KUALA LUMPUR: The Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) achieved a historic milestone today with its official acceptance as a member of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI).
The presentation of the membership certificate to UKAS was officiated by MPI President Datuk Yong Soo Heong to Sarawak Deputy Secretary (Operations) Datuk Hii Chang Kee during a courtesy visit by UKAS at the MPI Training Centre in Cyberjaya.
Hii described UKAS’ admission as a member of MPI as very timely, in line with its goal to empower UKAS staff with the latest skills needed in the media industry.
“MPI plays an important role for us, and UKAS wants to see how we can collaborate with them, especially in the development of the media industry in Sarawak.
“It is indeed our intention to develop the capacity of all agencies in Sarawak, including UKAS.
“Therefore, we hope that through this collaboration we can improve the quality of our journalists, to help strengthen the media industry in Sarawak,” he said during the visit.
Hii also said that his party is ready to examine the training offer from MPI to strengthen UKAS staff.
He also invited MPI to be involved in organising the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 scheduled to be held on June 24 to 25 in Kuching.
Meanwhile, UKAS Director Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan said that the role of UKAS will be further strengthened, especially in the context of delivering factual and transparent information to the public.
He also welcomed the cooperation from MPI, and was ready to consider the training offer provided to strengthen the skills of UKAS staff.
Welcoming the proposed collaboration, Yong informed that UKAS has a major role as a driving force in the media industry in Sarawak.
“UKAS needs to look further, not as a mere distributor of information, but rather as a benchmark in the local media industry,” he said.
MPI is a foundation whose role is to help empower and enhance the development of human capital for local journalists through journalism programs.
It also acts as the main body to recognise the best works of journalism in the Malaysian media industry.
