KUCHING: The third edition of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2026 will serve as a key platform to strengthen media professionalism while fostering a more ethical and trusted communications ecosystem amid the rapid advancement of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the conference reflects the Sarawak government’s continued commitment to empowering the media industry through knowledge-sharing, skills development and stronger communication governance.
He said Sarawak remains the only state in Malaysia that consistently recognises the role of media practitioners in supporting the state’s development agenda.
“UKAS has been proactive in organising programmes such as this conference to provide a platform for media practitioners to exchange ideas and keep abreast of the latest developments in the media landscape, particularly the rapid evolution of digital technology and AI,” he said.
He said this during an appearance on the UKAS-produced Juh Randau programme alongside Ronnie Teo, president of the Kuching Division Journalists Association, at the UKAS Studio here on Wednesday (Jul 8).
Abdullah said SMEC 2026 would go beyond conference sessions by introducing a more interactive approach through a series of practical workshops, providing participants with hands-on exposure to photography, videography, AI applications and digital content creation.
Meanwhile, Teo described SMEC as an important platform for raising professional standards while cultivating a journalism culture rooted in ethics and credibility.
“I believe SMEC will be an excellent platform for media practitioners, as well as those aspiring to join the profession, to learn about the industry’s framework, code of practice and code of ethics.
“It is an ideal avenue to enhance knowledge and professionalism,” he said.
Teo added that initiatives such as SMEC would also help raise awareness of ethical media practices while recognising the contributions of media practitioners in an increasingly digital environment.
SMEC 2026 will be held on Jul 16 at Pullman Kuching in conjunction with the National Journalists’ Day 2026 celebration, followed by a series of training workshops, skills development programmes and industry engagement activities throughout the month.
The conference is expected to further strengthen Sarawak’s position as a leader in the development of a progressive media and communications industry while enhancing collaboration between the government, media practitioners, educational institutions and industry players.
