Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman has been honoured with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Award in recognition of his extensive career spanning more than thirty years in broadcasting and journalism. The accolade was presented to him on June 20 at the HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale held at PICCA @ Arena Butterworth Convention Centre in Butterworth, underscoring the significant mark he has left on Malaysia's media landscape.
The ceremony saw Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim personally presenting the award to Suhaimi, reflecting the stature of the recognition within Malaysia's media industry. The occasion drew prominent figures including Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai. The presence of senior government and media figures demonstrated the weight accorded to Suhaimi's contributions to the nation's broadcasting and news sectors.
Suhaimi's distinguished career culminated in his role as director-general of Broadcasting Malaysia (RTM), the country's national broadcast corporation. His tenure at RTM placed him at the helm of one of Malaysia's most influential media organisations, where he oversaw operations that reached millions of citizens across the nation. The award represents a formal acknowledgement of the leadership and direction he provided during a critical period for Malaysian broadcasting.
In his response to the honour, Suhaimi characterised the recognition as both a validation of his work and a continued responsibility to the industry. He emphasized that receiving the award would sustain his commitment to engaging with the evolving media sector, particularly in an era marked by rapid technological change. His remarks highlighted the dynamic nature of journalism and broadcasting, where practitioners must continually refresh their knowledge and understanding.
Suhaimi pointedly addressed the transformation reshaping the media landscape through artificial intelligence, acknowledging that AI represents one of the most significant developments affecting journalists and broadcasters today. He articulated the necessity for media professionals to remain adaptable and proactive in acquiring new competencies as technology advances. This observation carries particular relevance for Malaysian newsrooms, which like their regional counterparts face the dual challenge of maintaining editorial standards while integrating emerging technologies.
The former RTM chief's emphasis on continuous learning reflects a broader imperative within the journalism profession, where automation, data analytics, and AI-assisted reporting are becoming increasingly commonplace. For Malaysia's media industry specifically, the integration of these technologies presents opportunities to enhance news gathering and distribution while simultaneously creating questions about journalistic integrity and the future role of human editors and reporters. Suhaimi's recognition thus arrives at a moment when the industry confronts fundamental questions about adaptation and evolution.
The HAWANA award itself serves as an important mechanism for recognising journalistic excellence and contributions to Malaysia's media ecosystem. Administered by Bernama and held annually on National Journalists' Day, the award programme celebrates individuals whose work has advanced professional standards and served the public interest through responsible media practice. By honouring Suhaimi, the programme acknowledged not only his administrative achievements but also his role in championing journalistic values during his tenure in broadcasting leadership.
Suhaimi's three-decade career places him among a generation of Malaysian media professionals who shaped the industry during periods of significant political, technological, and social change. His longevity in the sector reflects both personal dedication and the evolving nature of media institutions in Malaysia, which have undergone substantial transformation since the 1990s. The recognition of such veteran practitioners serves to preserve institutional memory and underscore the importance of experienced voices in contemporary media debates.
For Malaysian newsrooms and media organisations, Suhaimi's award carries implications beyond ceremonial recognition. His public acknowledgement of AI's transformative potential signals that the industry's leadership recognises the necessity of technological literacy among journalists and broadcasters. This awareness, if translated into training initiatives and editorial practices, could position Malaysian media organisations to harness technological advantages whilst maintaining the editorial independence and critical scrutiny that journalism demands.
The broader context of the HAWANA 2026 ceremony reflects Malaysia's ongoing engagement with its media landscape and the nation's commitment to recognising excellence in journalism. At a time when media credibility and trust face challenges globally, ceremonies such as this serve to reinforce professional standards and celebrate practitioners who have demonstrated sustained commitment to responsible reporting and broadcasting. Suhaimi's honour contributes to this affirmation of journalistic values.
Looking forward, Suhaimi's stated intention to continue learning and sharing his experience suggests his influence may extend beyond his formal retirement from RTM leadership. Mentorship and knowledge transfer from experienced practitioners to emerging journalists represent critical mechanisms for preserving editorial standards and institutional wisdom as the industry navigates technological change. His ongoing engagement with the sector through commentary and counsel could provide valuable perspective as Malaysian media organisations chart their path through the AI era and beyond.
