notables included Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Khalidah Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Mydin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong has delivered numerous exclusives for The Star including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking, ex-US president Bill Clinton and former Indonesian president Joko Widodo, among others. More recently, he interviewed former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Bangkok. In 2003, Wong won the MPI best feature award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorism training in Afghanistan. His other accolades included being the first Malaysian to be elected into the Paris-based World Editors Award as well as being a chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. 'My advice to fellow journalists is to never stop writing. 'I wish to commend my fellow veterans Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, June Wong, Veera Pandiyan, N. Dorairaj, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang, who still write, whether regularly or occasionally.' He has also used digital platforms including Instagram, X and YouTube to express his views. Wong said he was a firm advocate of trained journalists, saying 'we have gone through years of learning, understanding the legal limits and even sensitivities in multiracial Malaysia'. 'More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish,' he said. He said social media has 'allowed everyone to be a so-called journalist but it has also led to unverified and fake news as well as hate content passed off as news'. On his most memorable experience as a reporter, he said: 'To be in Aceh, Indonesia, in 2004 after the tsunami tragically hit the place claiming 200,000 lives.' Wong said it was heart-wrenching to see the tragedy and to understand 'what the massive nauseating smell of death was like'. He also recalled going into Kampung Simunul in Semporna, Sabah, in 2013 shortly after armed Filipino intruders had killed several Malaysian policemen. He recalled walking into the deserted village to find 'fresh human tissues and blood still on the ground'. Wong said journalists had tough jobs but also had ringside seats to watch history unfold. 'It's the best job around – that's my advice to young people.' He is also the author of Penang's History, My Story, which was published by The Star in 2014. Wong dedicated his award to all Malaysian journalists for their contributions as witnesses to the nation's history.
New Straits Times
20-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Bernama chairman Wong Chun Wai named National Journalism Laureate
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai was named the National Journalism Laureate at the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI)-Petronas Journalism Awards ceremony held last night. Wong, 64, brings over four decades of journalistic experience, having begun his career as a junior reporter at The Star in Penang in 1984. He then climbed the ladder to serve in various positions at its headquarters in Petaling Jaya. Wong is the 14th recipient of the prestigious award, joining the ranks of past luminaries, including the first recipient, the late Tan Sri Abdul Samad Ismail of Utusan Melayu (1988), the late Tan Sri Lee Siew Yee of the New Straits Times (1992), and Datuk Ishak Muhammad or Pak Sako (1995). Other notable past recipients include Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Kadir Jasin, Adibah Amin, the late Datuk Ahmad Rejal Arbee, the late Tan Sri Zainuddin Maidin and Datuk CC Liew. Wong said he felt "small and humbled" to be among these luminaries. The award was presented by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. Apart from journalism, Wong has also held corporate leadership roles, serving as group chief editor, managing director, and chief executive officer of Star Media Group (SMG). In 2023, he was appointed Bernama chairman. He had earlier served as a member of its Board of Governors (2004–2010) and as a member of its Supervisory Council (2010–2014). He continues to write analysis pieces for Bernama. Wong remains a columnist for The Sunday Star, where his popular "On The Beat" column has run since 1997, despite no longer being with SMG. Over the years, Wong has delivered numerous exclusives, including interviews with the late physicist Stephen Hawking and former US President Bill Clinton. In 2003, he won the MPI Best Feature Award for his investigative piece on Malaysians undergoing terrorist training in Afghanistan. He was also the first Malaysian elected into the Paris-based World Editors Forum and served as Chairman of the Asia News Network with over 21 media affiliates. "This is an honour for me and certainly the pinnacle of my journalism journey," he said. He advised journalists to go beyond standard news writing by dabbling in news analysis and commentaries. Wong is also the author of 'Penang's History, My Story', published in 2014 by The Star, and translated into Bahasa Melayu by Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has served as an adjunct professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, his alma mater. "My advice to fellow journalists is never to stop writing. "I wish to commend my fellow veterans like Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar, Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, Datuk Kadir Jasin and Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang who still write, whether regularly or occasionally. "Old journalists should never fade away, but continue writing," he added. The veteran journalist has also embraced digital platforms such as Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube to share his views. Wong said he strongly advocates for the engagement of professionally trained journalists, emphasising that "we have undergone years of training, and are better equipped to understand legal boundaries and the sensitivities of Malaysia's multi-racial society." "More importantly, the established media is accurate and we take responsibility for what we publish," he said. Wong dedicated the award to all journalists, particularly veterans and seniors, for their tireless service to the profession. -- Bernama
