SMEC25 to welcome 600 influential thinkers, communicators from Malaysia, overseas
Abdullah (left) and Awang Putrayusrie seen during the press conference.
KUCHING (June 24): The Sarawak Media Conference 2025 (SMEC25) will bring together around 600 influential thinkers and communication practitioners from both within Malaysia and abroad, says Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
According to the Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) the conference will feature diverse perspectives on the evolving landscape of journalism, technology, and digital transformation.
'SMEC25 will serve as an important platform for collaboration between the government, media professionals, and other key stakeholders,' he added during a press conference today.
He also emphasised that the Sarawak government recognises the vital role of the media as a catalyst for development, a trusted source of information, and a bridge between the government and the people.
The government, he added, will continue to support efforts that strengthen professionalism, ethics and innovation in the media industry.
'The conference is scheduled to take place on July 2 and 3, 2025 at Sheraton Hotel in Kuching. It will be organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) in collaboration with Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak,' he said.
He also revealed that the theme for this year's edition is 'Artificial Intelligence (AI): Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism,' reflecting current concerns and opportunities arising from the digital age.
Apart from that, he said SMEC25 will feature prominent speakers such as Shelly Bryant from Singapore and the United States, known for her work in cross-cultural narrative strategy, and Steve Saerang, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and a prominent youth communications leader in Indonesia.
'Also speaking will be Soh Wan Wei, CEO of AI Visionary Society in Singapore, who is known internationally for exploring the intersection of AI, the metaverse, and digital journalism,' he said.
From Malaysia, the lineup includes Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Director-General of Broadcasting Malaysia and a key figure in transforming the national news landscape, and Dr Jun-E Tan from the Khazanah Research Institute, who authored a major policy report on AI governance.
Professor Dr Patrick, CEO of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre, will also speak about AI development and knowledge transfer efforts within Sarawak.
'A two-day exhibition will run alongside the conference, featuring participation from UKAS, AZAM, SAIC, TEGAS, CENTEXS, UNIMAS and Affin Bank. The exhibition is aimed at showcasing digital innovation, AI research and communication-related initiatives in the state,' he said.
In conjunction with SMEC25 and the Sarawak-level celebration of National Journalists Day (HAWANA), Abdullah also said that a gala dinner will be held on July 2 at Riverside Majestic Hotel.
The dinner will be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Dato' Sri Fadillah Yusof, members of the Sarawak Cabinet, political secretaries, heads of departments, and representatives from the Indonesian and Bruneian consulates. Around 700 guests are expected.
'The evening will feature performances by local artists including Karen Libau, Firdaus Materang, Ng Chien Chien, and Roxy Ixzy.
'There will also be a modern dance and hip hop segment by Kinate Dance Studio and a theatrical performance titled 'Kampung Sik Berasa' by Persatuan Anak Seni Sarawak, continuing the story presented during last year's conference,' he said.
A key highlight of the dinner is the Premier's Special Appreciation Award, which will be presented to 10 media professionals in various categories including editors, journalists, newsreaders, radio presenters, photographers and special recognition figures. Each recipient will receive a plaque, certificate and a cash prize of RM3,000.
Abdullah said the award is intended to honour outstanding achievements, dedication and sacrifices made by members of the media who have made a positive impact in Sarawak.
Separately during the press conference, he revealed that the Sarawak Media Sports Carnival (KASUMeS) 2025 will be held for the first time this year, with competitions organised in three zones. Sibu hosted events for pickleball and futsal on May 15, while Miri held pickleball and darts on May 24.
'The Kuching leg will take place on June 24 and 25, featuring pickleball, tenpin bowling and badminton. The opening ceremony will be officiated by Abdullah himself at MUSC Sarawak, and the closing ceremony will be led by Deputy State Secretary (Operations) Datu Hii Chang Kee at Stadium Perpaduan Kuching,' he said.
Abdullah ended the press conference by thanking media representatives and expressing hope that these efforts will further strengthen the role of the media in building a progressive and inclusive Sarawak.
Also present during the press conference was Ukas director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan. Abdullah Saidol journalism lead Sarawak Media Conference
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