KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will organise the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration which will take place next June.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol said, HAWANA at the Sarawak-level will also be enlivened by organising sports events for the first time for media practitioners involving three zones, namely Kuching, Sibu and Miri.

According to him, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS) together with local media strategic partners will lead the main working committee for SMeC and HAWANA at the Sarawak level this year.

"The main theme of this media conference will focus on the development of the media, especially on the influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

"The organisation of SMeC will last for one and a half days where we will invite speakers from outside, of course the main topic will be on the media, especially the influence of AI in various aspects.

“At the same time, some have suggested that I hold a discussion on the role of radio as we do not want radio to be a sunset kind of platform,” he said.

He said this when met by the media after the UKAS Berambeh Raya Programme held at the English Tea House here, on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Datuk Abdullah also stressed that SMeC would not only focus on journalists, but would also pay attention to the role of those behind the scenes such as editors, producers and creatives who contribute to the world of journalism.

“Although Sarawak is not the host of HAWANA 2025, we will continue with important elements such as the presentation of Special Awards to several journalists and tokens of appreciation to veteran journalists,” he said.

Additionally, Datuk Abdullah revealed that UKAS intends to establish collaborations with higher learning institutions that offer mass communication courses. -UKASnews