Latest news with #Hawana
The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Prioritise governance, infrastructure before adopting AI wholesale, says Sarawak deputy minister
KUCHING: Policymakers should consider various factors such as governance and infrastructure before rushing towards wholesale adoption of new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), says a deputy minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department. Datuk Abdullah Saidol said it was important for policymakers to take new technologies seriously in order not to be left behind. "But neither do we want to be too quick in wholesale adoption when the fundamentals are not fully addressed. "For example, there is a need for training and exposure on issues of governance and compliance as well as what AI is capable of," he said when closing the Sarawak media conference here on Thursday (July 3). Abdullah also noted that some remote parts of Sarawak still lacked Internet connectivity, adding that the state government was expediting efforts to implement digital infrastructure across the state. "Here we are talking about AI when in some places there is no Internet connection. "In the course of structuring policies and future developments, there are so many things we have to take into account," he said. The two-day conference, themed "Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism", was organised in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration. It was attended by over 600 delegates, including media practitioners, academicians and students in communications and journalism. Abdullah, who is the conference's organising chairman, also called for discussions on the economic impact of adopting AI, particularly the cost of digital tools. "Some reporters have told me that they have to download apps that cost RM90 a month and the company doesn't pay for it. "Yes, the tools do help with work, but employers need to understand that extra expenses have to be paid to get digital assistance," he said. He added that future conferences could look into research and assessments of the costs of digital adoption and advancement.
The Star
03-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
‘AI can only help journalism'
Future of media: Abang Johari (centre), opening the Sarawak media conference on the use of artificial intelligence. — Bernama KUCHING: Artificial intelligence (AI) can never replace the human core of journalism despite enhancing the way media practitioners work, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said human judgement, moral courage, integrity and empathy were the essence of journalism. 'These are the values that no machine can replicate. In truth, technology is at its most powerful when it works hand-in-hand with humanity, not when it replaces it. 'That is why the future of journalism is not artificial but augmented. 'It is about enabling journalists to do more, reach more and inform more with greater accuracy and depth,' he said when opening the Sarawak media conference here yesterday. The two-day conference, themed 'Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism', is held in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration. Abang Johari said the theme reflected the rapid evolution of the media landscape and the need for all stakeholders to adapt and respond constructively. He said AI was already being used to generate news reports, translate speeches in real time, verify facts at lightning speed and detect disinformation. In this respect, Abang Johari called on journalists to uphold ethics while using AI. He said journalism was not just the reporting of events but the pursuit of truth. 'Today's journalists are not only storytellers, they are guardians of public trust. 'That trust must be defended with every decision we make, including the use of technology,' he added. Abang Johari also said Sarawak was building an ecosystem for AI and innovation to support the state's development towards high-income status by 2030. He said this includes setting up the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) as a centre of excellence for AI research, policy development and human capital training. 'Through SAIC, we are not only developing local expertise in AI but ensuring that the deployment of these technologies is governed by a strong ethical framework that protects public trust and democratic values,' he said.
Borneo Post
02-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Madani Government reaffirms commitment to ethical, resilient media ecosystem, says DPM Fadillah
Fadillah (centre) receives a souvenir from Abdullah while Lee (right) looks on. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): The Madani Government remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating a robust, ethical, and resilient media ecosystem in Malaysia, said Deputy Prime Minister Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof. He said this commitment reached a milestone with the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024 – a significant step toward industry self-regulation, symbolising trust, maturity, and empowerment. 'Just last month, during National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025, our Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced ground breaking protections for part-time and freelance journalists – stringers – through Socso and the i-Saraan EPF scheme, benefitting thousands, while also extending travel support through 50 per cent AirAsia fare discounts across Asean destinations. 'These are not just policies. These are affirmations of respect for your labour, your integrity, and your service to society,' Fadillah said during the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 and Hawana dinner at a hotel here this evening. He emphasised the pivotal role of media in national development. 'The media is not a bystander in national development. It is a vital strategic partner. Journalists are not just storytellers. You are the eyes that witness truth, the ears that listen to the nation's heartbeat, and the pens that shape understanding. You give voice to the voiceless. 'You hold power to account. You keep democracy alive. In this age of misinformation, your role becomes more crucial than ever. When truth is drowned in a flood of falsehoods, you are the beacons of clarity, the guardians of integrity,' he said. Fadillah also spoke about the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on all aspects of life, including journalism. 