Kuala lumpur: The rapidly changing media landscape in the digital era, increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), is pushing future media practitioners to adapt quickly to the latest technologies to remain relevant.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bachelor of Communication student Syafiqah Izzaty Syamsul Ikram, aged 21, emphasized the need for aspiring journalists to equip themselves with knowledge of AI and data journalism. However, she noted that communication students at public universities still lack exposure to data journalism and called for curriculum reform to prepare them with the relevant skills. She mentioned that some trainee journalists face confusion when required to carry out data analysis during their internships.
UPM Bachelor of Communication (Content Development) student Nur Qistina Damia Erwan, also 21, echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of being prepared with knowledge of data analysis and AI before entering the media industry. She highlighted that today's journalism goes beyond writing long, fact-based reports, focusing instead on producing concise, easy-to-understand news that captures public attention. She expressed concerns about standing out in the digital media job market without AI knowledge.
Malaysia Gazette trainee journalist Azwa Rohan, 22, pointed out the challenges posed by AI-generated content, such as fake images and videos, which demand more rigorous verification before publication. She acknowledged that while AI can make journalists' work easier, media practitioners should not overly rely on it, as it lacks the human touch essential for resonating with readers. Media professionals should focus on using their own words rather than depending entirely on AI-generated content.
The HAWANA Media Forum, organized by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), is the first in a series of events planned for National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2026. The one-day program, officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, gathered media leaders from Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign media agencies in Malaysia, and other stakeholders in the country's media landscape for deeper discussions and a more meaningful exchange of ideas.