KUCHING: Local journalists have been urged to continue to harness their creativity while maintaining accuracy, particularly in business reporting.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said strong business reporting skills enable journalists to produce impactful commentary that can attract investors and stakeholders.
“As Sarawak’s economy is growing and with many investments and projects in the pipeline, journalists must also ensure information from both the public and private sectors is disseminated accurately,” he said.
He said in his text-of-speech delivered by the Ministry’s Head of Innovation Division Dr Cheong Yaw Liang during Pertubuhan Wartawan Bebas Kuching’s (PEWARTA) Business Writing Workshop held at a hotel here today (Aug 23).
Sagah added business reporting is a niche segment of reporting whereby one has to be accurate and be sure about the information being reported as it involves numbers, figures and percentages.
“As such, the journalists must be certain that the information they obtained is correct and timely,” he said.
He also stressed that research is essential before a business journalist produces an article, as he or she must be familiar with the relevant rules and regulations.
On the workshop, he commended PEWARTA for organising the workshop, describing it as timely in equipping journalists with the skills to meet the demands of Sarawak’s economic growth.
“As we know a prominent veteran journalist, Datuk Yong Soo Heong, has been invited to train our local journalists here on business reporting. His experience as the chief executive officer (CEO) of Bernama and in business reporting for more than five decades speaks volume.
“We are indeed privileged to have his presence here to train local journalists on business reporting and also producing good articles for corporations.
“I believe it will be fantastic and good to give exposure to our journalists as well as public relations personnel, to new approaches and ideas which can open up their mind when doing business reporting,” he said.
Sagah added that the Ministry welcomes any effort or event which promotes the upgrading of knowledge and skills, not only for workers but also for journalists.
