Editing Bernama (section)

===Beginning of operations===
On 9 April 1968, Bernama announced that it would start operations by 1 May,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680409-1.2.14.2|title=Bernama to start operations towards end of May|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=9 April 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=2|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109090346/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680409-1.2.14.2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680412-1.2.17.54|title=Bernama to start operations on May 20|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=12 April 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=10|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109092642/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680412-1.2.17.54|url-status=live}}</ref> but it officially commenced its operations on 20 May.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680521-1.2.13.1|title=Bernama starts operations|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=21 May 1968|access-date=7 January 2017|page=2|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107140048/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680521-1.2.13.1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19680520-1.2.37|title=Selamat bertugas|publisher=[[Berita Harian]]|date=20 May 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=4|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109090347/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19680520-1.2.37|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680520-1.2.12.27|title=Tunku wishes Bernama every success|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=20 May 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=4|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110062354/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680520-1.2.12.27|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time it began operations, Bernama has only 20 staffs with its headquarters located at the four-room bungalow at Jalan Pekeliling, [[Kuala Lumpur]].<ref name="Staying relevant">{{cite news|url=https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/196975/bernama-staying-relevant-55-years-on/|title=Bernama staying relevant 55 years on|author=Anthea Peter|publisher=[[Daily Express (Malaysia)|Daily Express]]|date=3 August 2022|access-date=7 January 2023|archive-date=10 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810045206/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/196975/bernama-staying-relevant-55-years-on/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19680303-1.2.11|title=Senu lawat BERNAMA|publisher=[[Berita Harian]]|date=3 March 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=1|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109042423/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19680303-1.2.11|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19671123-1.2.13.8|title=Bernama's Board to meet at own home|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=23 November 1967|access-date=9 January 2017|page=3|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109060959/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19671123-1.2.13.8|url-status=live}}</ref> In its inaugural meeting on 30 July, the then-Secretary to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Junid Abd Rahim said that the Government will spend RM500,000 for Bernama, which was part of the RM1.5 million launching grant to Bernama.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670730-1.2.28|title=$500,000 kick-off for Bernama|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 July 1967|access-date=9 January 2017|page=3|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109060957/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19670730-1.2.28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19670730-1.2.9.16|title=BERNAMA: Govt. agrees to first instalment of $500,000|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=30 July 1967|access-date=9 January 2017|page=4|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109092644/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19670730-1.2.9.16|url-status=live}}</ref>

