Above all achievements, co-productions, and international exchanges, it is the personal relationships and friendships forged across borders that Hanizah Hamzah cherishes most from her time at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU).

In a farewell speech to ABU colleagues, the former Head of Television reflected on her journey, emphasising that the best part of working at ABU lies in its spirit of collaboration and the lifelong bonds built among media professionals across the region.

Hanizah joined the ABU Secretariat in 2006, and for over two decades at the Programming Department, she played an active role in fostering cross-departmental collaboration, regional broadcaster cooperation, elevating cultural storytelling, and expanding content exchanges across the Asia-Pacific.

During her tenure, she coordinated flagship regional celebrations and international events, including the ABU TV Song Festival, the Tokyo International Drama Festival, and Guangzhou Documentary (GZDOC). Her extensive industry expertise also saw her representing ABU on prestigious global platforms, serving as a judge for the International Emmy Awards and the UNICEF Child Rights Award.

Hanizah’s time at ABU was built upon a distinguished and versatile career in broadcast media. Prior to joining the Secretariat, her experience spanned creative radio consultancy, serving as a Specialist at NHK Radio Japan (1986-1991), and as a Radio Producer and TV Presenter at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (1981-1986).

Colleagues across the ABU Secretariat and member organisations throughout the region expressed deep gratitude for Hanizah’s warmth, leadership, and dedication to public service broadcasting. As she embarks on her next chapter, her legacy remains defined not only by the programmes she elevated, but by the vibrant network of friends and broadcast partners she built across the globe.