KUCHING: Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, led a delegation from the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on a courtesy call on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Satria Pertiwi Complex.
During the meeting which took place on Thursday (Jun 18), Abdullah briefed the Premier on preparations for the third edition of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026, which is scheduled to be held on Jul 16 at the Pullman Hotel Kuching.
Themed “Media, Trust and Governance in a Rapidly Evolving Digital World,” the conference is expected to be officiated by the Premier as the guest of honour.
The conference will adopt a more interactive approach this year through a series of workshops, panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions involving students from higher learning institutions, media practitioners and communication professionals.
The initiative is aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing professional competencies and strengthening the media and communications ecosystem in Sarawak while expanding its influence at the regional level.
The third edition of SMeC will also feature three experienced panellists from the media, communications, academic and industry sectors to discuss issues related to media, public trust and governance in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
During the courtesy call, Abdullah also updated the Premier on preparations for the Townhall Programme in conjunction with the 2026 Sarawak Day celebration, for which he serves as the deputy minister responsible.
Also present were UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, UKAS deputy director Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali and senior UKAS officers.