In June 1968, Bernama received 9 subscribers to its news service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680630-1.2.15.20|title=Bernama gets 9 new subscribers|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=30 June 1968|access-date=7 January 2017|page=2|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107140049/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19680630-1.2.15.20|url-status=live}}</ref> In December the same year, it sought assistance from the [[Thomson Foundation]] for its expansion programme.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19681202-1.2.15.22|title=Bernama may seek help from Thomson Foundation|publisher=[[Eastern Sun]]|date=2 December 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=4|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109042420/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/easternsun19681202-1.2.15.22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19681211-1.2.23|title=BERNAMA MAY ASK AID FROM BRITAIN|publisher=The Straits Budget|date=11 December 1968|access-date=9 January 2017|page=6|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109060956/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitsbudget19681211-1.2.23|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1971, Bernama partnered with Indonesian news agency, [[Antara (news agency)|Antara]] for news partnership.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19711003-1.2.22|title=BERNAMA, ANTARA, DI-USULKAN CHAPAI TARAF ANTARA BANGSA|publisher=[[Berita Harian]]|date=3 October 1971|access-date=7 January 2017|page=3|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107143038/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19711003-1.2.22|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1972, Bernama planned to take control on foreign news while it was in talks for sole distribution rights in Malaysia with four international news agencies, including [[Reuters]] and [[Associated Press]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720816-1.2.6|title=Bernama plans news takeover|author1=V.K. Chin|author2=Lee Yew Meng|publisher=New Nation|date=16 August 1972|access-date=7 January 2017|page=1|archive-date=7 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107143038/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19720816-1.2.6|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1978, Bernama planned to introduce a photo service by 1979 and a radio teletype service by 1981. These services were meant for overseas transmissions purposes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781023-1.2.74.8|title=Bernama plans to expand|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=23 October 1978|access-date=9 January 2017|page=12|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109092643/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19781023-1.2.74.8|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1979, Bernama proposed its plan to open its office in [[Manila]], Philippines before the year-end. It would be the news agency's first regional office outside of Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790521-1.2.52.2|title=Bernama plans to open office in Manila|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=21 May 1979|access-date=9 January 2017|page=12|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109092642/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19790521-1.2.52.2|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1981, Bernama was selected as a host for the four-day Asean news agencies conferences which expected to held in October,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19810624-1.2.3.3|title=Tuan rumah|publisher=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian Singapura]]|date=24 June 1981|access-date=10 January 2017|page=1|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110063610/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19810624-1.2.3.3|url-status=live}}</ref> which took place officially from 2 to 5 November and attended by 23 international news agencies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810830-1.2.24.8|title=Bernama to host talks|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 August 1981|access-date=12 January 2017|page=6|archive-date=12 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112030308/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19810830-1.2.24.8|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 1982, Bernama partnered with [[Kyodo News Agency]] to launch a 24-hour communications link for better news exchange between the two agencies.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820902-1.2.59.8|title=News link to Kyodo agency|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=2 September 1982|access-date=11 January 2017|page=14|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051456/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19820902-1.2.59.8|url-status=live}}</ref> Days later, Bernama opened its bureau in Singapore and managed by two Bernama officials.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19820915-1.2.52|title=Bernama tubuh sebuah biro di S'pura|publisher=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]]|date=15 September 1982|access-date=11 January 2017|page=8|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051456/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19820915-1.2.52|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 1 February 1983, Bernama held a new daily news file on developments in [[ASEAN]] countries.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830124-1.2.2.5|title=Berita baru Bernama|publisher=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]]|date=24 January 1983|access-date=11 January 2017|page=1|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111060838/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830124-1.2.2.5|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 1983, the Government decided to turn Bernama as a sole distributor of foreign news from international news outlets.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830708-1.2.66.2|title=Role for Bernama surprises editors|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=8 July 1983|access-date=11 January 2017|page=19|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111022524/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830708-1.2.66.2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sole channel">{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830704-1.2.36.7|title=Bernama to be sole channel for foreign news|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=4 July 1983|access-date=10 January 2017|page=11|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110063610/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830704-1.2.36.7|url-status=live}}</ref> Editors and publishers in the country have been consulted to Bernama following the move.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830810-1.2.53.4|title=Editors and publishers 'were consulted on Bernama move'|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=10 August 1983|access-date=11 January 2017|page=17|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111062357/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830810-1.2.53.4|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later, it was reported that Bernama would likely to sold to private investors. Information Minister at that time, Adib Adam clarified that the privatisation of Bernama could run on a "profit-oriented basis".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830811-1.2.49.3|title=Bernama may go private|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=11 August 1983|access-date=10 January 2020|page=12|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110155703/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830811-1.2.49.3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830830-1.2.13.7|title=ACROSS THE CAUSEWAY|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 August 1983|access-date=10 January 2017|page=2|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110155702/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830830-1.2.13.7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830830-1.2.44.1|title=Bernama may go private: Minister|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 August 1983|access-date=10 January 2020|page=11|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110155704/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830830-1.2.44.1|url-status=live}}</ref> In September that year, Bernama steps into foreign news distribution plan, inline with the government's decision to channel foreign news to Malaysian newspapers via its platform, albeit received objection from newspaper editors.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830904-1.2.19.3|title=Bernama goes ahead with foreign news distribution plan|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=4 September 1983|access-date=11 January 2017|page=7|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111022524/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19830904-1.2.19.3|url-status=live}}</ref> It also took the responsibility to provide a teletext service that could help to generate its income.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19831019-1.2.60.6|title=Bernama to get teletex|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=19 October 1983|access-date=11 January 2017|page=17|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111055135/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19831019-1.2.60.6|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 1984, Bernama signed an agreement with the German news agency, [[Deutsche Presse-Agentur]] (DPA) to enter a commercial arrangement for the distribution of the latter's service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840103-1.2.24.1|title=W. German news agency links up with Bernama|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=3 January 1984|access-date=10 January 2017|page=13|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110060452/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840103-1.2.24.1|url-status=live}}</ref> In February, the news agency announced that it will introduce an AP-Telerate financial information service.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840213-1.2.14.8|title=Bernama to introduce AP-Telerate service|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=13 February 1984|access-date=11 January 2017|page=4|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111033600/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840213-1.2.14.8|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 16 March, Bernama signed an agreement with the [[United Press International]] (UPI) for the distribution of the latter's news and picture services in Malaysia by Bernama.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840211-1.2.29.3|title=Bernama to file UPI reports and photos|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=11 February 1984|access-date=10 January 2017|page=19|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050855/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840211-1.2.29.3|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840317-1.2.6.7|title=Bernama-UPI deal|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=17 March 1984|access-date=10 January 2017|page=1|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050852/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840317-1.2.6.7|url-status=live}}</ref> Starting on 1 May 1984, Bernama will transform as a standalone news distributor from all international news agencies operated in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830704-1.2.36.7|title=Usaha buat Bernama pengedar tunggal berita asing|publisher=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian Singapura]]|date=4 July 1983|access-date=10 January 2017|page=7|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110063610/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19830704-1.2.36.7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sole channel"/> At the same time, it moved its new headquarters from MCOBA Building, Jalan Syed Putra to Jalan Tun Razak.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19840503-1.2.30.2|title=Bernama dengan bangunan sendiri|publisher=[[Berita Harian (Singapore)|Berita Harian]]|date=3 May 1984|access-date=11 January 2017|page=4|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051453/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/beritaharian19840503-1.2.30.2|url-status=live}}</ref>

