By Karen Bong
KUCHING, July 2: Artificial Intelligence (AI) must never replace human judgement in journalism, which is not merely the reporting of events but the relentless pursuit of truth, a platform for the voiceless, a check on power, and a vital thread that binds society together.
Highlighting this, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg reminded media professionals, policymakers, academics and students to never forget what journalism stands for in embracing AI.
“It is the relentless pursuit of truth. Today’s journalists are not only storytellers—they are guardians of public trust. And that trust must be defended with every decision we make, including how we integrate technology,” he underscored in his keynote address at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2025 at Sheraton Hotel today.
He cautioned that while AI can enhance journalistic processes—such as analysing data, detecting trends, and increasing efficiency—it must never replace the human values essential to journalism: moral courage, empathy, integrity, and sound judgement.
“Let us not be dazzled by AI’s capabilities to the point that we lose sight of our human values. Let us ensure that technology remains our servant—not our master.
“These are the values that no machine can replicate. In truth, technology is at its most powerful when it works hand-in-hand with humanity, not when it replaces it,” he emphasised.
Abang Johari stressed that the future of journalism lies not in artificial, but augmented intelligence—where technology empowers journalists to reach wider audiences, dig deeper, and report more accurately, while preserving the essence of the profession.
He noted that Sarawak is not a passive observer of the global digital shift, but a proactive player in shaping a digital society through the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. This includes the digitalisation of sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
“We understand that the success of a digital society cannot be measured solely by infrastructure or software. It must be measured by how effectively it empowers people, connects communities, and enhances transparency and trust across every sector—including the media.
“We are committed to ensuring digitalisation does not widen the gap between urban and rural communities. That’s why we’re extending digital infrastructure and literacy to the most remote areas so that no one is left behind,” he said.
He pointed to Sarawak’s investment in future-ready institutions, including the Sarawak Centre of Artificial Intelligence and the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), alongside Digital Innovation Hubs and the Sarawak Digital Village, aimed at supporting startups, content creators, and young talents.
“These are the spaces where our next generation of journalists and storytellers will emerge—not just to inform, but to inspire,” he said.
To future-proof the media industry, Abang Johari also mentioned efforts to integrate AI and digital communication modules into media and journalism courses at universities and higher learning institutions.
“Through our efforts to extend infrastructure and digital education, we are working to create a truly inclusive digital ecosystem—one that opens doors for young people in every corner of Sarawak,” he added.
Organised by Sarawak government through Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) in partnership with Angkatan Zaman Mansang (Azam) Sarawak, the conference from July 2-3 is themed “Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism”.
Over 600 delegates including international experts, local media professionals, policymakers, digital strategists and academics attend the event to explore how AI is transforming the media industry.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol were among the distinguished guests present at the event. — DayakDaily
