Television broadcaster TV3 has clinched the championship at the HAWANA-DBP 2026 Pantun Festival held in Butterworth, maintaining its grip on the prestigious title and cementing its reputation as a formidable force in competitive pantun recitation. The Malaysian National News Agency, known as Bernama, secured the runner-up position in the competition that formed part of the National Journalists' Day celebrations. The victory underscores TV3's commitment to preserving and promoting the classical Malay art form within Malaysia's media landscape.

The winning team, composed of Mohammad Nor Affiq Norshamsudin, Mohd Safwan Sawi, Azrin Md Isa, and Mohamed Hirsham Azmi, successfully retained the title that TV3 first claimed in the competition's inaugural year. This back-to-back triumph represents a significant achievement in a competitive field and reflects months of dedicated preparation and artistic refinement. The team's consistency demonstrates that defending a title in pantun competition requires not only technical skill but also sustained creative effort and cohesion among ensemble members.

The award ceremony gained considerable prestige with the attendance and participation of high-level government officials. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented the prizes at the HAWANA 2026 main event held at the PICCA Convention Centre @ Butterworth Arena. The occasion also drew Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, highlighting the government's recognition of journalism and cultural preservation within the media industry.

TV3's victory came with tangible recognition in the form of RM3,000 in prize money alongside a trophy and participation certificates. Bernama's runner-up finish earned the news agency RM2,000, a trophy, and similar certificates, acknowledging both first and second-place performances. These financial rewards and symbolic recognitions reflect the organizers' commitment to incentivizing excellence and encouraging sustained participation from media institutions in maintaining traditional arts.

The competition drew participation from eight media organizations across Malaysia's broadcasting and journalism landscape. Radio Televisyen Malaysia finished in third place, while Berita Harian claimed fourth position. This broad representation of Malaysia's major media outlets demonstrates how pantun competition has become integrated into professional gatherings and industry celebrations, serving as a platform where institutional pride, artistic excellence, and cultural appreciation intersect.

Beyond team awards, individual performances were also recognized. Muhammad Syukri Khairulannuar from Bernama received the Best Pantun Performer accolade, signaling that excellence was identified not just at the team level but among individual competitors. The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia's team earned the Best Attire Award, acknowledging that pantun festivals value the complete presentation including traditional dress and cultural aesthetics alongside oratorical skill.

A total of 32 participants representing various media organizations competed in the festival held on May 9 at Panggung Sari, Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur. This substantial number of competitors and the scale of participation indicate that pantun recitation remains a vibrant tradition within Malaysia's media community, with journalists and broadcasters actively engaging in preserving classical Malay cultural expressions. The event functioned as one of several curtain-raiser activities building anticipation for the broader HAWANA 2026 celebrations.

Mohammad Nor Affiq, the TV3 team leader, expressed gratitude for his team's achievement in defending the championship across consecutive editions. In his remarks, he acknowledged the considerable responsibility he felt upon accepting the leadership role, a burden that was lightened through mentorship and encouragement from TV3 host Ahmad Fedtri Yahya. His reflection demonstrates how institutional support systems and experienced mentors within media organizations contribute to competitive success in cultural competitions.

Nor Affiq credited his teammates, family members, and supporters whose sustained encouragement proved instrumental in maintaining championship form. His acknowledgment that "the efforts of the entire team have finally paid off" speaks to the collective nature of competitive pantun performance, where individual artistic skill must be balanced with ensemble coordination and mutual support. This collaborative dimension sets pantun competition apart from purely individual competitive endeavors.

Meanwhile, Bernama's leadership responded to the runner-up finish with determination and strategic intent for future editions. Team leader Muhammad Syukri indicated that the news agency would conduct a thorough review of weaknesses and intensify preparations ahead of the next competition. His commitment to addressing shortcomings and targeting the championship in subsequent years establishes a constructive attitude toward competition, viewing the runner-up position as motivation rather than disappointment.

The HAWANA 2026 festival carried the thematic focus "Media Integrity Strengthens Credibility," organized by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama serving as the implementing agency. This thematic framework connects the pantun competition to broader conversations about journalistic standards and institutional credibility, suggesting that cultural and artistic endeavors within professional settings serve to reinforce the values and professional identity of media practitioners. The integration of pantun recitation into journalist celebrations thus becomes a statement about the connection between cultural preservation and media professionalism in Malaysia.

The grand finale of HAWANA represents the largest annual gathering of media practitioners in Malaysia, functioning as an occasion to formally recognize journalism's contributions to nation-building and professional standards. By featuring competitive pantun performances as a significant component of these celebrations, Malaysian media organizations affirm their commitment to classical Malay cultural forms while creating institutional forums for artistic expression. For Southeast Asian observers, this integration of traditional arts within professional media gatherings offers insight into how Malaysia's journalism sector balances modern communication imperatives with cultural heritage preservation.