KUCHING: The National Journalists Day (HAWANA) is an annual event in Malaysia that celebrates the pivotal role of journalists in the nation’s development.
Established to honour and recognise the dedication, bravery and contributions of media professionals, HAWANA underscores the importance of free and responsible journalism in fostering an informed citizenry and upholding democratic principles.
HAWANA serves as a platform for journalists to reflect on their practices, exchange insights and engage in professional development.
It also aims to highlight the challenges faced by journalists, including issues of press freedom, ethical journalism and the impact of digital transformation on the media industry.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to several intern reporters to get their views on their experiences in the reporting field.
Mindy Velarie, 24, Student:
“I feel very excited because this is my first time covering a big event like the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting. However, at the same time, I also feel nervous because this event is not an ordinary one. The challenge is having to produce a lot of news related to important Sarawak government issues and the time constraints faced in completing numerous news pieces at once. By participating in the DUN session as a trainee reporter, I can meet high-ranking individuals like the assemblypersons (YBs). This is a rare opportunity that is difficult to obtain if you are not a reporter. I also get to attend many large functions involving the YBs. Among the skills that I find very useful for my future is completing tasks within the set deadlines and not postponing them. Additionally, I have learned many skills related to news writing.”
Nur Atiqah Quratulaini Mazlan, 24:
“After receiving advice and guidance from the senior reporters and editors on writing news, I have become confident and optimistic about my work. Especially during the DUN sitting, we need to be faster and avoid several mistakes when processing the news. Even a slight mistake could cause trouble. Sometimes we need to remember that not everyone is the same and people have different perspectives. I used to think people would be excited to meet the media, but not everyone is like that. I’ve learned that patience and time management are important. I usually arrive at functions 30 minutes or 10 minutes early to avoid issues that might make me late. It has become a habit, and now, whenever I plan something with friends, I always arrive early. It’s a good habit for discipline, which will help once I face more challenges in working life. Additionally, my writing and communication skills have improved, especially since working in the media industry requires constant communication with various types of people.”
Nurfarahin Oki, 24:
“As for opportunities to take part in the DUN sitting, we hope to meet with all the assemblymen and other significant figures, especially when we need to do Q&A sessions with them. We are fortunate that the YBs are friendly and willing to be interviewed. The skills I have gained are mostly soft skills, such as communication, teamwork and the ability to think and work quickly. I used to be timid and scared to talk to people, but now I can confidently approach people and ask for the information I need for my news. This job has allowed me to network and meet many people from different aspects of life.”
Vivynna Bunsi Ann Jimmy Chabu, 27:
“Nothing really prepares you for a major event like attending the DUN sitting, but past news writing experience helped about 40 per cent, and assistance from seniors made it easier. I tend to think negatively first, then see the positive side. Rejection is almost normal, and over time, I stopped being bothered by it. I just accept it and move on, as I have many other things to do. Always smiling and thinking outside the box are crucial. I pay much more attention to the news and have become more curious about things that seemed insignificant before. I always have ideas and unique thoughts that surprise even me. This internship has shaped my thinking, attitude and most importantly, my writing skills.”
