63 BERNAMA STAFF RECEIVE EXCELLENT SERVICE AWARD 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- Sixty-three staff of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) received the 2024 Excellent Service Award (APC) today, in recognition of their outstanding performance and contributions over the past year.

Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said that most of the recipients were first-time awardees, many of whom have served the agency for over a decade.

“We believe the time is right to recognise them and to give a morale booster for them to continue delivering their best. Some recipients are also receiving the award for the second or third time,” she said after the ceremony, held at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri Media City here.

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The event was graced by Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and also attended by Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching and the ministry’s secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.

Nur-ul Afida said that with nearly 1,000 staff across Bernama, it was impossible for the agency to give such recognition to all its staff at once, but it is hoped that the awards would inspire others to pursue excellence.

Looking ahead, she highlighted Bernama’s commitment to embracing the latest technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), especially within its broadcasting operations.

“We’re currently training our in-house talents to become skilled AI-driven writers and content producers,” she said.

In line with this, Nur-ul Afida said Bernama has launched a series of focused AI training programmes, including sessions for media practitioners in Sabah and Sarawak, funded through a RM1 million government allocation announced during last year’s National Journalists Day (HAWANA).

“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly as many participants wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend such courses,” she explained.

Nur-ul Afida said six more AI training sessions are planned this year across various states and media agencies.

“To date, over 100 media professionals have been trained under this initiative, which includes partnerships with tech firms like Huawei and REDtone,” she said.

Last February, Bernama’s Centre of Excellence also organised an 'AI in the Newsroom' workshop in collaboration with Huawei and REDtone, held at the Huawei Customer Solution Innovation Centre (CSIC), involving 40 senior editors from major media outlets.

Meanwhile, among this year’s first-time APC recipients is 38-year-old Nor Liyana Zulkifli, a Bernama TV journalist and news anchor, who dedicated the award to her late mother.

“I’m grateful for this award. It’s a meaningful moment, and I dedicate it to my late mother, who had supported my dream of becoming a journalist,” she said.

Another first-time recipient, Maizatul Jamny Muhammad Rosli, 33, described the award as a driving force for continued excellence.

“Thank you, Bernama and the Communications Ministry. This award motivates me to keep serving with dedication and excellence,” said the journalist at Bernama’s Editorial Department.

-- BERNAMA