Latest news with #CIJ
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
CIJ urges fair probe into PSM over LGBT programme
CIJ executive director Wathshlah G Naidu said diverse and healthy discourse and debate is central to both freedom of expression and democracy. PETALING JAYA : The Centre for Independent Journalism has called for a fair inquiry into PSM after two of its members were summoned for questioning over a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) programme planned by the party's youth wing. CIJ executive director Wathshlah G Naidu said the group supports any event that allows people to freely discuss and share ideas and opinions in a safe space, especially when it does no direct harm to the public. She also said diverse and healthy discourse and debate is central to both freedom of expression and democracy. 'We call for this investigation to be conducted fairly and without biases, and follows the international three-part test of necessity, proportionality and legitimacy,' she said in a statement. 'These standards must especially be taken into account as this case is being investigated under broad and ambiguous laws – Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 – which are increasingly being weaponised to serve archaic values and political expediency.' Yesterday, Bukit Aman CID director Shuhaily Zain said the number of reports received on the event had risen from 21 to 188. Selangor police chief Hussein Omar Khan said the case is being investigated under Section 298A of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, hatred or ill will on the grounds of religion, and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for the improper use of network facilities. Last week, religious affairs minister Na'im Mokhtar urged PSM to cancel its plans for the workshop, themed 'Pride Care: Queer Stories & Sexual Health Awareness'. He said such programmes, even if they were held behind closed doors, challenged societal norms and the religious values upheld by the majority.
The Sun
04-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
‘More efforts needed to preserve press freedom'
PETALING JAYA: The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) has urged the government to press on with media reform, warning that press freedom remains fragile despite Malaysia's improved international ranking. Its executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu acknowledged the country's jump from 107th to 88th place in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. While welcoming the progress, she stressed that more must be done. 'Although this improvement is encouraging, we cannot afford to be complacent. The rise in rank should not overshadow the ongoing challenges journalists face, particularly with the rise of digital authoritarianism and the growing use of AI in newsrooms,' she said in a statement marking World Press Freedom Day. This year's theme, 'Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,' reflects sweeping changes in Malaysia's media landscape. Major outlets such as The Star, Astro Awani and Free Malaysia Today are now using AI-assisted reporting to boost efficiency. However, these advancements have also triggered major job cuts. 'When AI is used to replace rather than support journalists, we risk losing the depth and nuance that on-the-ground reporting provides. AI should be a tool that supports journalism, not a substitute for it,' she added. Wathshlah also said AI is not the cause of Malaysia's press freedom issues. Long-standing structural problems such as restrictive laws, opaque media ownership and political interference remain major obstacles to independent journalism. 'The continued use of repressive laws, including the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, still casts a chilling effect on free speech. 'The recent introduction of the Online Safety Act 2024 and proposed amendments to the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 also raise red flags about increased government control under the guise of morality and security,' she said. Nevertheless, Wathshlah remains cautiously optimistic, citing the passage of the Malaysian Media Council (MMC) Bill and ongoing efforts by the Legal Affairs Division under the Prime Minister's Office to establish a protem committee to draft the Right to Information (RTI) Bill. 'If the MMC is truly independent and inclusive, it could serve as a vital mechanism to uphold ethical standards and protect press freedom. 'A robust RTI law would also empower journalists to fight disinformation and use AI responsibly,' she said. CIJ has also called for an immediate halt to the use of outdated laws during the reform process. The group urged the government to amend or repeal legislation that restricts press freedom, including the Sedition Act 1948, Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984, the Official Secrets Act (OSA) 1972 and some sections of the Penal Code. 'This is a pivotal moment for real change. We need to move beyond symbolic reforms and build an environment in which the media can operate freely and responsibly. 'A free, ethical and independent media is fundamental to a democracy rooted in truth and accountability,' she said.
Borneo Post
03-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Malaysia climbs to 88th in World Press Freedom Index, but concerns over AI, laws remain
Wathshlah G. Naidu KUCHING (May 3): Malaysia has improved its standing in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, rising from 107th place last year to 88th this year, according to the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ). CIJ executive director Wathshlah G. Naidu said while this progress is a welcome sign, it must not mask the systemic constraints that continue to inhibit media freedom in the country, particularly in the face of rising digital authoritarianism and the increasing use of AI in news production. 'AI and other digital tools are rapidly becoming embedded in Malaysian media practices. Newsrooms are experimenting with AI for research, content generation, translation and social media trend analysis,' he said in a statement to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025 today. This year's WPFD theme 'Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media' resonates deeply with Malaysia's current media landscape. Wathshlah said outlets such as The Star, Astro Awani and Free Malaysia Today had reportedly explored AI-assisted reporting to streamline workflows and expand reach. While these tools can help enhance efficiency and access to information, she said they also raise critical ethical questions about editorial standards, misinformation, transparency and accountability. According to her, this shift is already affecting livelihoods with the layoffs at Media Chinese International Limited (MCIL), parent company of China Press, Sin Chew Daily and Nanyang Daily seeing 44 per cent of staff being let go in favour of AI tools. 'It is within this climate and ecosystem that we have seen the job security and economic livelihood of journalists constantly threatened; with publications like Malaysiakini, The Malaysian Insight and Petra News moving toward massive layoffs and downsizing as part of their economic viability and sustainability measures. 'When economic expediency leads to AI being used as a substitute rather than a support for human-driven journalism, the public suffers the loss of contextual, ground-level reporting essential for participatory democracy,' she said. Wathshlah, however, said AI is not the only root of the problems plaguing Malaysia's media landscape given the decades of authoritarian media control, opaque ownership structures and legal harassment and intimidation. Last year, she said Malaysia witnessed a persistent pattern of harassment and legal intimidation against journalists and media organisations, while DNS blocking exposed deeper issues of regulatory overreach, opaque procedures and lack of media independence. 'These developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms and the adoption of a rights-based approach to protect press freedom in Malaysia.'
