MIRI: The Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) gathered 50 of its members on Monday for an evening of camaraderie, lucky draws, and a call to strengthen the health and professional growth of media practitioners.
Addressing those present, NSJA President, Chai Chon Chin, spoke of the gathering not merely as a festive affair on conjunction with Gawai Dayak, but as “a symbol of harmony and unity among Sarawak’s diverse communities”.
Chai used the occasion to outline a new initiative inspired by remarks from Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, who recently emphasised the importance of physical fitness among media workers.
“I was inspired to propose that our association partner with local sports venues to subsidise weekly sessions,” Chai said.
“It’s not about chasing trophies, but cultivating a healthy, active lifestyle among our members.”
He also announced a forthcoming training session entitled ‘AI in the Newsroom’, fully funded by Lee.
Slated for July 4, the course is limited to 20 participants due to budget constraints, but the association is seeking additional sponsorship to expand future training opportunities.
The evening’s highlight came in the form of grand prize lucky draws, sponsored by Imasa Dinasti Sdn Bhd, a member of the TAK Group of companies.
Aidawatie from Jabatan Penerangan Miri took home an HONOR Pad X9a, while Jacqueline Raphael of The Borneo Post won a Roscani couple’s watch, prizes collectively worth RM1,500.
Representatives from Imasa, including Senior Project Manager, Liaw Meng Hon, and Project Architect, Aryton Kong, also attended, reinforcing the company’s support for local journalism initiatives.
