KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who has been reappointed as the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman, has pledged to focus on strengthening the agency’s revenue streams.
Expressing appreciation for the trust placed in him, Wong, 64, said that as the nation’s official news agency, Bernama should not rely solely on government allocations.
“Bernama, with its slogan Your Trusted Source of News, must be the leading news organisation in Malaysia, and I’m very pleased with the confidence and support shown by the private sector, which has contributed to Bernama’s revenue,” he told Bernama.
He said this after receiving his letter of appointment for the term from Sept 1, 2025 to Aug 31, 2027 from Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil at Wisma Bernama here today. The newly appointed members of the Bernama Supervisory Council and Board of Governors also received their letters of appointment from Fahmi.
The National Journalism Laureate said Bernama must also expand its news sources, noting that many news organisations in the country are facing shortages of reporters, which in turn increases their reliance on Bernama for content.
“Many news organisations, for instance, are unable to send reporters to cover the Prime Minister’s overseas visits, so Bernama becomes their only source,” he said.
Wong also emphasised the importance of literacy and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to facilitate newsroom operations and combat fake news, particularly on social media.
He urged Bernama staff to prepare for a busy period over the next two years, with major upcoming events including several state elections.
On the appointment of representatives from electronic and digital media to the Board of Governors -- in line with amendments to the BERNAMA Act 1967 that expanded board membership to include both platforms -- Wong described it as a historic milestone for the agency.
“The news platform has evolved, so we welcome their presence (on the Board of Governors), and I think they can contribute to what Bernama can do. Welcome to the club,” he said.
Sarawak Media Group Sdn Bhd chief media officer Mohamad Sardon Zainal and Free Malaysia Today Media managing director Azeem Abu Bakar were today announced as members of the Bernama Board of Governors for the term from Sept 1, 2025 to Aug 31, 2027.
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