The inaugural Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2024, held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA), brought together experts and professionals to discuss the theme ‘Evolution of Media in the Digital Era’. The conference took place at the Riverside Majestic Hotel on 26-27 May 2024, and was officially inaugurated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Abang Haji Openg.
UNIMAS had a significant presence at the conference, represented by staff from the Faculty of Education, Language and Communication (Dr Noratikah Mohamad Ashari, Dr Jamali Bujang Sanawi, Dr Joseph Ramanair & Dr Dayang Aizza Maisha Abang Ahmad), UNIMAS Corporate (Maclean Patrick Sibat, Nurul Huzaimah Hussien, Sarfiza Othman & Patricia Jutin) and student leaders (Mohamad Zul Hariz Mohd Fadzli, Umi Amirah Mohamad Wasli, Mohd Asyrani Aqmar Haslie, Nur Syahirah Roslee & Muhammad Khaieril Nor Ariffin Abdullah). The event also featured a Welcoming Dinner at Pullman Kuching, attended by Tuan Yang Terutama Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar and his wife.
The first day of the conference included a series of insightful sessions:
- Topic: Balancing Act: Freedom of Expression vs Responsible Online Behaviour in Malaysia
Speaker: Saidatul Ashikin Abu Hassan
Organisation: Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Centre for Communications Safety Department - Topic: Building and Maintaining Trust and Confidence in the Media Amidst Digital Disruptions
Speaker: Prof Charlie Beckett
Organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom - Topic: Mobile Journalism: A Catalyst for Social Impact
Speaker: Augustine Anthuvan
Organization: Singapore Media Academy at Singapore Mediacorp - Topic: Rise of Online Citizen/Netizen Journalism and its Challenge to the Journalism/Media Industry
Speaker: Assoc Prof Jaspal Kaur
Organisation: School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom - Topic: Rise of Online Citizen/Netizen Journalism and its Challenge to the Journalism/Media Industry
Speaker: Assoc Prof Jaspal Kaur
Organisation: School of Law, Policing and Social Sciences at Canterbury Christ Church University, United Kingdom - Topic: Leveraging Social Media in Engagement with the Community/Public
Speaker: Munir Anaam
Organisation: Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) - Topic: Branding Sarawak in the Digital Age
Speaker: Philip Yong
Organisation: Borneo Adventure Malaysia - Topic: The Role of Media in Disseminating Public Information (Sarawak’s Perspective)
Speaker: Datu Hii Chang Kee
Organisation: Department of the Premier of Sarawak
The second day continued with a strong focus on artificial intelligence and data journalism:
- Topic: The Rise of Data Journalism and AI Tools
Speaker: Munir Anaam
Organisation: Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) - Topic: Legal And Ethical Questions Around AI in Journalism
Speaker: Assoc Prof Jaspal Kaur
Organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom - Topic: AI For Good: How AI can Help Journalism and Media: Real Life Examples of AI Applications in Journalism
Speaker: Prof Charlie Beckett
Organisation: London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom
The conference provided a comprehensive overview of the current trends and issues in media, journalism, and AI in the digital era. UNIMAS was honoured to participate in such a significant event. Additionally, UNIMAS was proud to host the HAWANA 2024 Excursion with Students programme on 26 May 2024, which was attended by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS)) Datuk Abdullah Haji Saidol, and UNIMAS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Ahmad Hata Rasit.
As UNIMAS continues to engage in these critical discussions, the university aspires to play a pivotal role in the discourse on digital media evolution. This aligns with UNIMAS’ broader goal of using advancements in digital technology to achieve long-term environmental, social, and economic sustainability, as highlighted in the Vice Chancellor’s address themed “Leveraging Digital Transformation for a Sustainable Future”.
Written by Nurul Huzaimah Hussien (UNIMAS Corporate), supported by AI tools.