KUCHING: Veteran journalist, Churchill Edward Drem, describes the Sarawak Premier’s Special Appreciation Award as the most meaningful recognition of his journalism career, saying being honoured by fellow media practitioners is “perhaps the greatest honour a journalist can receive”.
The 61-year-old senior writer with The Borneo Post received the award during the state-level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA 2026) celebration held in conjunction with the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 dinner at the Pullman Hotel here on Thursday (July 16).
Churchill expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the state government, particularly Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, for the recognition.
He also thanked the organising committee of HAWANA 2026 and SMeC 2026, the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), and Persatuan Wartawan Bebas Kuching (PEWARTA) that nominated him for the award.
“I have been fortunate to receive several media awards and state honours. Each one holds a special place in my heart. But this recognition is different.
“It carries a deeper meaning because it comes from my own fraternity – my fellow journalists and media practitioners. To be recognised by one’s own peers is perhaps the greatest honour a journalist can receive,” he said.
Churchill said the award was not his alone but belonged to everyone who had been part of his journey.
He paid tribute to his colleagues at The Borneo Post, saying journalism is built on teamwork.
“No reporter succeeds alone. Behind every story are editors who guide us, photographers who capture the moment, designers who bring our pages to life, and colleagues who constantly support one another,” he said.
He shared that he had always tried to uphold the values of teamwork, humility, professionalism and respect for those who had paved the way before him, while also mentoring younger journalists beginning their careers.
Churchill also expressed his gratitude to The Borneo Post for providing him with a platform to learn, grow and excel throughout his career.
“More importantly, thank you for giving me a place where I have always felt a genuine sense of belonging,” he said.
Dedicating the award to his family, colleagues, mentors and fellow journalists, Churchill called on the media fraternity to continue pursuing the truth with integrity and professionalism while telling stories that matter and contributing to Sarawak’s progress.
Churchill entered the journalism profession with The Malaysian in 2001 before joining The Borneo Post in August 2002.
He served as the newspaper’s Chief Reporter from 2009 until 2025, becoming the longest-serving person to hold the position in the newspaper’s history.
Over the years, he has received numerous accolades, including the Ahli Bintang Sarawak (ABS) in 2014 and the Pegawai Bintang Kenyalang (PBK) award in 2020, as well as several Kenyalang Shell Press Awards.
Outside the newsroom, Churchill remains active in community organisations. He serves as Information Officer of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), is a member of PEWARTA and the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), and is Information Chief of the Kuching Liverpool FC Supporters Club.
He also represented The Borneo Post as one of the judges for the Shell LiveWIRE Programme in 2022 and again in 2026, contributing his journalism and business reporting experience in evaluating aspiring entrepreneurs.
Today, his reporting focuses on state politics, governance, socio-political developments, and the preservation and promotion of Sarawak’s diverse cultural heritage.
