KUCHING: The upcoming Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025 is set to spotlight Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in journalism and the broader media industry.
Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Payments and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that AI will be a central theme of the conference, highlighting its impact on journalism, content creation, and media technology.
Speaking during the Sarawak-level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) at UKAS, Abdullah said, “This year, we are anticipating how AI will change the world of journalism — from automation to ethical challenges and data-driven storytelling.”
He revealed that over 700 participants, including local and international innovators, media professionals, and technology developers, are expected to attend.
In conjunction with SMeC 2025, the Sarawak Premier’s Special Appreciation Awards will be presented to 10 outstanding media professionals — including editors, reporters, presenters, deejays, photographers, and media personalities. Recipients will receive plaques and cash awards during the awards night.
Themed ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI): Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’, SMeC 2025 will take place from 2–3 July 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel, organised by UKAS and Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak.
Co-organisers and collaborators include the Sarawak AI Centre (SAIC), TEGAS, CENTEXS, UNIMAS, and AFFIN Bank.
Internationally recognised speakers will headline the event, including:
- Shelly Bryant (Singapore/US), cultural strategist and narrative expert
- Mandal, Senior VP of Corporate Communications, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison
- Steve Saerang, Chairman of PERHUMAS Indonesia
- Soh Wan Wei, Executive Officer, AI Visionary Society (Singapore) and metaverse pioneer
The two-day forum will also feature closing addresses by Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman (Director, FINAS), Dr. Jun-E Tan (Khazanah Research Institute), and Prof. Dr. Patrick (CEO, Sarawak AI Centre), who will lead discussions on AI technology integration in Sarawak’s media landscape.
