Sarawak: Journalists must continue to champion the element of humanity in their work, particularly in an era which is increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) and digital advancements. Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Public Communication Unit – UKAS) Datuk Abdullah Saidol emphasized the importance of preserving human emotion, values, and empathy in journalism despite rapid technological progress.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdullah highlighted the need for journalists to defend stories related to humanity and humanitarian values, which risk being overshadowed in the world’s chaos. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025, he urged caution in the acceptance of new technology, stressing that fundamental issues must be well understood before wholesale adoption.

Abdullah noted that while it is crucial not to be left behind in technological advancements, there is a risk of adopting new technologies too quickly without addressing core issues. He also expressed appreciation for the active engagements during the conference and mentioned plans to explore the financial impact of AI on media personnel and government in future discussions.

The conference, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’, was inaugurated by Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. It featured seven speakers from the United States, Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, and was held in conjunction with the state-level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration. The event was co-organised by UKAS and Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM), a Sarawak-based development communication non-governmental organisation.