RM30m Media Innovation Fund 2.0 to strengthen newsrooms and protect jobs, says Bernama CEO

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin (centre) attends the launch of the Journalists’ Health Screening Programme with the Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur Foundation ahead of the 2026 Malaysian Media Council annual general meeting October 31, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Sunday, 01 Nov 2026 11:22 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1 — The government’s initiative in providing the Media Innovation Fund 2.0 reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring the sustainability of local media companies, thereby preventing staff layoffs while navigating current challenges.

Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the initiative would help media organisations acquire the latest equipment and tools to strengthen their platforms while developing new revenue-generation strategies.

“The Media Innovation Fund is not merely financial assistance for media organisations; it serves as a strategic government investment to secure the future of the nation’s journalism industry.

“This initiative enables media organisations like Bernama to strengthen their technological capabilities, develop talent and produce quality content, all without compromising ethical principles, integrity or journalistic freedom,” she said here today.

Nur-ul Afida said Bernama welcomed the continuation of the fund and intended to apply for new equipment for use at its 14 bureaus nationwide.

She said the move aligned with Bernama’s plans to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven newsroom, upskill its personnel and accelerate the national news agency’s digital transformation.

“We hope that media companies will make optimal use of this fund to build a Malaysian media industry that is more innovative, competitive and sustainable in the long term,” she said.

Nur-ul Afida also welcomed the introduction of a new funding segment for news service and media content subscriptions, saying it was in line with Bernama’s role as the national news agency and a key content provider for local media organisations.

She said the segment could have been introduced following feedback and suggestions from media companies during a Media Dialogue session organised by the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) last June.

“Therefore, I encourage media companies to apply for this segment, which is designed to alleviate the financial burden of covering news service subscription costs,” she said.

Last Friday, Minister of Communications Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that the government had allocated RM30 million through the Media Innovation Fund 2.0 to continue efforts to empower the local media industry, covering areas such as digitalisation, talent development, and the adoption of new technologies like AI.

He said the initiative is a continuation of the Media Innovation Fund announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in conjunction with Hawana.

The fund covers five areas: training for media personnel; software and technology adoption; equipment, hardware and supporting facilities; research and content development; and subscriptions to news services and media content.

Applications are open until November 14 through the fund’s official website at https://danainovasimedia.komunikasi.gov.my/.

Media companies receiving the funding are required to refrain from arbitrary staff retrenchments, even when facing financial constraints. — Bernama