By Doreen Ling
KUCHING, June 24: Some 700 delegates are expected to attend the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 held in conjunction with the State-level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration on July 2 and 3.
This was said by Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, during a press conference here on Monday (June 23).
Organised by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) in collaboration with Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak and fully funded by the State government, the theme for the conference is ‘Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’.
“We are using AI (artificial intelligence) as the core theme of our conference. In line with the National Journalists’ Day celebration, we will look at the influence of AI in shaping the future of media and journalism,” he said.
The speakers for the conference include names such as Shelly Bryant from Singapore and the United States, a cross-cultural narrative strategist and global corporate communications expert; and Steve Saerang, who is Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison and Head of Youth Communications at PERHUMAS Indonesia.
He added that Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is expected to officiate the conference on July 2, which will be followed by a dinner in conjunction with HAWANA, with Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof as the guest of honour.
“During the dinner, there will be the presentation of the Premier of Sarawak’s Special Appreciation Award to 10 outstanding media practitioners, including editors, journalists, radio DJs, newsreaders, photographers, and industry figures.
“Like last year, these individuals will receive certificates of appreciation, plaques, and cash prizes, with the amount to be announced on the night of the awards ceremony,” he said.
The nomination process involved collaboration with various media agencies and associations, with the final selection made by an experienced panel of journalists.
During the conference, there will also be exhibitions involving UKAS, AZAM, the Sarawak AI Centre (SAIC), Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEX), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), and Affin Bank.
Meanwhile, he also stated that UKAS hosted the inaugural Sarawak Media Sports Carnival (KASUMeS) 2025, in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day, which was held in three Zones: Sibu (May 15), Miri (May 24), and Kuching (June 24-25). — DayakDaily
