Latest news with #AbdullahSaidol
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.
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- 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
Barnama
23-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
SMeC 2025 To Be Held In Conjunction With State Level Hawana Celebration On July 2 And 3
KUCHING, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 will be held in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebration on July 2 and 3 here, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit - UKAS). He said that some 700 participants are expected to attend the conference, themed "Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism," which will feature several communication and journalism experts from within and outside the country. "We are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the main theme once again this year. In line with the National Journalists' Day celebration, we will look at the influence of AI in shaping the future of media and journalism," he said at a press conference here today. The speakers include US cross-cultural narrative strategist and global corporate communications expert Shelly Bryant; Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Head of Youth Communications at PERHUMAS Indonesia, Steve Saerang; Chief Executive Officer of AI Visionary Society, Singapore, Soh Wan Wei; Director-General of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman; Senior Researcher at Khazanah Research Institute, Dr. Jun-E Tan; and Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), Dr. Patrick Then. Abdullah said Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, will officiate the conference on July 2 as a continued show of his support for the development of the media and digital sectors in the state. On the same night, a dinner in conjunction with HAWANA will be held with Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as the guest of honor. According to him, one of the main events of the night will be the presentation of the Premier of Sarawak's Special Appreciation Award, which will be given to 10 outstanding media practitioners, including editors, journalists, radio DJs, newsreaders, photographers, and industry figures. "Each recipient will receive a certificate, a plaque, and a financial contribution. This is in appreciation of their services in delivering accurate and constructive information," he said.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Sarawak Media Conference 2025 to focus on AI in journalism
KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 will be held in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) celebration on July 2 and 3 here, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit - UKAS). He said that some 700 participants are expected to attend the conference, themed 'Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism,' which will feature several communication and journalism experts from within and outside the country. 'We are using Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the main theme once again this year. In line with the National Journalists' Day celebration, we will look at the influence of AI in shaping the future of media and journalism,' he said at a press conference here today. The speakers include US cross-cultural narrative strategist and global corporate communications expert Shelly Bryant; Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Head of Youth Communications at PERHUMAS Indonesia, Steve Saerang; Chief Executive Officer of AI Visionary Society, Singapore, Soh Wan Wei; Director-General of Broadcasting, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman; Senior Researcher at Khazanah Research Institute, Dr. Jun-E Tan; and Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC), Dr. Patrick Then. Abdullah said Sarawak Premier, Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, will officiate the conference on July 2 as a continued show of his support for the development of the media and digital sectors in the state. On the same night, a dinner in conjunction with HAWANA will be held with Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, as the guest of honor. According to him, one of the main events of the night will be the presentation of the Premier of Sarawak's Special Appreciation Award, which will be given to 10 outstanding media practitioners, including editors, journalists, radio DJs, newsreaders, photographers, and industry figures. 'Each recipient will receive a certificate, a plaque, and a financial contribution. This is in appreciation of their services in delivering accurate and constructive information,' he said. The nomination process involved collaboration with various media agencies and associations, with the final selection made by an experienced panel from the world of journalism. He added that SMeC 2025 is fully funded by the Sarawak State Government and organised through UKAS and Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak, with the long-term goal of making it an annual international-level event. 'We want to make Sarawak a centre for regional media discussions. Many things are happening here – from the digital economy, renewable energy to AI development. SMeC will be another important platform showcasing Sarawak's strength,' he added.
Barnama
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
HAWANA 2025: Journalists As Important As Educators, Security Forces - S'wak Deputy Minister
KUCHING, May 29 (Bernama) -- The role of journalists, who serve as a source of information and news for the public and government, is as vital as that of educators and national security forces, says Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS)) Datuk Abdullah Saidol. He said that accredited, experienced, and discerning journalists were increasingly sought after to deliver accurate, verified, and constructive news, aimed at nurturing an informed, positive-thinking, and competitive society. 'The sacrifices and dedication of every individual in the field of journalism - whether braving the sun and rain in the field or rushing deadlines in the office - should always be appreciated,' he told Bernama in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 today.
