Wong Chun Wai appointed Bernama chairman

KUALA LUMPUR: Award-winning journalist Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai has been appointed the chairman of Bernama, the national news agency.

Wong, whose appointment took effect on Sept 1, succeeds Senator Datuk Ras Adiba Radzi.

The appointment of Wong 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 at his office in Angkasapuri here on Tuesday (Sept 12).

The 62-year-old journalist has been in the media business for over 38 years serving in various capacities.

He has been a group chief editor, managing director and chief executive officer at The Star Media Group. He remains an advisor at The Star.

Wong is no stranger in Bernama as he served as a member of the 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 a chairman of the Asia News Network, an alliance of 22 leading news organisations.

The media personality, who is 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 in 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 as ‘’Bernama is an iconic brand with a proud history of 55 years.’’

“I hope to use my experience as a journalist and corporate background to assist Bernama to another level, particularly in international and regional collaborations.

‘’But I also wish to learn from my Bernama colleagues as well. It works both ways when you are in a team.’’