KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2024, held for the first time this year, is proposed to be an annual event.
Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said that SMEC 2024 will take place during the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebration from May 25 to 27.
He mentioned that the conference is also an initiative to ensure that media practitioners move in tandem with the Sarawak government.
"The timing of this conference is crucial as the media faces a revolution from traditional to modern, including Sarawak's move towards a digital economy.
"It's the right time to engage the media as an important platform for the government and the people to come together in understanding the Sarawak government's direction.
"So, I hope the Sarawak Media Conference will become an annual state event involving the media in Sarawak," he explained when met by reporters after a courtesy visit to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at the Astana Negeri Sarawak, on Thursday.
Commenting on HAWANA 2024, Datuk Abdullah mentioned that one of its highlights is an exhibition showcasing the journey and struggles of journalists since the 1950s and 1960s.
"We informed Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi that the exhibition concept revolves around the journey and struggles of journalists since the 1950s and 1960s as they played a significant role in the independence and formation of Sarawak and the nation," he added.
Furthermore, several awards will be presented, including the ‘Tokoh Wartawan’ award, along with significant events such as the opening ceremony and dinner reception, which will also be attended by Prime Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg.
Also present were Director of Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Samuel Simon, Chief Executive Officer of Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak, Ali Suhaili, President of the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), Ronnie Teo, and Deputy Director of UKAS, Joachim Paggang Jabong. -UKASnews
