BERNAMA EMPLOYEES NEED TO IMPROVE SERVICE, BUILD CREDIBILITY - CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 10 (Bernama) -- Employees of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) need to double their efforts to improve services as well as the trust and credibility of Bernama.

Bernama chief executive officer (CEO) Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said as Malaysia's sole official news agency, Bernama needs to remain relevant and become a source of news that is trusted by all parties.

"We need to raise our efforts to continue to channel reliable news and information, accurately and quickly in accordance with our role as a national news agency. We also need to step up our efforts to deliver information by prioritising integrity and journalistic ethics.

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"(Therefore) I strongly support and want all those involved as media practitioners to uphold the Code of Ethics for Journalists launched by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil last year," she said at the Opening Ceremony of Dewan Bernama and Bernama Staff Assembly 2025.

Also present were editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, deputy editor-in-chief of News Services Nasriah Darus, deputy editor-in-chief of Economic News Services Azlina Aziz and the executive editor carrying out the duties of deputy editor-in-chief of International News Services Shukri Ishak.

Nur-ul Afida said that as a government agency, Bernama's role is to support national aspirations by disseminating information, news and related content so that the people understand what the government is doing, thus ensuring that the country's well-being and prosperity are maintained.

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She said that this year, Bernama is entrusted as the Host News Agency and operator of the International Media Centre by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the ASEAN-Malaysia Chairmanship.

Bernama will also be the host of the Executive Board Meeting of the Asia-Pacific News Agencies Organisation to be held in Kuala Lumpur from Feb 16 to 19 for the second time as well as the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) Celebration in May.

Meanwhile, she said that Bernama's management is prepared to invest in digital technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to meet the needs of an audience that is increasingly dependent on online platforms.

"This includes providing a system for MyCheck for fact-checking, a mobile application with AI personalisation and the Data Speak News project with Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UNISZA) which will monitor trends and visitor numbers to Bernama's portal and social media.

“… we should also take advantage of social media, news portals, and mobile applications to deliver information and news more effectively,” she said.

Apart from that, Nur-ul Afida said Bernama hopes to strengthen its presence on the international stage through collaboration with foreign news agencies, as well as reopening correspondent offices in ASEAN countries to ensure that Malaysia is well represented in global news coverage.

She also said the organisation intends to train and empower existing talent at Bernama as well as focus on developing skills in digital, video, and data journalism.

“For 2025, Bernama Management is planning 40 training and courses to further improve the efficiency, skills, and capabilities of staff in all departments and divisions.

“Therefore, I call on all Bernama employees to take the opportunity to attend these courses and training, not because of the obligation to fulfill the 40-hour training but to enrich themselves with the necessary knowledge. Do not miss this opportunity,” she said.

-- BERNAMA