Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, a cornerstone figure in Malaysian broadcasting and journalism for more than thirty years, was honoured with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026 Award at a ceremony held in Butterworth on June 20. The recognition, presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the HAWANA 2026 Grand Finale hosted at PICCA @ Arena Butterworth Convention Centre, acknowledges Suhaimi's profound impact on the nation's media landscape and his unwavering commitment to professional journalism throughout his career.

The ceremony was attended by a constellation of senior government and media 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 such prominent dignitaries underscored the significance of the award and the esteem in which Suhaimi is held across Malaysia's media and political circles. Also participating in the event were Bernama chief executive officer and HAWANA 2026 Working Committee chairman Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, alongside Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

Suhaimi's distinguished trajectory in the sector culminated in his tenure as director-general of Broadcasting Malaysia (RTM), where he led the nation's premier public broadcaster through significant periods of transformation. His leadership at RTM positioned him as a key architect of Malaysian broadcasting standards and practices, influencing how the nation's media institutions have evolved to meet contemporary challenges and audience expectations. The award recognises not merely a career of longevity, but one marked by substantive contributions to journalistic integrity and institutional development.

Reflecting on the honour, Suhaimi conveyed a sense of humility alongside recognition of the ongoing nature of professional growth in journalism. He emphasised that receiving the award represented both recognition of past work and a fresh impetus to continue evolving as a media practitioner. His comments revealed a mindset characteristic of industry veterans who view achievement as a platform for deeper engagement rather than a destination. The award, in his view, crystallises a commitment to lifelong learning that defines excellence in the field.

A particularly resonant element of Suhaimi's remarks centred on the seismic shifts occurring within the media industry due to artificial intelligence. He articulated the contemporary challenge facing journalists and broadcasters: the necessity to master new technological tools whilst maintaining core journalistic principles. The integration of AI into newsrooms, content distribution, and audience analytics has fundamentally altered how media organisations operate, a transition that demands both technical competency and renewed clarity about journalism's foundational purposes. Suhaimi's acknowledgment of this transformation reflects a sobering awareness that media professionals must continuously expand their skill sets to remain relevant and effective.

The HAWANA 2026 award programme represents Malaysia's formal recognition mechanism for contributions to the journalism profession and media industry development. Held annually under the auspices of the National Journalists' Day observance, it celebrates individuals whose work has demonstrably advanced the standards, practice, and institutional health of Malaysian journalism. By honouring figures such as Suhaimi, the award system reinforces professional values and encourages successive generations of media practitioners to aspire toward similar levels of commitment and impact.

For Malaysian readers and media observers, Suhaimi's recognition carries broader implications for how the nation's media ecosystem values experience and institutional knowledge. At a moment when journalism globally faces unprecedented pressures—from declining revenue models to questions about credibility and social media competition—the honouring of long-serving professionals sends a signal about the enduring importance of structured, institution-based news gathering and broadcasting. Suhaimi's career represents an era when Malaysian media professionals built institutions designed to serve public information needs across the nation's diverse population.

The timing of this award also coincides with an intensified period of media evolution in Southeast Asia. Malaysia, alongside regional peers, is navigating the intersection of digital disruption, regulatory changes, and shifting audience behaviours. Professionals like Suhaimi, who have accumulated decades of experience navigating previous transformations in the industry, offer invaluable perspective on how institutions adapt whilst preserving core functions. His continued willingness to engage with emerging challenges, particularly around artificial intelligence integration, positions him as a bridge between established media practices and the technological future.

Suhaimi's reception of this award also underscores the Malaysian government's investment in formalising recognition of media professionals. The participation of the Prime Minister and multiple cabinet ministers in the HAWANA ceremony reflects state acknowledgment that media institutions require sustained professional excellence to serve democratic and social information functions effectively. This institutional support, manifested through formal awards and high-level presence, contributes to maintaining professional standards across the sector.

For younger journalists and broadcasters navigating Malaysia's contemporary media landscape, Suhaimi's trajectory and recent recognition offer instructive lessons about sustaining relevance through continuous learning and institutional contribution. His emphasis on adapting to artificial intelligence whilst maintaining journalistic principles provides a framework for professional development that prioritises both technical innovation and ethical grounding. The award affirms that longevity in journalism comes not from resisting change, but from thoughtfully engaging with it whilst anchoring oneself in professional values.