KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Yong Soo Heong, former editor-in-chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), has been elected as the president of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
A statement from MPI on Thursday (Dec 14) announced that Yong, currently the editor-in-chief of The Weekly Echo, was chosen for the position by the MPI board of directors at the extraordinary general meeting held in Cyberjaya. In addition, New Straits Times group editor Farrah Naz Karim was elected as deputy president while Star Media Group managing editor Brian Martin was named vice-president.
MPI stated that the term of service of the administrative council, consisting of six members including Yong, Farah Naz, and Brian, will be effective until the next general meeting, which is scheduled to take place before the middle of next year.
In response to his appointment, Yong commented on the need for MPI to be more inclusive and relevant to the media industry by organizing more training programs, in line with the evolving media landscape. He emphasized that the training programs aim to produce journalists of high standards and capabilities to help improve the standard of journalism in the country.
He also mentioned that MPI will be inviting more media organizations to join as members and encouraging the involvement of all parties. – Bernama
