The Pesta Pantun HAWANA-DBP 2026 officially opened today at the Kompleks Kraf in Kuala Lumpur as part of the lead-up to National Journalists' Day (HAWANA). The competition, themed "Journalism and Technology," features teams from major media organizations, including Berita Harian, Sinar Harian, and Bernama, competing in the traditional Malay art of pantun (poetry). Organized by Bernama in collaboration with Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP), the event aims to preserve cultural heritage while celebrating the role of modern media in society.

This year's festival is particularly significant as it marks a period of rapid technological change within the Malaysian media landscape, with a focus on ethical reporting in the age of AI. The competition is open to the public and serves as a cultural gathering for journalists, students, and literature enthusiasts. Winners will be announced during the grand HAWANA celebration later this month, which is expected to be attended by senior government leaders and media veterans.