SEREMBAN: The New Straits Times Press won big at Negri Sembilan's Literary and Media Awards 2017 here tonight.
In the English Language category, NST journalist Nur Aqidah Azizi won best journalist beating two others from other publications bringing home a certificate, plaque and a cash prize of RM2,000.
Berita Harian Negri Sembilan staff correspondent Mohammad Ifwan Tun Tuan meanwhile beat 15 other journalists in the Bahasa Malaysia features category and also took home a certificate, a plaque and RM2,000.
NSTP photographer Mohd Hazreen Mohamad meanwhile beat five other photographers from other publications also bringing home the same prizes.
Meanwhile, Harian Metro stringer Abnor Hamizam Abd Manap bagged the Anugerah Kewartawanan Sri Sembilan taking home RM6,000.
The biennial event is held to celebrate and recognize literary figures in the state as well as to nurture future talents in literary worlds.
Negri Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan meanwhile said it is important to nurture literary works to shape future generations.
"Languages are important as it defines the identity of the people and without literature, society become soulless like robots."
He added in the pursuit of development, it is also the community's responsibility to express succinctly their feelings into writings which can be used to advise the people which can give a lot of benefit to society.
At the event, Mohamad also launched Buku Inspirasi Zaba : Pena Cilik, Pena Cilik.