'AI is changing the world at lightning speed. It touches everything — our food, our jobs, our homes, even our privacy and security. And yes, it is transforming journalism. But the question is not whether AI will shape the future. It will. The real question is: Will we shape AI – or will AI shape us? 'And that is why this conversation is so important. I do not pretend to have all the answers. But what I do have is faith – in the power of dialogue, of collective wisdom, and of a media community that is not afraid to evolve,' he said. As Sarawak pursues its ambition to become a high-income, green, and tech-driven economy under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, he called on the media to continue amplifying stories that matter. 'Let your platforms be spaces where the truth is heard, where dignity is preserved, and where hope is never extinguished,' he said. As a proud Sarawakian, Fadillah expressed his pride in Sarawak's leadership through the SMeC platform, which brings together policymakers and media practitioners for open dialogue and mutual learning. He also paid tribute to two Sarawakians — The Borneo Post and Utusan Borneo General Manager Madam Phyllis Wong, and Kuching Division Journalists Association President Ronnie Teo — who are among the founding members of the national Media Consultative Council. 'Their presence is a testament to the strength and leadership this state contributes to the national media landscape,' he said. Also present were Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin and Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas)) Datuk Abdullah Saidol, who chaired the event's organising committee. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of media awards. The editors category were won by Bernama Sarawak Bureau Chief Hamdan Ismail, Sarawak Tribune Chief Editor Aden Nagrace and Dayak Daily Director Cheng Lian Hiok. The reporters category were won by Sarawak Tribune's Caroline Anne Ranyed Jackson, RTM's Dayang Fatimah Awang Lai and RTM's Petrus Abai. The news casters category was won by RTM Sarawak's Khalid Suut while the Radio (DJ) category were won by Red FM's Teo Oh Meng and Cats FM's Sharbarudin Abu Bakar. The photographers category were won by Sarawak Public Communications Unit's Mohammad Rais Sanusi and TV3 Sarawak's Basri Mohamad.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Fadillah announces financial aid of RM110,000 for six media associations in Sarawak
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has announced financial contributions totalling RM110,000 for six media associations in Sarawak. The Sarawak Public Communications Unit's (Ukas) welfare and sports club and Kelab Belia Azam will receive RM25,000 each. The Kuching Division Journalists Association, Northern Sarawak Journalists Association, Sibu Journalists Association and Institute of Rejang Journalists meanwhile will get RM15,000. Fadillah made the announcement at a dinner in conjunction with the Sarawak media conference and state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration here on Wednesday (July 2) night. He called on the Sarawak media to continue highlighting stories that matter as the state charts its path towards becoming a high-income, green and technologically advanced economy by 2030. These include stories of innovation in green and hydrogen technology, struggle and resilience amid the rising cost of living, and policy impact and public service. "Let your platforms be spaces where the truth is heard, where dignity is preserved and where hope is never extinguished," he said. Fadillah also said the Federal Government was committed to building a robust, ethical and resilient media ecosystem. He said this commitment took a major step forward with the passing of the Malaysian Media Council Bill 2024, paving the way for self-regulation. "(This is) a mark of maturity, trust and empowerment for the industry," he said. Fadillah later presented the Sarawak Premier's special appreciation awards to 10 local media practitioners. He also presented the Tokoh Khas award to former Sarawak TV3 coordinator Basri Mohamad.
The Star
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
AI tech should empower, not replace journalists, say Abang Johari
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg speaking at the Sarawak Media Conference in Kuching on Wednesday (July 2). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star KUCHING: Artificial intelligence (AI) may enhance the way media practitioners work but should never replace the human core of journalism, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The Sarawak Premier said human judgment, moral courage, integrity and empathy were the essence of journalism. "These are the values that no machine can replicate. In truth, technology is at its most powerful when it works hand-in-hand with humanity, not when it replaces it. "That is why the future of journalism is not artificial but augmented. It is about enabling journalists to do more, reach more and inform more, with greater accuracy and depth," he said when opening the Sarawak Media Conference here on Wednesday (July 2). Held in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (Hawana) celebration, the two-day conference is themed "Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism". Abang Johari said the theme reflected the rapid evolution of the media landscape and the need for all stakeholders to adapt and respond constructively. He said AI was already being used to generate news reports, translate speeches in real time, verify facts at lightning speed and detect disinformation. In this respect, Abang Johari called on journalists to uphold ethics while adopting AI in their work. He said journalism was not just the reporting of events but the pursuit of truth. "Today's journalists are not only storytellers, they are guardians of public trust. "And that trust must be defended with every decision we make, including the use of technology," he added. Abang Johari also said Sarawak was building an ecosystem for AI and innovation to support the state's development towards high-income status by 2030. He said this includes setting up the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) as a centre of excellence for AI research, policy development and human capital training. "Through SAIC, we are not only developing local expertise in AI but ensuring that the deployment of these technologies is governed by a strong ethical framework that protects public trust and democratic values," he said.
