By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 29: The Sarawak government is planning to send local journalists overseas to participate in executive training programmes, as part of efforts to strengthen the quality and professionalism of journalism in the State.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg emphasised that the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with journalist associations in Sarawak, with the aim of providing international exposure to qualified media practitioners.
“I have directed Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Ukas) Datuk Abdullah Saidol to look into this matter.
“Last year, I had already expressed the intention to send journalists with relevant backgrounds abroad to attend an executive programme,” he said in a pre-recorded interview, while extending his wishes for National Journalists’ Day.
He was met after officiating the Asia Carbon Conference (ACC) 2025 at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) today.
The Premier stressed that the programme will be carried out in a systematic manner, with eligibility assessments to ensure that only qualified journalists are selected for the training.
“This initiative will be undertaken in collaboration with existing journalist associations in Sarawak. There will be a proper selection process to determine who qualifies, based on specific criteria,” he explained.
He added that the Sarawak government will allocate a special fund to support the initiative, viewing it as a long-term investment in the future of the media industry in Sarawak.
He expressed hope that the programme would nurture more journalists who are not only skilled and professional, but also capable of bringing fresh ideas and new approaches to reporting current issues—keeping pace with the evolving demands of today’s media landscape.
“I am fully committed to this. If we can offer free tertiary education to Sarawakian children by 2026, we can certainly allocate resources to send our journalists for executive training.
“I hope this effort will enhance the quality of reporting and produce journalists who can inject new perspectives and elevate the standards of journalism in Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily
