By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 8: Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) today launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) literacy programme for 35 local media practitioners in collaboration with local journalism associations, aiming to enhance reporting capacity and urge Sarawak journalists to move beyond “churnalism” by leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen research, storytelling and public interest reporting.
According to a press release, the programme titled “AI Masterclass: Strategic Usage, Productivity & Efficiency” forms part of BESarawak’s broader efforts to strengthen collaboration with media stakeholders and enhance journalistic capacity among industry partners, supporting Sarawak’s aspiration to become an innovative, knowledge-driven destination.
Speaking on the importance of adapting to these industry shifts, Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) President Ronnie Teo said journalists should embrace AI as a tool that supports professional judgment rather than replaces it.
“We need the media community to move beyond ‘churnalism’ and leverage AI to support deeper research, stronger storytelling and more meaningful journalism,” Teo said.
He added that AI literacy would help journalists uncover important issues, tell compelling stories, and serve the public interest more effectively, while ensuring media practitioners remain relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
The masterclass is intended to support that goal by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to use AI responsibly and effectively in their daily work, while promoting continuous professional development within the media industry.
BESarawak Acting Chief Executive Officer Jason Tan Chin Foo said ongoing learning and knowledge sharing are essential to building a stronger media ecosystem that supports the growth of the business events industry.
He said equipping media practitioners with emerging technologies would help stakeholders better understand the role business events play in advancing Sarawak’s economic growth, knowledge development, and long-term aspirations.
Highlighting the need for journalists to adapt to these changes, Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Sarawak Branch President Nancy Nais noted that the training ensures media practitioners can leverage AI tools while upholding core journalistic ethics.
“Building AI literacy would help journalists remain competitive and better equipped to deliver quality journalism that serves communities across Sarawak,” she said. — DayakDaily
