KUCHING: The Kuching Division Journalist Association (KDJA) and veteran journalist James Alexander Ritchie were honoured at the National Journalists’ Day (Hawana) 2024 Awards ceremony.
Ritchie, 74, boasts a remarkable 50-year career in journalism, during which he has garnered over 20 awards, including the prestigious Ang Lai Soon Gold Award, Shell Kenyalang Gold Award, and the AZAM Press Award.
Reflecting on his career and offering advice to aspiring journalists, he said: “I will still be there, still around, giving competition to the youngsters.
“Never give up, always keep an eye on the competition. Believe in yourself, believe you’re the best,” he said.
“A compelling story is one that makes people marvel at the capabilities of someone who may not have had a formal education but can still rise to prominence, like a man without arms who can fish and swim. These are the stories that stand out.
“Some people have physical limitations but possess extraordinary mental strength, as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar rightly pointed out – it’s about the body, soul, mind, and wisdom. Use your wisdom to shape your narrative, to discern what’s right and wrong.”
KDJA also received the Hawana 2024 Award, presented to its President, Ronnie Teo Teck Wei in recognition of its contributions to the field of journalism in the Kuching Division.
In addition, Chia Kan Nyuk, 53, a journalist with See Hua Daily News who has served for 31 years and has been battling breast cancer since July 2023, was the recipient of the Tabung Kasih@Hawana fund in Sarawak.
The fund aims to support veteran journalists and media practitioners facing health issues and financial difficulties.
Earlier, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil highlighted the significance of the Tabung Kasih@Hawana initiative, introduced by Bernama.
“So far, we have reached and assisted 102 individuals through this fund. We will continue this effort to ensure the welfare of media practitioners is protected,” he said.
The awards and contributions, including the Sarawak Premier Special Appreciation Award, were presented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the ‘Majlis Kemuncak Hawana 2024” at Waterfront Hotel on Monday.
The event was also attended by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Sarawak Public Communications Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, and other representatives.
