KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 will spotlight Artificial Intelligence (AI) as its main agenda to enhance understanding of the influence of the technology on the current journalism and media landscape.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the conference is aligned with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration and will explore how AI is shaping the future of journalism.
“This conference will bring together over 700 delegates and feature an esteemed line-up of speakers comprising both local and international experts who will share insights and knowledge on technological advancements within the media industry,” he told a press conference on the state-level HAWANA celebration and SMeC 2025 at the UKAS headquarters recently.
Abdullah added that SMeC 2025 will feature the Sarawak Premier’s Special Appreciation Awards to honour 10 individuals recognised for excellence across various media categories, including editors, reporters, news anchors, radio hosts (DJs), photographers and special icons.
“Just like last year, these individuals will receive certificates of appreciation, plaques and cash prizes, with the amount to be announced on the night of the awards ceremony,” he said.
He said UKAS, in collaboration with AZAM Sarawak will organise the second edition of SMeC from July 2 to 3 at Sheraton Kuching Hotel Kuching, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’.
Throughout the two-day conference, an exhibition will also be held featuring participation from UKAS, AZAM , Sarawak AI Centre (SAIC), TEGAS, CENTEXS, UNIMAS, and Affin Bank.
The line-up of international speakers expected to attend includes Shelly Bryant (Singapore/USA), an expert on cross-cultural narrative strategies and global corporate communications who has mentored multinational leaders in crafting impactful, context-sensitive narratives.
Also featured is Steve Saerang, senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and head of Youth Communications for PERHUMAS Indonesia, with extensive experience in regional and international communication forums, specialising in crisis management and information integrity.
Another key figure is Soh Wan Wei, chief executive officer of AI Visionary Society from Singapore, who has delivered over 100 international keynote speeches and is renowned for exploring the intersections between AI, the metaverse and the future of digital journalism.
From within Malaysia, SMeC25 will feature Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, director-general of Broadcasting Malaysia, known for his significant role in transforming national news platforms through Astro Awani and TVS.
Also speaking is Dr Jun-E Tan from the Khazanah Research Institute, lead author of the policy report ‘AI Governance in Malaysia’ which highlights the need for technology fairness and human rights, along with Professor Dr. Patrick, CEO of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre, who is spearheading AI research and technology transfer initiatives aimed at positioning Sarawak as a values-driven pioneer in AI development.