By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 13: Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2026 will return on July 16 at Pullman Kuching, with this year’s edition focusing on media trust, governance and the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The conference is expected to draw around 800 participants comprising media practitioners, communication professionals, academics, industry players and students.
Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Corporate, Information and UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol said this year’s conference would adopt a different format, with the main programme taking place over half a day compared to previous editions.
“Last year, the first two series of the conference were held over one-and-a-half days, but this time the conference itself will only involve half a day.
“The format of the media conference has changed this year as we want to introduce workshops, followed by two media workshops in the weeks after July 16. The dates will be decided later,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Baitulmakmur Building today.
Themed “Media, Trust and Governance in a Rapidly Evolving Digital World”, SMEC 2026 will be officiated by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The conference speakers are SOL Digital founder Lunnie Gan, Malaysia Media Council deputy president and Malaysiakini co-founder Premesh Chandran, Sarawak Media Group chairman Dato Norhyati Mohd Ismail, University of Tasmania Professor of Asian Studies Prof James Ung Ho Chin, and Kupikupi FM Sabah and Sarawak founder Rita Sim Sai Hoon.
The event will continue with the Welcoming Dinner in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 Sarawak level on the same night, which will be attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Amar Fadillah Yusof.
The dinner will include the presentation of the Anugerah Apresiasi Khas Premier Sarawak (Sarawak Premier’s Special Appreciation Award), recognising media practitioners across five categories — Editor/Reporter/Stringer, Photographer, Videographer, Radio/News Presenter and Influencer.
Guests will also be treated to entertainment, including a performance by renowned singer Datuk Ramli Sarip, who is expected to be the guest artiste for the night.
“There will be 11 recipients selected through peer evaluation, and they will receive certificates of appreciation as well as financial contributions.
“The recognition will not have repeat recipients, allowing more media practitioners to be acknowledged in future editions,” Abdullah added.
Meanwhile, separate media workshops will be held in the weeks following SMEC 2026 at Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS) Santubong and Tegas Digital Village, with dates to be announced later.
“At CENTEXS, the workshops will involve youths, university students and others, covering areas such as videography techniques, video production, editing, artificial intelligence (AI) and related skills. This will also serve as a platform to promote the various courses offered by CENTEXS.
“At Tegas Digital Village, the media workshops will focus more on media activities related to advertising, while also covering AI, videography, photography and other areas. Since Tegas Digital Village has produced many young people involved in start-ups and digital businesses, the focus of the workshops there will be geared towards that area,” Abdullah explained.
In addition, the Sarawak Media Sports Carnival will also be organised in three zones covering Kuching, Sibu and either Miri or Bintulu, with dates to be announced later. — DayakDaily
