KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) has set a goal of transforming itself into the Malaysian University of Journalism in the future.
MPI President Datuk Yong Soo Heong said since its establishment, MPI has served as a training ground, an educational hub, and a centre for skill development for journalists in the country.
“Effective journalists are not born spontaneously. They are honed, trained, and shaped. In a fast-changing world, training is no longer an option but a necessity.
“MPI views this reality as an opportunity to strengthen our role as the leading journalism training centre in the country. Therefore, MPI is no longer merely an organiser of workshops or short courses.
“Instead, MPI is heading towards a greater aspiration — to one day become the Malaysian University of Journalism,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the MPI–Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards 2024 (HKM 2024) and Malam Wartawan Malaysia 2025 (MWM 2025) celebration at The Majestic Hotel, here on Friday night.
Yong said the move would allow MPI to nurture a new generation of journalists equipped not only with strong writing skills but also with analytical thinking, digital literacy, and ethical grounding.
“Journalists today must be more than just capable writers, they must become analysts, visual storytellers, discourse moderators, and agents of change.
“That is why we are taking baby steps in our aspiration and will delve further into in-depth writing, investigative journalism, artificial intelligence (AI) skills, big data analytics, and the creation of digital content across platforms,” he said.
Touching on the significance of the MPI–Petronas Malaysian Journalism Awards, Yong said the accolades represent more than just recognition — they are a testament to journalistic integrity, accuracy, and public responsibility.
“We need journalists who can influence policy change, foster public understanding, and record history with integrity.
“This award sends a clear signal: in a sea of information, there are still honest voices and reports that do not bow to clicks alone,” he added.
