KUCHING: The inaugural Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2024, held in conjunction with National Journalists Day (HAWANA) on May 26 – 27 will delve into the theme ‘Evolution of Media in the Digital Era’.
The conference will be officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Abang Johari Tun Openg.
According to Kuching Division Journalist Association (KDJA) president Ronnie Teo, the conference will feature talks covering diverse media related topics.
“The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, led by its head of centre for Communications Safety Department Saidatul Ashikin Abu Hassan, will discuss ‘Balancing Act: Freedom of Expression vs. Responsible Online Behaviour in Malaysia.’
“Professor Charlie Beckett from The London School of Economics and Political Science will lead a session on ‘Building and Maintaining Trust and Confidence in the Media Amidst Digital Disruptions.’
“Augustine Anthuvan, media and communications advisor and chief trainer from Singapore Media Academy will talk about ‘Mobile Journalism: A Catalyst for Social Impact,’” he said.
Teo added that Associate Professor Jaspal Kaur from Canterbury Christ Church University, UK, will address ‘Rise of Online Citizen/Netizen Journalism and its Challenge to the Journalism/Media Industry.’
Munir Anaam, a Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) trainer, will discuss ‘Leveraging Social Media in Engagement with the Community/Public.’
He cited that from the Sarawak angle, Philip Yong, managing director of Borneo Adventure Malaysia, will elaborate on ‘Branding Sarawak in the Digital Age’.
This will be followed by Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datuk Hii Chang Kee’s session on ‘The Role of Media in Disseminating Public Information (Sarawak’s Perspective),’ he explained.
Meanwhile, on the second day of HAWANA, Munir Anaam will kick off with ‘The Rise of Data Journalism and AI Tools.’
Following this, Jaspal will then dive into ‘Legal and Ethical Questions Around AI in Journalism.’
Prof. Charlie Beckett will then present ‘AI For Good: How AI Can Help Journalism and Media’ and ‘Real Life Examples of AI Applications in Journalism.’
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol will deliver his remarks for the closing ceremony of the conference on May 27.
