KUCHING — Despite the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and its growing role in journalism, AI cannot replace the human touch, empathy, and emotional intelligence that define authentic reporting, said Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
The Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS) made this remark during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025, officiated by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg at a prominent hotel in Kuching on Wednesday.
“While AI-generated content can be rich in facts and figures, it lacks the emotional depth and genuine experiences that professional journalists bring to their stories,” said Abdullah. He stressed that although AI may mimic empathy, it cannot truly understand or feel human emotions.
“A chatbot may express sympathy, but it doesn’t feel. It interprets expressions based on probability, not reality,” he explained. Abdullah urged the media and public to uphold values like compassion, humanity, and spiritual integrity in this digital age.
Quoting entrepreneur Elon Musk, he emphasised that professions requiring creativity, empathy, and emotional connection—such as journalism, therapy, education, and caregiving—will remain relevant and irreplaceable by machines.
“These roles rely on uniquely human traits that AI cannot replicate. That is why AI development must always prioritise ethical values, safety, and transparency,” he said.
The event gathered prominent figures including Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian; Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nasar; Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom; Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation) Datu Hii Chang Kee; AZAM CEO Ali Suhaili, and other departmental heads and invited guests.
The conference highlighted the vital role of the media in balancing technological advancement with journalistic integrity rooted in human values.
