Latest news with #SMeC)2025
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Embed values of humanity to stay ahead of AI, journalists told
Abdullah delivering his speech at the closing ceremony of the SMeC 2025 today. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (July 3): Journalists, content creators and digital influencers must uphold and embed values of humanity in their work to safeguard society from the risks of dehumanisation brought by advancing technologies, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol. The Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communication Unit) stressed that the essence of humanity must be preserved in a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation. 'I would like to encourage our journalists, reporters — whether certified or not — Facebookers, TikTokers, and the like, to embed within themselves the spirit and values of humanity. 'Distance your souls from hatred and such. That is what will differentiate us from whatever technology we may see in the future — it is our human values,' he said during the closing of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here today. Abdullah, who is also the organising chairman of SMeC 2025, emphasised that while embracing innovation is crucial, it must not come at the cost of empathy, ethics, and human connection. He reflected on the importance of emotional understanding and cultural sensitivity, noting that Malaysia's diversity in ethnicity, religion, culture, and language is something that AI, now or perhaps ever, may never fully comprehend. He also recalled a conversation with the late Chief Minister Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, who once asked him when he had last taken his children for a picnic—a question he described as a metaphor for the fading sense of personal connection in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world. Abdullah pointed out that rural connectivity and digital literacy remain significant challenges in Sarawak's digital journey. 'We are talking about AI, but some areas still have no internet. There are towers, but they're not functioning,' he said. 'We must reduce the information gap, the understanding gap, and the awareness gap between what the government aims to do and what the people experience.' He also called for more discussions on the economic impact of AI adoption on the public and media professionals, pointing out the rising costs of digital tools. 'Reporters told me they have to pay RM90 or RM300 a month for apps that help with their work, and yet the company doesn't cover it. 'We need to factor in these hidden costs when we talk about embracing new technologies,' he said. Abdullah added that future initiatives should include policymakers, regulators, and legal experts to explore digital governance and AI regulation in greater depth. He concluded by thanking organisers and volunteers from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) and Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak, expressing hope for continued collaboration in advancing Sarawak's digital agenda. Abdullah Saidol artificial intelligence embed humanity lead stay ahead
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Emerging technologies could help combat digital threats
KUCHING: Emerging technologies, particularly in microchip development, could provide effective safeguards against digital threats such as deepfakes, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said he had learned that ongoing research is focused on developing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to counter digital scams and deception. "While legal frameworks are important to curb the threats, technological solutions are also on the horizon. I read about a chip that will solve this problem," he told a press conference at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here, today. He said the chip is being designed to detect manipulated content by distinguishing between what is genuine and what is not. Abang Johari added that advances in information technology have heightened the need for balance and vigilance in managing the growing influence of AI and digitally fabricated content media. "In this world, there must always be a natural check and balance, like day and night. It's the same with technology. While deepfakes represent a dark side, the solution will come, and it may very well lie in this chip," he said. Meanwhile, in his speech, the Premier urged media practitioners to reaffirm their role not just as storytellers, but as steadfast guardians of public trust. He stressed that this trust must be upheld in every decision, particularly in the use of technology, as AI becomes increasingly prevalent in newsrooms. "Let us not be dazzled by the capabilities of AI to the point that we lose sight of our human values. Let's ensure that technology remains our servant, not our master. Do not erase the very qualities that make our profession vital to democracy," he said. More than 700 participants took part in the second edition of SMeC 2025, which began today. The two-day event features a distinguished line-up of local and international media and communication experts who will share their insights on adapting to the digital and AI era.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Emerging tech like microchips could counter deepfake threats