Bernama became the first news agency in Asia to incorporate editorial computer in its operation in 1984.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840618-1.2.29.7|title=Bernama on-line|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=18 June 1984|access-date=12 January 2017|page=13|archive-date=12 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112030305/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19840618-1.2.29.7|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September, Bernama launched the Bernama AP-Dow Jones Telerate Service, a financial news service that allowed international business community to obtain access to global information on the world's financial market.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840710-1.2.47.2|title=New news service|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=10 July 1984|access-date=11 January 2017|page=16|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051454/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19840710-1.2.47.2|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November of the same year, Bernama pivoted towards teletext service with the launch of the Bernama Newscan service which provides up-to-date news via video terminals. The service made available in Malay and English and targeted to hotels, banks and other business premises.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19841109-1.2.13.7|title=Bernama goes into the videotext business|publisher=Singapore Monitor|date=9 November 1984|access-date=10 January 2017|page=12|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110060452/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/singmonitor19841109-1.2.13.7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19841110-1.2.22.6.5|title=Video news service|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=10 November 1984|access-date=12 January 2017|page=10|archive-date=12 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112030307/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19841110-1.2.22.6.5|url-status=live}}</ref> Days later, the then-Information Minister, [[Rais Yatim]] announced that Bernama would likely to be privatised.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19841126-1.2.22.5|title=Operations of news agency may be privatised|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=26 November 1984|access-date=10 January 2017|page=9|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110142421/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19841126-1.2.22.5|url-status=live}}</ref>

In September 1985, Rais confirmed that the agency will be corporatised into a private entity, pending approval from the Government, citing that it is "being studied",<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850919-1.2.22.3|title=Bernama may go private, says minister|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=19 September 1985|access-date=10 January 2017|page=9|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050851/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19850919-1.2.22.3|url-status=live}}</ref> including the review of the Bernama Act.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19850919-1.2.28.11|title=Privatisation of Bernama|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=19 September 1985|access-date=10 January 2017|page=11|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050853/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19850919-1.2.28.11|url-status=live}}</ref> The plan was later abandoned.

On 14 December 1985, Bernama in collaboration with [[Xinhua News Agency]] to signing their inaugural bilateral news exchange agreement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19851217-1.2.47.6|title=Bernama links up with Xinhua|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=17 December 1985|access-date=3 February 2017|page=16|archive-date=3 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203090041/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19851217-1.2.47.6|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1986, Bernama began supplying news materials, articles and information on current development to Malaysian diasporas.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860116-1.2.22.3|title=Bernama to supply news abroad|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=16 January 1986|access-date=11 January 2017|page=11|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111022525/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860116-1.2.22.3|url-status=live}}</ref> The cost of sending news contents to Malaysian diasporas would be bore by the Government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860411-1.2.23.8|title=Govt to pay for sending news to students abroad|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=11 April 1986|access-date=11 January 2017|page=11|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111022523/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860411-1.2.23.8|url-status=live}}</ref> It also signed an agreement with [[Sime Darby]]'s wholly-owned subsidiary, Sime Darby Systems to create a nationwide voice grade communications network which covers all major towns in Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860501-1.2.36.19|title=Bernama and Sime sign network pact|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=1 May 1986|access-date=11 January 2017|page=26|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051457/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19860501-1.2.36.19|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Government in September 1987 have considered the idea to amend the Bernama Act in which Bernama would likely to be "profit-oriented" organisation rather than a non-profit organisation and allowed the agency to operated commercially.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870930-1.2.23.6|title=Act may be amended to let Bernama run commercially|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=30 September 1987|access-date=10 January 2017|page=10|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110060451/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19870930-1.2.23.6|url-status=live}}</ref> In October that year, Bernama set up an online real-time information database, known as Bernama Livecom. The service aims to provide packaged business information to all business premises.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19870918-1.2.39.10|title=Bernama to start information service|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=18 September 1987|access-date=11 January 2017|page=17|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051455/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19870918-1.2.39.10|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 13 April 1988, Bernama partnered with the Turkish news agency, [[Anadolu News Agency]] as part of its expansion of the international news exchange network.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880414-1.2.27.2|title=Bernama links up with Turkish news agency|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=14 April 1988|access-date=11 January 2017|page=12|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111051457/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19880414-1.2.27.2|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December, Bernama secured RM16.5 loan from two banks, one of them is Permata Chartered Merchant Bank, to recover the existing loan for its headquarters in Jalan Tun Razak.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19881214-1.2.23.1|title=Bernama gets M$16.5m loan from two banks|publisher=[[The Business Times (Singapore)|The Business Times]]|date=14 December 1988|access-date=10 January 2017|page=7|archive-date=10 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110050854/https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/biztimes19881214-1.2.23.1|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1989, Bernama began to increased its presence in the electronic media marketplace by launching Bernama Monitor and Newscan II, awhile at the same time, it acquires 400 personal computers for both services.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1lPAAAAIBAJ&dq=Bernama&pg=PA25&article_id=5956,2119537|title=Bernama to buy 400 PCs for news services|publisher=[[New Straits Times]]|date=23 November 1989|access-date=25 July 2019}}</ref>