KLANG: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) CEO Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin was among two media practitioners conferred state awards and honours in conjunction with the 79th birthday of the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, on Wednesday (Dec 11).
Nur-ul Afida received the Darjah Kelas Kedua Dato’- Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah (D.S.I.S.) which carries the title ‘Datin Paduka,’ at a ceremony held at the Balairung Seri, Istana Alam Shah, here.
Editor-in-chief of Sin Chew Daily Kuik Cheng Kang, who is also a Bernama board member was similarly honoured with the D.S.I.S., which carries the title ‘Datuk.’ They were among 15 recipients of the award during the investiture ceremony.
Earlier, Sultan Sharafuddin graced the ceremony, which saw a total of 94 individuals receiving state awards, honours and medals.
Also in attendance were the Tengku Permaisuri of Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin and the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah.
Nur-ul Afida made history in October 2023 when she became the first woman appointed as editor-in-chief of Bernama, which was established in 1967.
She was later appointed as CEO on Feb 27 this year, succeeding Jamaluddin Muhammad, who retired in December 2022.
With 39 years of experience in journalism, Nur-ul Afida, 58, has held various key positions at Bernama, including deputy editor-in-chief of News Services and Head of Strategic Planning.
The daughter of veteran journalist the late AR Kamaludin, she began her career as a reporter with Harian Nasional before joining Bernama in January 1985 as a cadet journalist. Over the years, she has served in several departments, including the General News Desk, Malay Editorial Desk, Photo Unit, and Strategic Writing Desk.
Nur-ul Afida has been a trainer with the Bernama School of Journalism since 2009. and continues to contribute to the development of the industry.
On May 16 this year, she was appointed as a member of the Administrative Council of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
Her contributions were further acknowledged on Sept 27 when the National Press Club (NPC) presented her with the Luminary Media Award during its Diamond Jubilee celebration, recognising her exemplary leadership and inspiring role as a trailblazer for women in journalism.- Bernama
