KUCHING: Excitement builds here as preparations for the 2024 National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA 2024) swing into full gear.
Reporters and staff were busy setting up exhibition booths and arranging seating at the venue.
Media agencies were working tirelessly to ensure the event runs smoothly, from planning through to execution.
Rehearsals are also in full swing as media practitioners fine-tune their presentations.
A broadcast journalist from Cats FM, Abdul Majid Azman, 35, told New Sarawak Tribune the challenges faced in preparing for HAWANA 2024 to achieve the best possible outcome.
“We were here early in the morning to ensure the lighting was set, along with all the staff of Cats FM.
“Providing ideas, brainstorming to decorate the booth, and ensuring that it would look good and presentable,” he said.
Besides, Abdul Majid was proud that Sarawak was selected to host it.
“People look highly on us (Sarawak). When that happens, there is value in Sarawak’s achievements. Hopefully, this will attract investments and increase economic prosperity as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Bong Lip Tat, 46, Business Development Executive Southern Sarawak from Sin Chew Daily, invited the public to visit their booth.
“It is the first time that we are doing this because Sin Chew celebrates 95 years, so starting this month, we will be promoting our anniversary,” he said.
Bong added that visitors would also learn about the long history of the Chinese daily.
“I hope people will come, so they can understand and know more about how a news company is run,” he said.
The HAWANA 2024 Exhibition, featuring up to 20 booths, will run from May 25 to 27 at Plaza Merdeka from 10 am to 5 pm.
Participating organisations include Utusan Sarawak, New Sarawak Tribune/Suara Sarawak, See Hua, Daily News, The Borneo Post, Utusan Borneo, TV Sarawak (TVS), Sarawak Tourism Board, and the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM).
It will officially open with a ceremony led by the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil, on May 25. The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is expected to officiate the the HAWANA 2024 on May 27.
