03-07-2025
SMeC 2025: AI can assist, but storytelling must stay human, says Broadcasting Malaysia D-G
Suhaimi speaks to reporters during the SMeC 2025. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (July 3): Artificial intelligence (AI) may assist in journalism, but the role of crafting compelling and meaningful stories must remain with human journalists, said Broadcasting Malaysia Director-General, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman.
He said that while AI can support media practitioners by generating ideas and background data, it cannot replace the human touch required in storytelling.
'The most important thing, from a reporter's point of view, is that AI helps us to develop a story — it gives ideas. But ultimately, we are the real storytellers,' he told reporters when met during the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here today.
He urged journalists to adopt a mindset of continuous learning to remain adaptable in the evolving media environment.
'We must always seek to increase our knowledge. Every journalist needs to have an attitude that embraces lifelong learning, because there are many branches of knowledge involved when we talk about AI,' he said.
Suhaimi highlighted that understanding how AI works is crucial, but so is recognising its limitations, particularly when it comes to regional and local content.
'For example, here in Sarawak, there are many things about our state that may not exist in the current data sets. The challenge is for us to teach AI about the local data that can be shared — not everything, but enough to make search results more meaningful,' he explained.
On the question of cost involved in transitioning to AI, Suhaimi encouraged the media industry to view it as a long-term investment.
'Don't look at it from the perspective of cost. See it as an investment. When you invest in something, surely there will be returns, just like when we invest in education,' he said.
He warned that ignoring AI would leave media professionals behind.
'This is knowledge that we cannot avoid. If we don't embrace it or use it, we will lose out. But we also need to be wise — we must be smart in how we use this knowledge in the best possible way,' he added.
Addressing concerns over AI replacing media roles such as news anchors, Suhaimi clarified that Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) uses AI only as a temporary solution while seeking suitable human talent.
'For RTM, it's a stopgap measure until we get the right people to come in. The younger generation — some of them — prefer part-time work. They don't want to work on Sundays or Mondays. Because of that, we have to resort to AI,' he said.
However, he maintained that human anchors are still essential for serious news content.
'We let AI present community news, human interest stories, and entertainment. But the more serious ones will always be handled by humans,' he said.
Suhaimi also responded to concerns that AI may reduce opportunities for fresh graduates, saying employability now depends on adaptability and value creation.
'I don't think we'll hire fewer fresh grads. What's important is how resourceful and valuable you are. Whatever you study in university, you must balance it with other knowledge to keep up with the rapid changes in technology,' he said.
'You may have a journalism degree, so what? But if you can also do this, this, and this, if you're an expert in something, you become a lot more marketable,' he added.
Suhaimi concluded by reiterating that although AI may take over repetitive tasks, the essence of journalism must remain human-led.
'Moving forward with AI, there will be certain jobs that AI will take over. But the position is still there. You are expected to come up with new skills to meet the new challenges.
'Your value should be more than just the repetition work that AI can do,' he said. AI artificial intelligence journalism Suhaimi Sulaiman
