KUCHING: The Persatuan Wartawan Sarawak (PEWARTA) remains committed to championing the welfare and strengthening the professionalism of media practitioners in the state through the implementation of various welfare initiatives, training programmes, and strategic networking efforts.
Organising Chairman of the PEWARTA Dinner Wilfred Pilo said the association not only serves as a journalistic platform but also plays a vital role in uniting journalists and media photographers.
He said that prior to the dinner, PEWARTA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review the association’s achievements and to recognise the contributions of its past leadership since 2019.
“Beyond the AGM, the purpose of this dinner is to strengthen ties between PEWARTA members, strategic partners and stakeholders within the media industry. The strong turnout of columnists and journalists tonight reflects solid support for the association,” he said as reported in an UKAS news report.
Wilfred said PEWARTA has channelled more than RM200,000 in contributions to media practitioners since its establishment, in line with the association’s objectives to safeguard the welfare of journalists and photographers, provide skills enhancement training, and expand professional networks.
He also expressed appreciation to the Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, and the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) for recognising PEWARTA as one of six registered associations in Sarawak selected to receive a special incentive announced by the Sarawak Premier during last month’s Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting.
Meanwhile, Acting Director of UKAS, Mohamed Faisal Shah Ali, said PEWARTA should serve as a model for other associations, noting that its membership comprises experienced and credible media practitioners.
“PEWARTA plays an important role in ensuring that journalistic integrity and ethics are upheld. Congratulations to the new leadership line-up, and I hope the association continues to remain relevant and competitive,” he said.
During the AGM, PEWARTA also announced its leadership for the 2025–2028 term, with Peter Sibon retaining his position as President.
Kadir Edison was appointed Secretary, replacing Karen Bong, while Adrian Lim was named Treasurer, taking over from Nancy Nais.
PEWARTA expressed hope that the association will continue to grow as the leading voice of media practitioners in Sarawak and remain a strong platform in advocating for welfare, professionalism, and the sustainability of the journalism industry in the state.
