KUALA LUMPUR: Four champions of 2026 MRSM Bintang Media each took home RM500 after winning their respective categories in journalism, news presentation and visual storytelling.
Nik Hana Damia Yazid, 15, from MRSM Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who won the New Straits Times Arts of Writing and News Journalism category, said the programme had equipped her with new skills, particularly in news writing.
"Thank you to my coach. I went from not knowing how to write news articles to feeling confident in my writing.
"I love writing, and I usually write in Malay, but here I challenged myself to write in English. Alhamdulillah, I never expected to win," she said when met after the closing ceremony of the 2026 MRSM Bintang Media programme today.
MRSM Bintang Media 2026, held as part of the 'Siri Jelajah MRSM' and Media Prima Talent Development Programme, aimed to give students first-hand exposure to the media industry by learning directly from experienced media practitioners.
The programme featured four categories — Journalism and News Writing by Berita Harian, The Art of Writing and News Journalism by NST, Broadcasting and News Presentation, and Photojournalism and Visual Storytelling.
The finalists were selected from a pool of 678 students from 58 MRSM campuses nationwide. Online coaching sessions were held from Sept 8 to 11, covering all four categories.
Hanif Kazuhiro Hamzah, 16, from MRSM Serting, who won the News Presentation and Hosting category, said the programme had made him realise the importance of the media industry in everyday life.
He said the media played a vital role in delivering important information to the public.
"As a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student, I believe communication is one of the most important skills in developing yourself and your personality.
"I am happy to see this collaboration between Mara (Majlis Amanah Rakyat) and Media Prima, as it allows students to explore new fields and potential career paths," he said.
Meanwhile, Photojournalism and Visual Storytelling champion Aqil Fareeq Mohd Marzuzairi, 16, from MRSM Muadzam Shah, said the experience could serve as a stepping stone towards pursuing photography in the future.
"I would like to apply what I have learnt here to my passion for photography and hopefully make it one of my main sources of income after completing my studies," he said.
Iffah Dahiyah Norkhairil, 15, from MRSM Alor Gajah, who won the BH Journalism and News Writing category, said the programme has helped her improve her writing skills and appreciate the opportunities offered by Media Prima.
The ceremony was attended by Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, Media Prima News and Current Affairs managing director Jasbant Singh, and Media Prima Berhad News and Current Affairs deputy group managing editor Datuk Farrah Naz Abd Karim, who is also the New Straits Times group editor.
Also present were Television Networks News and Current Affairs group editor Datuk Azhari Muhidin and New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad chief operating officer Luqman Adrine Ja'Afar.
The programme began on Sept 8, with the final round held yesterday.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd