CYBERJAYA: The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) has received a record 603 entries from 61 media organisations for the MPI Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards 2025 (HKM 2025), marking the highest participation since the awards were first introduced in 1980.
The competition features journalistic works published throughout 2025, with participants vying for a total prize pool of RM450,000, sponsored by Petronas as the main sponsor.
The number of entries reflects an increase of 53 submissions compared to the previous year’s 550 entries, highlighting growing interest and participation among local media practitioners.
The Best Video News category recorded one of the highest numbers of submissions, with 61 entries for the 2025 edition.
This was followed by the Best Video Documentary category, which received 55 entries, up from 36 in the previous year.
In contrast, the Best Photojournalism category saw a significant decline, dropping from 79 entries to 38 in 2025.
MPI CEO Dr Ainol Amriz Ismail said the HKM serves as an important benchmark for journalistic excellence by recognising media works that are of high quality, ethical and impactful to society.
“The HKM awards enhance the credibility and professional reputation of journalists, while encouraging healthy competition and continuous improvement in reporting standards.
“Petronas’ support as the main sponsor strengthens the sustainability and prestige of the awards, while MPI plays a key role in ensuring the platform is managed transparently and professionally, in line with the national media industry’s development and training agenda,” he said on Thursday (Feb 12).
He added that the HKM goes beyond recognition and acts as a source of inspiration for journalists to continue producing high-impact work grounded in innovation, integrity, dedication and strong adherence to journalistic ethics.
“With strategic and continuous support from Petronas, MPI remains committed to strengthening media professionalism standards, stimulating creativity in news delivery and ensuring the local media’s voice remains relevant, credible and influential.
“The HKM also stands as a symbol of excellence for the national media industry, reinforcing to society the importance of accurate, credible and high-quality information in the public interest.”
Meanwhile, MPI announced that nominations for the National Journalist Figure, National Media Figure and Special Awards categories are now open until March 31.
Nomination forms and participation criteria can be accessed via MPI’s official website.
The HKM is a prestigious national accolade aimed at elevating outstanding journalistic works and recognising excellence among local media practitioners.
Since its establishment, the HKM has served as a key platform for showcasing high professional standards through reporting that is ethical, innovative and impactful, thereby strengthening the quality and credibility of the country’s journalism industry.
