Kuala lumpur: The Media Innovation Fund is expected to act as a catalyst for innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of the local media industry in facing an increasingly dynamic digital landscape, said Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah. He highlighted the rapid changes the media industry is experiencing due to digital technology advancements, shifts in information access, and pressures on traditional media models.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdul Halim emphasized the requirement for media organizations and practitioners to adapt and leverage new technologies to produce relevant, high-quality, and trusted content. He noted that the MADANI Government acknowledges the challenges within the media industry and introduced the Media Innovation Fund as a strategic initiative to support transformation and innovation efforts.
Abdul Halim outlined that the fund is designed to empower media organizations to explore novel approaches in content production and delivery. It aims to finance media staff training, software and technology adaptation, equipment and support facilities, as well as research and content development. Out of 50 media organizations registered with the Information Department, 34 were selected as fund recipients after a comprehensive evaluation process based on their project proposals.
Meanwhile, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin expressed gratitude for the fund's approval, which will enhance the newsroom, particularly the Editorial Department, with artificial intelligence (AI) elements previously implemented gradually due to high costs. She stated that the Communications Ministry's offer of the fund was immediately seized to benefit wire services, TV, radio, digital media, and news portals, including the development of mobile applications.
Nur-ul Afida further mentioned that the fund would support Bernama's efforts to strengthen newsroom capabilities with AI elements. The agency also plans to use the fund to train media personnel in the latest digital skills, ensuring they remain relevant in the evolving media landscape.