Over 200 Media Professionals Converge in Kuala Lumpur for HAWANA 2026 Forum on AI and Media Sustainability

KUALA LUMPUR: More than 200 media practitioners, academics, public relations professionals, and students from both public and private universities gathered in the capital on Thursday (May 7) for the HAWANA 2026 Media Forum, which focuses on the sustainability challenges facing the media industry amid rapid digitalisation and the rise of artificial intelligence.

Organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), the forum brought together media leaders from Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign media based in Malaysia, and key stakeholders from across the national media ecosystem.

Discussions at the forum centred on how news organisations can adapt to technological disruption while maintaining journalistic integrity, financial sustainability, and audience trust in an increasingly AI-driven information landscape.

Participants also examined the impact of artificial intelligence on newsroom operations, content creation, and the future role of human journalists in verifying and curating information.

Organisers said the forum aims to encourage collaboration between traditional media institutions, digital platforms, and academia to develop long-term strategies for a more resilient and sustainable media industry.

The HAWANA Media Forum is part of broader efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s media landscape by addressing emerging challenges and fostering dialogue among industry stakeholders at national and international levels.