MEDIA strategist and former TV3 broadcast personality Suhaimi Sulaiman will spearhead National News Agency (Bernama) transformation to maintain its continued relevance in the digital age.
The 57-year-old newly minted chairman of the Board of Governors assumed the position and will lead for a one-year term beginning Feb 1, 2020.
Suhaimi succeeds media personality Datuk Seri Azman Ujang, and the appointment was announced by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah on Wednesday.
“The ministry hopes the new Bernama chairman and Board of Governors will be able to take it to greater heights as a credible news agency in line with the people’s wishes and interests,” the Minister’s statement read.
He also expressed appreciation to Azman who served Bernama for more than 35 years with commitment, dedication and enthusiasm, ever since he started work as a reporter at the age 20 with Bernama, and later chairman.
It also announced the reappointment of Shah Alam High Court judge Datuk Azmi Ariffin as the president of the Bernama Supervisory Council.
Bernama reported that 12 members of the Bernama Board of Governors and four members of the news agency’s Supervisory Council were also appointed for a one-year term.
The Minister said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah has consented to the appointments which are provided for under the Bernama Act 1967 (Act 780).
“He would be able to provide strategic guidance to the agency,” Bernama chief executive officer (CEO) Nurini Kassim said.
“As we embark on our journey to transform Bernama into a converged and digital newsroom, Suhaimi, will be able to provide strategic guidance to the Board, with fresh ideas to help in our transformation and for Bernama to stay relevant in this digital age,” Nurini’s statement read.
Suhaimi, she said, was no stranger to Bernama as apart from being a well-known TV personality, had also helped turn Bernama Radio into a strong Malay-language business radio station targeting Small and Medium Enterprises and small businesses since September last year.
“He has been instrumental in improving Bernama TV with a fresh new look and programming to be more aligned to news and current affairs, which underscores Bernama’s mandate.
“Aside from his vast experience in media, broadcast and communications, Suhaimi also has strong corporate experience from his time at the Bank of Commerce, TV3 and until recently, as the CEO of Astro Awani,” she said.
