KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 is set to take on a more regional flavour as it expands its scope by inviting media practitioners from across Asean to Kuching, further reinforcing Sarawak’s ambition to be a regional media hub.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the move is in line with Sarawak’s broader aspiration to position itself as a centre for media dialogue and innovation in Southeast Asia.
“We are working towards building the SMeC brand as well as positioning Sarawak as a centre for discussions and innovation related to media conferences,” he told a press conference on the state-level HAWANA celebration and SMeC 2025 at the UKAS headquarters here recently.
Abdullah added that rapid development across various sectors, including modern economy and renewable energy, positions the state as a strategic location to host such events.
“There are many exciting developments taking place in Sarawak, not only in terms of the modern economy and renewable energy but our overall economy remains strong.
“Therefore, we also intend to invite journalists from around the world, particularly from this region, in line with Malaysia currently holding the Asean chairmanship,” he said.
Abdullah also urged media practitioners across the country to take a greater role in understanding the history of the formation of Malaysia and appreciating the contributions of every state within the federation.
“We have a moral responsibility as citizens to revisit the spirit of Malaysia’s formation. This is vital to ensure that the people, especially the younger generation, learn about our history and refrain from making statements that may disrupt the situation,” he said.
