KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Sports Carnival (KASUMeS) not only fosters sportsmanship among local media practitioners but also serves as a platform to strengthen camaraderie and professional networking among them.

Deputy Sarawak Secretary (Operation), Datu Hii Chang Kee said this sports carnival is an initiative by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), offering a refreshing addition to this year’s Sarawak-Level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) celebration.

“Typically, we only organise conventions or seminars for HAWANA, but this year we wanted to introduce something different by hosting a sports carnival that is more inclusive and enjoyable,” he said when officiating the Closing Ceremony of KASUMeS at Stadium Perpaduan, here on Wednesday.

The carnival was held across three main zones, the Northern Zone in Miri, Central Zone in Sibu, and Southern Zone in Kuching, featuring a variety of casual and competitive sporting events involving media teams from across Sarawak.

In addition, Datu Hii also emphasised that carnivals like this not only foster a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness but also build team spirit and camaraderie among media practitioners who are often occupied with their daily routines.

“What matters most is the friendship and solidarity that we nurture among the media community through activities like this. Win or lose, the spirit of togetherness is far more important,” he added.

At the same time, Datu Hii informed that the theme of HAWANA this year remains focused on technology, carrying the title ‘How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism’, with guest speakers from Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

Apart from conventions and seminars, he also suggested introducing more creative approaches as part of the HAWANA celebration, including skill workshops, interactive sessions, and casual events such as ‘Malam Bersama UKAS’, to make the celebration more inclusive and meaningful for the entire media ecosystem.

“We want HAWANA to be more than just a formal event, it should also serve as a platform for interaction and holistic professional development for media practitioners,” he added.

Also present were UKAS Director, Awang Putrayusrie Awang Redzuan, UKAS Deputy Director, Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali, Deputy Director of Information Department Sarawak, Sri Kestury Mohammed Zamhari, and Principal Assistant Director of FINAS Sarawak Branch, Maffizan Saupie. -UKASnews