KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is planning to sponsor local journalists to undergo executive training programmes overseas, in a move aimed at enhancing the quality and professionalism of journalism in the state.
Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, said the initiative would be carried out in collaboration with journalist associations in Sarawak to provide qualified media practitioners with valuable international exposure.
“I have instructed the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information & UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, to look into this matter.
“Last year, I expressed my intention to send journalists with specific backgrounds abroad to participate in an executive programme,” he explained.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the Asia Carbon Conference (ACC) 2025 held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Thursday.
Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari stressed that the programme would be implemented systematically, with a proper selection process in place to ensure that only journalists who meet the required criteria would be chosen to undergo the training.
“This programme will be run in collaboration with the existing press councils or journalist associations in Sarawak. There will be a selection process to determine who qualifies, what their credentials are, and so on,” he said.
He added that the state government would allocate a dedicated fund to support the initiative, seeing it as a long-term investment in the future of the media industry in Sarawak.
He also expressed hope that the initiative would help nurture more journalists who are not only of high calibre, but also bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches in reporting on current issues, in line with the rapidly evolving demands of the media landscape.
“I am ready. If we are able to offer free education for Sarawakian children by 2026, then surely we can allocate funds to send our journalists for executive training.
“I hope this will elevate the standard of reporting and produce journalists who can introduce fresh perspectives to uphold the integrity and prestige of journalism in Sarawak,” he added.
Also present at the event were the Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Secretary, Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abg Hipni, heads of departments and other distinguished guests. -UKASnews
