Latest news with #SarawakMediaConference
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Media firms should cover journalists' AI tool costs, says S'wak deputy minister
Abdullah delivers his closing remarks at the event. – Photo by Kong Jun Liung KUCHING (July 3): Media companies may need to take responsibility for the cost of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and digital applications used by journalists in their daily work, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 here today, the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department acknowledged the growing financial burden media professionals face in keeping up with evolving digital requirements. 'Some reporters and journalists told me, 'I have to download this app – it costs me RM90 a month. Then I need another that costs RM300 per annum. I have to subscribe to this and that, and the company isn't covering it',' he said. 'Yes, these tools do help in their work, but employers must also understand that these extra expenses are necessary to enable digital assistance, whether AI or any otherwise.' He stressed that as technology advances rapidly, media companies must take into account these 'hidden costs' when discussing digital transformation. 'This is another consideration we must look at. Probably in future seminars, we can get researchers who have explored the actual costs involved, for both individuals and the government, in embracing digital advancements,' he said. Abdullah, who was SMeC 2025 organising chairman, noted that while AI is now part of everyday discourse, it must be approached with balance. 'We don't want to be left out, but neither should we be too quick in adopting new technologies. I used the term 'wholesale adoption' earlier, as one of the speakers mentioned, sometimes we shouldn't rush in adopting the latest advancements, especially when the fundamentals haven't been fully addressed.' He emphasised that the narrative of digital policy varies by country and government appetite. 'For example, the US is driven by commercial interests, the EU by standards, and China by security. In Sarawak, we must shape our own approach, one that aligns with our specific needs.' Abdullah also underscored the need for inclusive infrastructure, noting that many rural areas in Sarawak still lack basic connectivity. 'You don't have to talk about AI to me, my area doesn't even have internet. The tower is there, but it's not functioning,' he said, citing complaints from rural constituents. He acknowledged that while the Sarawak government has invested billions in digital infrastructure, more efforts are needed to close the digital divide. He also advocated for early education in AI, including governance and ethics, to prepare the next generation for a digital future. 'A teacher told me yesterday to pass the message to the Premier, that maybe we should start teaching children as early as primary school about the good and bad that AI can bring,' he shared. Abdullah also reminded that while AI may evolve to simulate intelligence and emotion, it cannot replicate the human qualities that matter most, such as empathy, feeling, and cultural understanding. 'In Malaysia, and especially in Sarawak, with our diversity in race, religion, and language, this is something AI will never understand,' he said. The SMeC 2025, which brought together journalists, academics, policymakers, and tech experts, focused on the intersection of innovation, governance, and the media industry's digital future. Abdullah Saidol AI tools cost journalists media company
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
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
Borneo Post
7 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
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Fadillah urges Sarawak media to focus on key development stories
KUCHING: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has encouraged media practitioners in Sarawak to consistently spotlight critical development narratives as the state progresses towards its Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 objectives. Speaking at a dinner event linked to the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 and state-level National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebration, he emphasised the need for news coverage to align with Sarawak's strategic direction. 'News that can be highlighted includes advancements in green and hydrogen technology, as well as stories of struggle and resilience amid the rising cost of living. Other crucial narratives include the impact of policies and public services, right here in the heart of Borneo, that truly matter,' he said. Fadillah stressed that media platforms must uphold truth, dignity, and hope in their reporting. During the event, the Deputy Prime Minister presented the Sarawak Premier's Special Appreciation Award 2025 to 10 media professionals. The awards recognised contributions across categories such as editor, journalist, newsreader, radio announcer, and photographer. Recipients included Sarawak Bernama bureau chief Hamdan Ismail, Sarawak Tribune editor-in-chief Aden Nagrace, and Cheng Lian Hock from Dayak Daily.
New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Embrace AI as a tool to shape the future, Fadillah tells journalists
KUCHING: Journalists and mass media practitioners should not see artificial intelligence as a threat, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof told journalists attending the two-day Sarawak Media Conference here. He said they should instead embrace it as a tool to elevate their profession. "Let us walk forward with open minds and united purpose. 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," he said at a dinner for participants of the conference themed "AI: Shaping the future of media and journalism". Fadillah said the question was not whether AI would shape the future as it definitely would. "The real question is: 'Will we shape AI or will AI shape us?'." Fadillah said he does not have all the answers about how AI will shape the future but he has faith in the power of dialogue, of collective wisdom, and of a media community that is not afraid to evolve. "I have no doubt: we can, and we will, rise to this challenge," he said. Fadillah also pointed out that the mass media was 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," he said. He added that the mass media also gave voice to the voiceless and held power to account. Fadillah said, in this age of misinformation, the journalist's role becomes more crucial than ever.
