“Our future success hinges on our ability to embrace AI and use it for good.” – Microsoft
Vice-Chair and President, Brad Smith.
THERE he was – Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, dressed in full pilot uniform, confidently seated in the cockpit of an AirBorneo aircraft.
No, the Premier hasn’t traded politics for aviation.
It was an AI-generated video, screened during the Sarawak Media Conference 2025 (SMeC2025) held at Sheraton Hotel Kuching.
It caught the attention of over 700 delegates – media professionals, communicators, students, academics and technologists alike – not just for its humorous twist, but for the realism it portrayed.
Created using generative artificial intelligence, the video cleverly imagined the Premier as the captain of Sarawak’s very own airline, AirBorneo.
It wasn’t just light-hearted entertainment – it was a symbolic reflection of how far Sarawak is flying into its digital and AI-powered future.
The video quickly became the most talked-about moment of the two-day conference, setting the tone for a bigger discussion on the roles, risks, and responsibilities of AI in journalism.
Held under the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’, this second edition of SMeC wasn’t just another industry event – it was a strategic convergence of ideas and ideals, and a powerful reminder that the future of media is being written right now, in real time, by humans and machines alike.
And it was the Premier’s keynote address that grounded this vision.
“Artificial intelligence is no longer an abstract idea or a future trend – it is a living reality. We are now seeing AI-generated news reports, real-time translations of speeches and interviews, tools that verify facts at lightning speed, and algorithms that detect disinformation and even deepfakes,” he said.
The very video that had the audience chuckling moments before also raised a sobering point – what happens when such technology falls into the wrong hands?
The Premier made it clear: while AI enhances the way we work, it must never replace what he called “the very essence of journalism”.
“Human judgement, moral courage, integrity, and empathy – these are values that no machine can replicate. The future of journalism is not artificial – but augmented,” he said.
He reminded everyone present – especially journalists, editors, and content creators – that AI must be used to empower, not erase; to support and not substitute. It must enhance the truth, not distort it.
Sarawak, he said, is not a passive observer in this global shift, but an active participant – and, more importantly, a state determined to shape its own narrative.
The Premier outlined the state’s strategic frameworks, including the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2018–2022 and the ongoing Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Both place AI and digital transformation at the heart of Sarawak’s future – across education, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and of course, media.
To ensure this growth is both ethical and inclusive, the state has established institutions such as the Sarawak Centre of Artificial Intelligence (SAIC) and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA).
These bodies are tasked with fostering local talent, driving innovation, and regulating the responsible use of AI, particularly in sensitive sectors such as public communication and news media.
“These institutions are ensuring that AI in Sarawak is not just smart – but safe, responsible, and inclusive,” he said.
The state has also invested in innovation hubs, talent development schemes, and digital villages – all with the goal of nurturing the next generation of storytellers, content creators, researchers,
and digital leaders.
The Premier also stressed the importance of grounding innovation in local values, ensuring that digitalisation doesn’t widen gaps between rural and urban communities.
At the same time, he announced ongoing efforts with universities to integrate AI modules into journalism and communications programmes, encouraging ethical research in digital storytelling and media innovation.
For the youth in the room – particularly aspiring journalists and creators – his message was clear: “With AI, your reach is limitless. Your potential is immense. But always remember – your most powerful tool is not artificial intelligence. It is your moral compass.”
He urged media professionals to embrace AI boldly, but also ethically – to demand transparency from platforms, question biased algorithms, and stand firm in their role as guardians of public trust.
As the conference wrapped up, the image of the Premier as AirBorneo’s captain lingered in the minds of many.
Not just as a viral moment, but as a powerful metaphor – of leadership in a fast-changing digital world, of creativity meeting conscience, and of Sarawak taking bold, steady steps into an AI-augmented future.
Because every flight needs a skilled pilot.
And in this journey through the age of artificial intelligence, Sarawak appears to have both hands firmly on the controls – and eyes set clearly on the horizon.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at sarahhafizahchandra@gmail.com.
