KUCHING (May 23): The inaugural Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2024, held in conjunction with National Journalists Day (Hawana), will focus on several topics in line with its theme ‘Evolution of Media in the Digital Era’.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is set to officiate at the conference, which will take place at Riverside Majestic Hotel here on May 26-27, said a press release today.
The conference will feature Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Centre for Communications Safety Department head Saidatul Ashikin Abu Hassan, who will speak on ‘Balancing Act: Freedom of Expression vs Responsible Online Behaviour in Malaysia’.
This will be followed by ‘Building and Maintaining Trust and Confidence in the Media Amidst Digital Disruptions’ by Prof Charlie Beckett, from the London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom.
Media and Communications advisor/chief trainer Augustine Anthuvan from the Singapore Media Academy at Singapore Mediacorp will talk on ‘Mobile Journalism: A Catalyst for Social Impact’.
Next will be the ‘Rise of Online Citizen/Netizen Journalism and its Challenge to the Journalism/Media Industry’ by Assoc Prof Jaspal Kaur from the School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom.
Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) trainer Munir Anaam will speak more on ‘Leveraging Social Media in Engagement with the Community/Public’.
Borneo Adventure Malaysia managing director Philip Yong will speak on ‘Branding Sarawak in the Digital Age’.
Deputy State Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee from the Premier of Sarawak’s Department will speak on ‘The Role of Media in Disseminating Public Information (Sarawak’s Perspective)’.
On the second day of the conference, MPI’s Munir will start the day off with his topic ‘The Rise of Data Journalism and AI Tools’.
He will be followed by Jaspal, who will dive into ‘Legal And Ethical Questions Around AI in Journalism’.
Beckett will then present two topics entitled ‘AI For Good: How AI can Help Journalism and Media’ and ‘Real Life Examples of AI Applications in Journalism’.
Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Office (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communication Unit) Datuk Abdullah Saidol will deliver remarks for the closing ceremony.
SMeC 2024 is organised by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) and Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), and supported by Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak and Business Events Sarawak.
