KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai as the new chairman of Bernama has received a huge endorsement from journalists and leaders of non-governmental organisations.
National Journalism Laureate Tan Sri Johan Jaaffar described Wong as a journalist with impeccable credentials, adding that he was confident that the latter will take Bernama to new heights.
“Bernama is currently facing insurmountable challenges in view of the changing media landscape,” he said.
Former Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Azman Ujang said the appointment was a proud moment for the national news agency.
“I salute the unity government and Prime Minister for this landmark appointment. Being a respected media practitioner with wide international networking, Wong is the man who will take Bernama to the next level in this dynamic and challenging era for the media industry,” he said.
Wong’s immediate predecessor Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi also gave the thumbs up, saying he was the right person to helm Bernama at this time.
“As a fellow journalist and a hard-working one too, Chun Wai has always been a strategist and a respected leader,” she said.
Sin Chew Daily editor-in-chief and Editor’s Association of Chinese Medium of Malaysia president Kuik Cheng Kang said the appointment was well-deserved.
“His long media career and rich experience will help raise Bernama’s profile,” he added.
Media consultant Datuk Anbumani Balan lauded Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for Wong’s appointment.
“Wong’s experience, exposure and expertise as a journalist speak for itself. He is the perfect choice for Bernama.”
Thomas Jacob, chief operating officer at WAN-Ifra, the World Association of News Publishers, praised the appointment, saying Bernama has found one of Asia’s top media professionals to take over as its chairman.
“Wong’s deep insights into the media business, coupled with the experience and integrity shown during his multiple editorial and management roles, make him the perfect choice to help the wire service navigate the fast-changing media ecosystem.
“The energy and enthusiasm that he brings to all his engagements will be transformative for Bernama,” Jacob added.
Vanakkam Malaysia news site CEO and managing editor Thiagarajan Muthusamy said: “Wong’s appointment is great news to all journalism friends as he will be able to add value to Bernama.”
Astro News vice-president Vincent De Paul said he was delighted with the news, describing it as “refreshing.”
“His corporate experience will be an asset to Bernama,” he said.
National Council of Women’s Organisations (NCWO) president Tan Sri Dr Sharifah Hapsah, speaking on behalf of its women organisations, said Wong had a far-sighted view on the development of a progressive Malaysia, with a positive take on women’s empowerment and gender equality.
RTM director-general and former Bernama chairman Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman said Wong’s trump card had always been his youthful energy and brilliant storytelling.
“He will definitely inspire and provide a good example for journalists and producers at Bernama to follow with his fresh ideas. Most importantly, the Bernama board will be effectively led,” he added.
Having spent years together as peers, Datuk Ahmad Zaini Kamaruzzaman, NSTP group managing editor and Berita Harian group editor, is certain that Wong’s understanding of the importance of journalism in nation-building will make him valuable to Bernama.
“He will likely prioritise the agency’s role in providing accurate and reliable news to the public, as well as promoting transparency and accountability in governance,” said Zaini.
Star Media Group chief content officer Esther Ng, Wong’s colleague of many years, said having him on board would only push Bernama onwards and upwards.
She said Wong, who is The Star adviser, will undoubtedly bring his brand of leadership to Bernama and “this means his infectious excitement for breaking stories and spurring new ways of storytelling.”
“The most intimidating thing about working with (Wong) Chun Wai is, though he may have been right up there as CEO or group chief editor, he has always been, first and foremost, a news reporter and has never stopped being one.
“My dear Bernama friends, I can only advise you to always be on your toes, even more so from now on, because there is nothing worse than being scooped by your own boss! And believe me, he will,” she said.
