PUTRAJAYA, 6 May 2026 – The Communications Minister today announced the official theme and logo for the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations, which will be held in Penang.
The theme for HAWANA 2026 is Media Berintegriti, Teras Kredibiliti (Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility). The main event will take place on Saturday, 20 June 2026 at 2:30 pm at the PICCA Convention Centre, Penang, and will be officiated by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to the Minister’s speaking notes, HAWANA is observed every year on 29 May, and 2026 marks the sixth year of the event. The host states for previous celebrations are:
- 2018 – Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
- 2022 – Melaka
- 2023 – Perak
- 2024 – Sarawak
- 2025 – Kuala Lumpur
- 2026 – Penang
Rationale for the HAWANA 2026 Logo
The HAWANA 2026 logo features the Penang Bridge and the Penang Palm tree as symbols of the host state’s rich history, heritage and modernity. The Penang Bridge also represents connectivity, unity and progress, reflecting its role as a vital economic and social link.
The colours red, blue and yellow are inspired by the Jalur Gemilang (Malaysian flag), symbolising unity, cultural diversity and the bond between Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Overall, the logo embodies HAWANA’s aspiration to serve as a platform that unites media practitioners and society in supporting inclusive and sustainable national development.
Rationale for the Theme: Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility
The theme emphasises integrity as the fundamental foundation for ethical, transparent and responsible media practice. Media organisations that uphold integrity are able to deliver accurate, verified and balanced information, thereby building public trust and credibility.
In today’s challenging digital era, where information overload is rampant, integrity has become crucial in ensuring the media remains a reliable source of reference. The theme also reflects a strong commitment to strengthening journalistic professionalism in support of an informed society and a resilient nation.
HAWANA 2026 Programme Highlights
A series of side events has been planned, including:
- Media Forum – Thursday, 7 May 2026 at DoubleTree by Hilton, Intermark, Kuala Lumpur (involving 200 participants comprising academic leaders, public relations officers and lecturers from public and private higher learning institutions);
- HAWANA-DBP Pantun Festival – Saturday, 9 May 2026 at Panggung Sari, Kompleks Kraf, Kuala Lumpur (eight media teams will compete: RTM, BERNAMA, JAKIM, TV3, Astro Radio News, Berita Harian, Sinar Harian and Media Selangor);
- Strategic Partners’ Meeting – Thursday, 4 June 2026 at Hotel Renaissance, Kuala Lumpur;
- HAWANA Fun Walk – Sunday, 14 June 2026 at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur (expected participation of 1,000 to 2,000 people);
- Mai RIUH@HAWANA – Friday, 19 June to Sunday, 21 June 2026 at the open parking area of PICCA Convention Centre (in collaboration with MyCreative Ventures, featuring exhibitions, local product sales, creative workshops, food and beverages);
- Media Dinner with the Penang State Governor – Friday, 19 June 2026 at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Penang;
- HAWANA 2026 Exhibition – Friday, 19 June to Saturday, 20 June 2026 at PICCA Convention Centre (displaying photographs from HAWANA 2018–2025, a special Tabung Kasih@HAWANA segment, and booths from various organisations and agencies including exclusive HAWANA merchandise, Borneo Post, Buletin Mutiara, IJN Mobile Care, Kumpulan Karangkraf, Majlis Media Malaysia, Media Prima Berhad, MyCheck, MyCreative Ventures, Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia, Pos Malaysia, BERNAMA Mobile Studio, MCMC, UDA Holdings and Vanakkam Malaysia);
- HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale – Saturday, 20 June 2026 at PICCA Convention Centre, officiated by the Prime Minister;
- HAWANA 2026 Sports Carnival and HAWANA Student Outreach Tour – July to October 2026 (various sports including football, netball, bowling, traditional games, pickleball and volleyball).
For more information on HAWANA 2026, members of the media and the public may visit the official portal hawana.my.
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