Malaysia Allocates Funds for AI Training in Media Sector
KUCHING, Malaysia — Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced a MYR 1 million grant (USD 212,450) to the Bernama Center for Excellence for the training of media practitioners in artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The announcement came during the National Journalists’ Day 2024 (HAWANA 2024) celebration held on May 27 at the Waterfront Hotel in Kuching, Sarawak state.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that the funding aligns with a broader initiative urging the media to harness technology, including AI, to enhance their work. The Bernama Center for Excellence, a facility of Malaysia’s National News Agency, will oversee the development and execution of training programs for its staff, as well as for personnel from government agencies and corporate entities. It will also handle industrial training applications from students of higher education institutions.
In his address at HAWANA 2024, which is the largest annual gathering of Malaysian media professionals, Ibrahim encouraged Bernama to spearhead multiple activities focusing on AI training for journalists. This year’s event, themed “Ethics the Core of Sustainable Journalism,” also attracted journalists from various countries including Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Timor Leste, China, the Republic of Korea, Qatar, France, and Kuwait.
The gathering also provided a platform for international dialogue, with the Prime Minister engaging foreign journalists on topics related to press freedom and geopolitical issues. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg were also present, interacting with international media representatives. Fadzil inaugurated the HAWANA 2024 celebrations with an exhibition at Plaza Merdeka, involving 18 agencies from Sarawak, on May 25.
In his remarks, Fadzil highlighted the evolving skill set required in journalism, which now encompasses multimedia and data journalism, stressing the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in the digital age. The event, which coincided with the Sarawak Media Conference, was organized by the Ministry of Communications in partnership with the Sarawak state government and Bernama.
Bernama also noted that May 29 has been officially designated as National Journalists Day, marking the anniversary of the first edition of the Utusan Melayu published on May 29, 1939, to honor the contributions of media practitioners.