MIRI: The first-ever Journalism Summer Camp in Sarawak has wrapped up at Curtin University Malaysia with 23 young participants leaving more confident, skilled, and inspired to tell stories in a fast-changing media landscape.
The five-day camp, a collaboration between Alpha Skills Academy and Curtin Malaysia, brought together university students and children from PACTS Schools, a non-government organisation (NGO) that supports underprivileged youth.
For many of them, it was their first hands-on taste of journalism and media production.
Over the course of the week, Curtin’s campus was transformed into a buzzing newsroom.
The participants learned directly from some of Malaysia’s most recognisable media professionals, including radio veteran JJ Fernandez, PR strategist Zarina Zainal, and television and radio host Azura Zainal.
Workshops ranged from news writing and interviewing to podcasting and video production.
Students also tested their skills in simulated press conferences, live interviews, and fast-paced creative challenges.
The programme was not just about technical skills.
A Japanese cultural dance workshop led by Yuriko Yamamoto of the Japan Foundation introduced Curtin students and staff to Soran Bushi and Bon Odori, adding an international flavour to the camp.
The highlight came on the final day when participants premiered their original short videos before an audience at Curtin’s Auditorium.
The four productions – ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘The Tonight Show with Joann’, ‘Who Needs Rehearsals Anyways’ and ‘The World Inside of Me’ – drew warm praise from both trainers and peers.
“Seeing their work on screen, you could tell something had clicked. They’ve caught the spark, and from here, it can only grow,” said Fernandez.
For Onny Maathai, co-founder of PACTS Schools and chair of the organising committee, the camp was about more than skills training.
“This partnership with Curtin Malaysia has shown what’s possible when opportunities are opened up. It’s a start, and we’re already looking ahead to what more we can do together,” she said.
The successful debut of the Journalism Summer Camp has laid the foundation for future programmes designed to equip young voices in Sarawak with the confidence and creativity to shape the stories of tomorrow.