Malaysiakini
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
There's hope, stop regressing, press on with reforms
COMMENT | The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) commemorates World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2025 by paying tribute to and honouring the tireless work of journalists and media workers. CIJ acknowledges the mounting challenges they face in upholding a free and fair press that serves the public interest. This year's WPFD theme, 'Reporting in the Brave New World - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media', resonates deeply with Malaysia's current media landscape. Notably, Malaysia has shown some improvement in this year's Reporters Without Borders (RSF) World Press Freedom Index, rising to the 88th rank from last year's dismal ranking of 107. While this progress is a welcome sign, it must not mask the systemic constraints that continue to inhibit media freedom in Malaysia, particularly in the face of...
Globe and Mail
08-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Top 3 Recent Developments in Coding and Marking Market – Projected Revenue of $9.53 Billion by 2030
"Coding And Marking Market Research Report by Arizton" According to Arizton's latest research report, coding and marking market is growing at a CAGR of 6.16% during 2024-2030. Report Scope: Market Size (2030): $9.53 Billion Market Size (2024): $6.66 Billion CAGR (2024-2030): 6.16% Historic Year: 2021-2023 Base Year: 2024 Forecast Year: 2025-2030 Market Segmentation: Technology, End-User, Product Mix, and Geography Geographical Analysis: North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Growth and Innovation in the Global Coding and Marking Market The global coding and marking market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing regulatory requirements, the demand for product traceability, and ongoing technological advancements. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, electronics, and automotive are adopting advanced coding and marking systems to enhance compliance and streamline supply chains. Innovations like thermal transfer, laser marking, and high-resolution inkjet printing are replacing traditional methods, providing higher efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability. Automation, integrated with Industry 4.0, is further transforming the market by improving speed, accuracy, and traceability while minimizing human error. Sustainability is a key focus, with eco-friendly inks and recyclable labels gaining traction. Technologies like laser coding are particularly popular due to their precision, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. As the market evolves, sustainability and efficiency continue to be the main drivers of innovation in coding and marking technologies. Key Market Development: Domino Printing Sciences introduced its Ax-Series CIJ printer, equipped with smart sensors for predictive diagnostics, cloud connectivity, and remote service capabilities. In May 2023, Germany's LEIBINGER launched the IQJET system, designed for smarter, more efficient, and user-friendly coding and marking operations with plug-and-play features. In 2024, Control Print acquired a 50.49% share in Codeology, a UK-based producer of large character inkjet and label printing systems. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Technology Holding the Largest Share in the Coding and Marking Market Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) Technology is one of the most widely used methods in the coding and marking market, known for its versatility, speed, and cost-effectiveness. It operates by using a constant stream of ink droplets to print characters and codes on various substrates, including plastics, metals, and paper. CIJ technology excels in its ability to print on curved and irregular surfaces, making it especially popular in the packaging industry. Its high-speed printing capabilities, with some machines printing up to 1000 characters per second, add to its efficiency. Furthermore, CIJ technology is known for its low cost of ownership, as the ink is generally cheaper, and the machines require minimal maintenance. Looking ahead, the CIJ printer industry is expected to innovate through automation, sustainability, and enhanced functionality. Manufacturers are focusing on eco-friendly solutions such as biodegradable inks and energy-efficient processes. The integration of 3D printing capabilities, remote monitoring, and AI-driven predictive maintenance will further boost CIJ printer capabilities. In industries like food and beverage, CIJ technology is crucial for product traceability and ensuring the quality, safety, and authenticity of products. Food & Beverage Industry - Major End User in Coding and Marking Market In the food and beverage industry, coding and marking technologies are critical for regulatory compliance, product traceability, and ensuring supply chain efficiency. These technologies ensure that essential information such as batch numbers, expiration dates, and manufacturer details are accurately printed on packaging. CIJ (Continuous Inkjet) printers are widely used due to their ability to print high-speed, precise information while adhering to hygiene standards in food production. With stringent regulations requiring detailed labeling on products, coding and marking systems help businesses comply with food safety laws, providing essential product information such as nutritional content, allergen warnings, and origin. This aids in maintaining consumer safety, ensuring transparency, and enhancing trust. Additionally, the ability to track products via barcodes and QR codes improves inventory management, reducing waste and stock discrepancies. Automation in coding and marking further streamlines supply chain operations, promoting real-time data sharing and minimizing errors. As consumer demand for transparency and healthy food options grows, especially among younger generations, effective labeling becomes crucial for building brand loyalty and ensuring consumer confidence. The increasing focus on sustainable and socially responsible practices within the food and beverage industry also drives the need