Malaysian Journalists In Global Newsrooms Say Integrity Remains Essential
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysian journalists serving in international media organisations say credibility, integrity and contextual reporting remain crucial as newsrooms worldwide navigate rapid technological change and an increasingly fragmented information landscape.
For Nikkei Asia Malaysia correspondent Norman Goh, the role of Malaysian journalists in international organisations goes beyond reporting headlines, as they also serve as important bridges in explaining the country and region to global audiences.
“Our role here, working in any international media organisation, is to provide the context and perspectives as a Malaysian expert in the country for our publication,” he told Bernama in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebration.
Goh, who joined Nikkei Asia in 2023 after previously serving with the European Union (EU) delegation to Malaysia and several international publications, said writing for foreign audiences required journalists to explain Malaysian developments from broader regional and international perspectives.
“We cannot assume that international readers know what’s happening in Malaysia, so we have to take an extra effort to explain what a policy means and how it differs from another country,” he said.
Among the stories he is most proud of are reports highlighting Malaysian industries and companies making a regional impact, as well as collaborative projects involving colleagues from across Asia. One such cross-border collaboration, focusing on the influx of Chinese products and businesses into Southeast Asia, won the Economics Award at SABEW’s 2024 Best in Business Awards.
Similar sentiments were shared by Muhammad Isa Ahmad Zubir, host and broadcaster for CGTN Malay under China Media Group (CMG) in Beijing, who described working in one of the world’s largest media organisations as an eye-opening experience.
“The thing that surprised me most when I first entered the newsroom at CMG was its scale. CMG is among the world’s largest media organisations, with broadcasting and content networks in more than 80 languages for global audiences,” he said.
Despite operating in a different media environment, Muhammad Isa said the spirit of journalism remained universal, stressing that journalists still pursue accuracy, speed, and stories that bring meaning to audiences.
His background as a Malaysian often helped him provide cultural and regional context in discussions involving ASEAN and Southeast Asia, at times making him an “informal representative” of Malaysia in Beijing.
Muhammad Isa also observed that the global media landscape was becoming increasingly multipolar, with audiences seeking perspectives from different parts of the world instead of relying on a single dominant narrative.
“The longer I stay overseas, the more I appreciate Malaysia,” he said, noting that Malaysia’s diversity, languages and culture became more meaningful when viewed from afar.
For Agence France-Presse (AFP) digital verification journalist Najmi Syahiran Mamat, the challenge today lies not only in reporting news quickly but also in stopping false information before it shapes global perception.
He said integrity, consistency and rigorous verification remain the backbone of journalism in an era where misinformation can spread worldwide within minutes.
Najmi, who has been part of AFP’s fact-checking team for almost three years, said fact-checking often carried a strong sense of urgency, especially when false narratives about Malaysia circulated online and contradicted realities on the ground.
“As a fact-checker, you know the truth behind the false information spreading rapidly on social media, and you carry the responsibility to correct it. Professionally, I work to get the story out quickly while maintaining journalistic ethics, ensuring accuracy above all else,” he told Bernama.
He added that although fact-checking is often “invisible work”, the role remains crucial in curbing disinformation and protecting the public from scams, manipulation and exploitation.
“The weight is heavy. But I remind myself that verification is not about perfection. It’s about consistency, transparency and integrity. Even if unnoticed, it can protect society from financial loss or exploitation,” he said.
Having worked in local and international media outlets, Najmi noted that local knowledge and familiarity with Malaysian realities often played a critical role in identifying misleading content.
While their careers have taken them into very different newsrooms, all three journalists agreed that the fundamentals of journalism remain unchanged -- accuracy, context, and public trust still matter most.
Introduced in 2018, HAWANA recognises the contributions of journalists to national development, with May 29 chosen to commemorate the first publication of Utusan Melayu in 1939.
HAWANA 2026 carries the theme “Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility”. The main celebration, to be held in Penang on June 20, will be officiated by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
-- BERNAMA
