KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 100 students from 42 Mara Junior Science Colleges (MRSM) nationwide advanced to the final round of MRSM Bintang Media 2026 held at Balai Berita, Bangsar, 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 (BH), The Art of Writing and News Journalism by New Straits Times (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.
Berita Harian Group Editor Zulkifli Jalil, in his welcoming remarks, called on participants to make full use of the opportunity and not be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes.
"You might be here today as participants, but one day, you may come back as journalists or editors," he said.
Muhammad Syahril Suhaimi, a teacher from MRSM Pendang, said the programme received an encouraging response from students.
"Many students have shown interest because this is different from their usual classroom activities. We can see new passions and talents emerging among them."
Evaldo Joey Edwin, a student of MRSM Kota Kinabalu, said that being at Balai Berita, Bangsar was a golden opportunity.
"I know it is not easy to get in here. I am very happy and grateful for the opportunity," he added.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Hazray Haikasya Mohd Haizam, 15, from MRSM Langkawi said he hoped to make the most of this opportunity to represent his college.
He said that although his ambition was to become a veterinarian, he remained open to other opportunities.
"This experience has allowed me to explore other fields, especially broadcasting and the media industry," he said.
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Prior to the final round, participants underwent coaching sessions conducted by journalists, photographers and editors from New Straits Times Press (NSTP), covering areas including news writing, reporting, presentation, photography and visual storytelling.
The final round began at 3pm today, with participants given until 5pm to complete and submit their work in their respective categories.
The closing ceremony will be held tomorrow, where the winners of the competition are scheduled to be announced in the presence of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman, Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki.
Media Prima News and Current Affairs Convergence Operations Editor-in-Chief M Thillinadan, New Straits Times Press circulation general manager Prakash Munusamy, Assistant Director (Innovation and Research), Mara's Secondary Education Division, Muhamad Hazmil Ismail were also present during the opening ceremony.
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