While forms and tools of communication may have changed with technological advancements, the fundamental principles of journalism, such as credibility, quality reporting, and ethics are still paramount.

This was the view of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam journalism lecturer Nurul Iman Muhammad Dimyati, who said despite the proliferation of communication channels, the field remains as relevant as ever.

"Journalism programmes also equip students with skills, such as critical thinking, effective writing and the ability to communicate information clearly, which are all valuable in employment," she said in response to a question on the relevance of journalism courses in contemporary university settings.

Nurul Iman was among the journalists and lecturers who Bernama spoke to recently as the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2024 will be celebrated in Kuching, Sarawak, from May 25 to 27.

Themed "Etika Teras Kewartawanan Mapan", Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is expected to officiate in the event.

Journalism student Mohd Erwannizam Osmand, 23, from Kudat, Sabah, said he used to dislike the profession due to the negative stereotypes he encountered.

However, after being persuaded by his school teacher, he decided to pursue his studies in the field.

After dedicating more than two years studying for a journalism degree at UiTM Shah Alam, Erwannizam's passion in the field has only intensified.

Currently in his fifth semester, he aspires to embark on a career as a political or sports journalist.

"I was initially discouraged from young age by the mistaken belief that journalism is biased.

"However, upon advice from my teacher, I decided to explore it and have since developed a genuine passion for this field," he said.

It was a different story with Maria Madelina Anak Kiri, a 22-year-old journalism student also from UiTM Shah Alam, who dreamed of pursuing journalism since childhood.

She recognises the important role that the field has in society and is honing her skills to write news or articles, besides improving her social skills.

"I used to be an introvert. I was always impressed by television news anchors for their eloquence and presentation skills, and aspired to be like them.

"People say that anyone can become a journalist but there's a difference in the level of professionalism in terms of delivery and writing.

"If we watch news produced by those with a journalism background, it's more ethical and accurate compared with others who fail to fact-check before reporting or sharing," she said.

As for R. Sivavartini, a Bachelor of Social Sciences with Honours (Media Communications) student at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, studying journalism has provided her with a broader perspective of the world.

"I've had a passion for writing since childhood.

"I feel it's essential to have expertise in the field itself if I am to excel as a journalist," she said.

Hawana 2024 promises to be Malaysia's largest gathering of journalists, organised by the Communications Ministry, in collaboration with the Sarawak government and the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) serving as the event's implementer.

Hawana 2024 will feature a slew of programmes, including the Sarawak Media Conference 2024 themed "Evolution of Media in the Digital Era".

It will also feature the "Jelajah Siswa" programme set to be launched by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil on May 24.

May 29 has been declared as National Journalists' Day to commemorate the inaugural publication of Utusan Melayu - the country's oldest newspaper in Bahasa Malaysia - in 1939.

It commemorates the contributions of industry players in helping to shape an informed society, fostering cooperation and driving positive change. -Bernama

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/05/1049062/journalism-still-relevant-field