Bernama stands tall on turning 55, staff should equip themselves with multiple skills - Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chairman, Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi, has urged Bernama staff to equip themselves with various skills relevant to their line of work, as the news agency turned 55 today in a strong position to continue serving the people and country.

She said in the past decade, Bernama had taken steps to strengthen its services and products in line with technological developments in the global digital media industry.

"Therefore, on reaching the mature age of 55 years, let's strengthen our commitment to further enhance our duties and services towards producing news and products which can uphold Bernama's name and image locally and internationally.

"I hope every one of us will take initiatives to strengthen our identity and efficiency, by being equipped with multiple skills that are relevant and suitable to our duties," she said at Bernama's 55th anniversary celebration at the Wisma Bernama compound here today.

On behalf of the Bernama management, Ras Adiba expressed her deep appreciation and thanks to all Bernama staff who had worked hard together to achieve excellence for the news agency.

She said all industries were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic which struck in 2020, and many in the media were forced to downsize while some closed down, but Bernama remained strong.

"Syabas and congratulations! Happy 55th anniversary, Bernama," she added.

Bernama was established under an Act of Parliament on April 6, 1967 and was officially launched on Aug 30, 1967 in conjunction with the country's 10th independence anniversary. The news agency started operations on May 20, 1968.

-- BERNAMA