Kuala Lumpur: Human qualities must remain the central focus in the adaptation and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in newsrooms to ensure that the integrity and core values of journalism are preserved. Astro Awani editor-in-chief Ashwad Ismail emphasized that while AI brings greater convenience and efficiency to newsroom operations, it cannot replace the role of journalists as storytellers and custodians of truth.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ashwad stated that technological advancements are important, but the foundation must remain rooted in human qualities. He expressed that the core philosophy is to enhance journalists’ qualities and improve the journalism they produce through AI. Ashwad shared these insights during his appearance on Bernama TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled ‘Kewartawanan Era Baharu: Keseimbangan AI dan Etika’ (Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics), held in conjunction with the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration.
Also featured on the programme were The Jakarta Post editor-in-chief Taufiq Rahman and media expert Sayed Munawar Sayed Mohd Mustar. Ashwad emphasized that integrating AI in journalism must be guided by clear ethical principles to ensure alignment with the profession’s core mission, truth, and social responsibility. Taufiq Rahman noted that while AI can be a valuable tool for tasks like data compilation and document processing, editorial decisions must ultimately remain in human hands to preserve the integrity of news judgment.
In Indonesia, Taufiq mentioned, the Dewan Pers (Press Council) issued guidelines on AI use in journalism, stressing the importance of labelling AI-generated content for transparency. He warned against misleading the public by presenting AI-generated work as that of journalists, highlighting the commitment to ethical principles in journalism.
Sayed Munawar added that journalistic ethics remain relevant in the AI era, as ethics themselves have not changed, only the context of their application with technological progress. He likened AI to a tool, emphasizing that it lacks wisdom and creativity, which are inherently human traits.
The HAWANA 2025 celebration, organized by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, will see its main event officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) today. National Journalists’ Day, observed on May 29, commemorates the first edition of ‘Utusan Melayu’ newspaper published on May 29, 1939, to honor media professionals’ contributions in shaping an informed society.