New chapter begins: Fahmi (right) presenting the appointment letter to Wong. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has been appointed chairman of Bernama, the national news agency.
Wong, whose appointment was effective Sept 1, succeeds Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi.
The appointment is with the consent of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
Digital and Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil handed the appointment letter to Wong in Angkasapuri here yesterday.
The 62-year-old has been in the media business for over 38 years, serving in various capacities.
He has been group chief editor, managing director and chief executive officer at Star Media Group. He remains adviser at The Star.
Wong is no stranger to Bernama as he served as a member of its board of governors from 2004-2010 and on its supervisory council from 2010-2014.
He is also the first Malaysian to be elected to the Paris-based World Editors Forum. Wong was also chairman of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 leading news organisations.
The media personality, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia graduate, is currently an adjunct professor at its Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
He has undergone leadership and financial courses at various prestigious US universities, including the University of Southern California and Stanford University, under a Bank Negara programme.
Wong said he was proud to be appointed to the post, adding that Bernama is an iconic brand with a proud history of 55 years.
“I hope to use my experience as a journalist and my corporate background to assist Bernama to get to another level, particularly in international and regional collaboration.”
Fahmi also announced the appointment of Kuala Lumpur High Court Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin as president of the Bernama supervisory council and its four members.
Also announced were the new members of the Bernama board of governors representing the government and media fraternity, who will also serve a two-year term.
