6 days Ago By Kentigern Minggu
Abang Johari (third left) arrives at the award ceremony, accompanied by Teo (second left), and other distinguished guests in Kuching. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Dec 15): Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has proposed sending several Sarawak-based reporters abroad to participate in journalism-related programmes aimed at elevating their expertise and aligning their standards with those of international journalists. The programme, spanning one month, will focus on broadening participants’ perspectives, enhancing their ability to manage data effectively, and equipping them with insights into the latest developments in global journalism.
Abang Johari said the state government would make all necessary arrangements to ensure the success of this initiative, with full funding provided by the government. “A selection panel comprising representatives from associations, government agencies, and the private sector will recommend suitable candidates for this programme. “We want journalists who are well-informed and skilled in data management.
..When we uphold high integrity, we gain high credibility,” he said during the Kenyalang Journalism Awards (KJA) 2024 at the Riverside Majestic Hotel Puteri Wing here yesterday.
The event, hosted by the Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA), celebrated its 36th edition this year, recognising outstanding media professionals across Sarawak in a grand ceremony. This year, the awards received 390 entries across 10 categories: Journalism (Feature and News Feature), News Reporting, Sports Reporting, Broadcast Journalism, Sustainability Journalism, Business and Economic Journalism, Community Well-being Journalism, Photojournalism, Photo Essay, and Digital Economy Journalism. The entries were divided into four language sections — English, Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia, and Bahasa Iban — alongside photojournalism and television broadcast categories.
In his welcoming speech, KDJA president Ronnie Teo Teck Wei likened the Premier’s plan to a significant uplift for Sarawakian media, emphasising that the Sarawak government’s dedication to empowering media practitioners is crucial for sustaining the industry. Teo highlighted the challenges faced by Sarawak’s media industry, including financial strains, the global economic downturn exacerbated by the pandemic, and the rise of digital media, which has left many smaller media organisations struggling to compete with global content providers. “Amid these struggles, questions of media freedom, independence, and public trust have become increasingly critical.
Our role as truth-tellers is constantly tested by misinformation, polarisation, and the demand to maintain credibility in an increasingly noisy world,” he added. Despite these challenges, Teo noted that the Sarawakian media industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience and progress, attributing much of this to the continued support from the Sarawak government under Abang Johari’s leadership..
