by Rahim Said
In a significant development for the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI), Datuk Yong Soo Heong, former head of Bernama and current editor-in-chief of The Weekly Echo, has been elected as its president. This move holds promise for the future of press and media development in the country.
Yong’s extensive experience, notably as the former editor-in-chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to his new role at MPI. His leadership is poised to steer the institute towards greater heights in fostering media excellence.
In his statement following the appointment, Yong emphasised the importance of inclusivity and relevance in the ever-evolving media landscape. His commitment to organizing more training programs reflects a forward-thinking approach, aiming to produce journalists of high standards and capabilities. This vision aligns seamlessly with the imperative to elevate the standard of journalism in Malaysia.
The appointment of Farrah Naz Karim as deputy president and Brian Martin as vice-president further solidifies a dynamic team at the helm of MPI.
With the combined expertise of these individuals, there is a strong foundation for collaborative efforts that will drive positive change within the media industry.
Yong’s call to invite more media organisations to join as members and encourage broad participation is a commendable step towards fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose within the industry.
By embracing the involvement of all parties, MPI under Yong’s leadership is poised to become a unifying force in advancing the collective goals of the media community.
As the administrative council, comprising esteemed members like Yong, Farrah Naz, and Brian, takes charge until the next general meeting, expectations are high for the institute’s transformative initiatives. The commitment to holding such meetings before the middle of next year demonstrates a sense of urgency and dedication to swift progress.
In conclusion, Yong’s appointment as president of MPI signals a new era for the Malaysian press. His vision for inclusivity, commitment to training programs, and efforts to involve a broader spectrum of media organisations pave the way for a promising future.
As Malaysians, we can look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these changes on the media landscape and the elevation of journalistic standards in our country.
Other parts of Yong’s message issued after his election, included: “It is truly an honour to be recognised and given a strong mandate from my peers in the media industry to lead MPI. I am reminded by someone who once said “individually, we are just one drop but together, we are an ocean”, and as such MPI will reach out to more media outlets to be our members so that collectively we can be a force to be reckoned with to help raise journalism standards in the country.”