KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2026 will introduce free media workshops, while this year’s Sarawak level HAWANA celebration will feature an expanded programme for media practitioners.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said the third edition of SMeC, themed “Media, Trust and Governance in a Rapidly Evolving Digital World”, is expected to attract about 650 delegates, including local and international media practitioners, public relations officers, academics and students.
“This year, besides the conference itself, we want to introduce something new.
“We will organise two media workshops in the following weeks. The idea came from media practitioners themselves, who suggested having practical skills workshops in addition to the conference,” he said during a press conference at the UKAS Meeting Room today (July 13).
The conference will be held at the Pullman Kuching Hotel on Thursday (July 16), with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg scheduled to officiate the opening ceremony.
It will feature two keynote speakers, three panellists and discussions centred on this year’s theme.
The two workshops will be held at CENTEXS Santubong on Monday (July 27) and TEGAS Digital Village on Thursday (July 30), covering topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), videography, photography, video editing and digital content production.
Abdullah said the workshops were introduced in response to requests from media practitioners for more practical training opportunities.
“Not everyone working in media has a formal background in journalism or mass communication.
“Many stringers, freelance contributors and even influencers have asked for opportunities to upgrade their skills,” he said.
He said the sessions are open to journalists, stringers, content creators, students and aspiring media practitioners, providing opportunities to enhance practical skills while building professional networks.
The programme at CENTEXS will also introduce participants to the institution’s training opportunities, while the TEGAS Digital Village session will focus on media production, entrepreneurship, advertising and the digital economy.
Beyond SMeC, this year’s HAWANA celebration will also include the Media Games Carnival, which will be organised in Kuching, Sibu and either Miri or Bintulu throughout the year to foster greater camaraderie among members of the media outside their daily assignments.
The celebration will culminate in the HAWANA Dinner on Thursday (July 16), expected to be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
During the dinner, 11 media practitioners will receive the Sarawak Premier’s Special Appreciation Awards in recognition of their contributions to the profession.
Abdullah said recipients are nominated and selected by members of the media fraternity, with each individual eligible to receive the honour only once, allowing more individuals to be recognised in future editions.
Looking ahead, he said Sarawak aims to establish SMeC as a recognised regional platform that brings together media professionals and experts to exchange ideas, strengthen journalism and shape the future of media in the digital era.