KUCHING: Emerging technologies, including advanced microchip development, could play a crucial role in combating digital threats such as deepfakes, according to Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Speaking at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025, he revealed that ongoing research is exploring AI-powered solutions to tackle digital deception. 'While legal measures are essential, technology offers another layer of defence. I've read about a chip designed to detect manipulated content by verifying authenticity,' he said. Abang Johari emphasised the growing need for balance in managing AI's influence, noting that technological advancements must be met with equal safeguards. 'Just as nature has checks and balances, technology must too. Deepfakes may be a dark side of innovation, but solutions like this chip could counter them,' he added. Addressing media professionals, he urged them to uphold public trust amid increasing AI integration in newsrooms. 'AI should assist, not dominate. We must preserve the human values that make journalism vital to democracy,' he stressed. Over 700 participants attended SMeC 2025, a two-day event featuring insights from global media experts on navigating the digital and AI era.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Sarawak may see emergence of post-AI technology within a decade
Abang Johari fields questions from reporters during the press conference. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (July 2): Sarawak may witness the emergence of a new generation of advanced technology that surpasses the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) within the next five to ten years, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. According to Abang Johari, scientists are currently working on developing a new chip-based technology that could transform how machines process and verify information. 'That's where this technology is being developed. From what I've read, there is a chip that will be able to solve the problem. In the process of addressing this issue, the chip will be able to determine whether something is real or fake — essentially, it will serve as a kind of checkmate. 'But maybe in another five or ten years, we will have this technology. In this world, there must be natural opposites — up and down, light and dark, day and night. That kind of check and balance will eventually emerge. But it depends greatly on how this chip technology evolves. Ultimately, all of this comes down to the chip,' he said. Abang Johari was responding to a question on whether the government plans to introduce new laws to regulate deepfake content and prevent technology-related scams during a press conference after officiating the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 at a hotel here today. 'This is the first time we are organising a conference specifically for the media, and we have chosen a very relevant topic in this new era of technology — the impact of AI on the media sector,' he said. He pointed out that current technological developments are advancing rapidly, driven primarily by innovations in chip technology. 'AI-generated content heavily depends on the objectives of its users. But in reality, AI is incredibly useful in sectors like healthcare and machine manufacturing, where it enables the creation of new devices by humans. 'That is why the question of ethics is crucial — it depends on the values of the natural brain, the human brain, and the artificial brain,' he said. Abang Johari also touched on biomedical developments, highlighting the potential for AI to enhance human brain function through neurological concepts. 'If there are certain weaknesses in the human brain, the artificial brain can help boost it. In healthcare, we are now seeing the emergence of what is called generative medicine, where communication happens between cells — a stronger cell can help reinforce a weaker one,' he explained. He added that AI, which began gaining traction just seven years ago, evolved from earlier technologies like virtual and augmented reality. 'Initially, what existed was virtual reality, where small things could be visualised as large. But now, that capability has merged with the machine's ability to think,' he said. However, with the advancement of AI, there are growing concerns about misuse, especially through deepfakes. 'Deepfake content is becoming widespread — for example, earlier when I was shown to speak on the screen. That is the technology. 'So, there must be a technology that can verify whether something is genuine or not. Otherwise, scams will evolve — from data-based scams to vision-based ones,' he warned. Therefore, Abang Johari emphasised that the evolution of technology, particularly in verifying authenticity, is already being researched and will likely play a major role in the near future. Earlier, in his officiating speech, Abang Johari shared that a post-AI technology is currently under research by scientists, though details remain confidential. 'After AI, there will be another technology. It is currently being studied by scientists, and I cannot reveal much at the moment. But there will be an added technology alongside AI — a technology that can act as a checkmate to AI. 'Technology can check another technology. The research is being undertaken by scientists, and it is fundamentally based on algorithms,' he said. Touching on the conference, Abang Johari expressed hope that it would establish a clear parameter between ethics and artificial intelligence (AI). He stressed that the future will be determined by code — code that will shape the fabric of society. 'For Sarawak, we believe in balancing the natural and artificial approaches,' he said. He also highlighted the importance of instilling a strong value system in the use of AI. 'We must not misuse it. AI is just a machine — a machine without the human touch. We, as humans, have emotions. 'And with that, I wish you all the best in this conference,' he added. abang johari AI chip-based technology lead Sarawak Media Conference 2025
