Datuk Yong Soo Heong, who received the Hari Wartawan Nasional (HAWANA) 2025 Award on June 14, 2025, has dedicated the recognition to all those involved in journalism.
Yong, who is the National Press Club Malaysia advisor and Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) president, said the award is a collective honour for all those who have guided and supported him throughout his career in the nation’s media industry, rather than a recognition of his contribution alone.
The former editor-in-chief and general manager of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) also expressed hope that the national news agency would continue to uphold the highest standards and become a respected institution not only within Malaysia but globally.
Yong received the award from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar, had earlier in his speech, announced an allocation of RM30 million to support media organisations in digital transformation initiatives and the adoption of new technologies for content production.
Yong said the funds could be used by media agencies to upgrade staff skills and strengthen their ability to face evolving industry challenges.
“This is a positive injection (of funds) that can enhance the capabilities of local media agencies through training or advanced equipment to improve news delivery and strengthen operational efficiency,” he was quoted by Bernama.
The HAWANA Award recognises and honours professional journalists, individuals or organisations that have made significant contributions not only in journalism but also in shaping public awareness through their work.
The inaugural HAWANA Award was posthumously conferred to Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in 2018, followed by the Karangkraf Group (2022), renowned cartoonist Datuk Lat (Datuk Mohd Nor Khalid) in 2023 and veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie, widely known as James Ritchie, in 2024.