for clear, accurate labeling. The demand for coding and marking solutions is expected to rise as F&B companies innovate and meet evolving consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. Vendors in the coding and marking industry, such as Tourmaline Enterprises, offer tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of food and beverage producers, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and cost savings in packaging processes. APAC is the Ideal Region to Invest in the Coding and Marking Market The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region dominates the global coding and marking market, accounting for a 31.67% market share in 2024. This growth is driven by stricter regulatory frameworks, rapid industrialization, and an increased demand for product traceability across industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage (F&B), automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. Countries like China, India, Japan, and Australia have implemented stringent labeling regulations, particularly in the pharmaceutical, food, and manufacturing sectors. In China, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) enforces pharmaceutical serialization to combat counterfeit drugs, while India's FSSAI mandates batch coding and expiration date labeling for packaged food products. Continuous Inkjet (CIJ) technology is widely adopted in the region, with laser marking gaining traction in electronics and automotive manufacturing due to its durability and environmental benefits. Key players like Samsung and Toyota utilize laser marking for component identification. Thermal Inkjet (TIJ) technology is prominent in the pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors, offering high-speed and high-resolution printing with solvent-free solutions. The demand for coding technologies is also rising in countries like Singapore, South Korea, and Australia, where businesses are incorporating QR codes and AI-driven solutions for real-time tracking and authentication. For instance, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has implemented serialization and traceability requirements for pharmaceuticals, boosting the adoption of coding technologies. The electronics and semiconductor sector in APAC is also experiencing growth, with major manufacturers like SK Hynix (South Korea) and TSMC (Taiwan) using laser etching and micro-dot marking for product traceability in circuit boards and chips. Local and international coding and marking companies, including Videojet, Domino, Markem-Imaje, Linx, and Hitachi, are expanding their presence in APAC by offering advanced CIJ, laser, TIJ, and TTO solutions. Regional manufacturers in India, China, and Japan are developing cost-effective systems to cater to small and medium-sized businesses, further expanding the market. The urbanization of developing APAC countries is expected to drive the demand for food, beverage, and healthcare products, thereby increasing the need for coding and marking equipment. As the fastest-growing region in the global market, APAC's growing demand for product traceability and regulatory compliance is set to continue to fuel market expansion in the coming years. Key Company Profiles Control Print Diagraph (Illinois Tool Works) Domino Printing Sciences Han's Laser Technology Industry Group Hitachi Industrial Equipment & Solutions KEYENCE Markem-Imaje Videojet Technologies ANSER Coding ATD UK Beijing Hi-Pack Coding Cyklop Fastjet Technologies Dotjet EBS Ink-Jet Systems Guangzhou EC-PACK Packaging Equipment HSA Systems ICONOTECH ID Technology Inkjet Jet Inks KGK Jet Koenig & Bauer Coding Kortho Coding & Marking Laserax LEAD TECH (ZHUHAI) ELECTRONIC Leibinger Group Linx Printing Technologies Macsa ID MapleJet Matthews International MECCO REA Elektronik RN Mark Shanghai Dikai Coding Technology Squid Ink Sunine Weber Marking Systems Xaar Zanasi Market Segmentation Technology CIJ Technology Laser Technology Palm Technology TTO Technology PIJ Technology VIJ Technology TIJ Technology End-User Food & Beverage Healthcare Electrical Equipment & Electronics Chemicals & Construction Automotive & Aerospace Others Product Mix Equipment Consumables Spare Parts & Aftermarket Geography APAC China Japan India Australia South Korea Indonesia Singapore Philippines North America The U.S. Canada Western Europe Germany France U.K. Italy Spain Benelux Sweden Rest of Scandinavia Portugal Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Chile Middle East & Africa South Africa Iran UAE Nigeria Saudi Arabia Central & Eastern Europe Turkey Poland The Arizton Advisory & Intelligence market research report provides valuable market insights for industry stakeholders, investors, researchers, consultants, and business strategists aiming to gain a thorough understanding of the coding and marking market. Request for Free Sample to get a glance of the report now: What Key Findings Will Our Research Analysis Reveal? How big is the global coding and marking market? What is the growth rate of the global coding and marking market? What are the significant trends in the coding and marking market? Which region dominates the global coding and marking market share? Who are the key players in the global coding and marking market? Global Flexible Packaging Market - Focused Insights 2024-2029 Sustainable Packaging Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2024-2029 Why Arizton? 100% Customer Satisfaction 24x7 availability – we are always there when you need us 200+ Fortune 500 Companies trust Arizton's report 80% of our reports are exclusive and first in the industry 100% more data and analysis 1500+ reports published till date Post-Purchase Benefit 1hr of free analyst discussion 10% off on customization About Us: Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovative and quality-driven firm that offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients worldwide. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services. We offer comprehensive market research reports on consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, materials, I.T. and media, logistics, and packaging. 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