MPI EMPOWERS MEDIA PRACTITIONERS' KNOWLEDGE IN AI TO IMPROVE REPORTING - MPI PRESIDENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) is organising various programmes to enhance the knowledge of local media practitioners, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology as an effort to improve the quality of current reporting, said its president Datuk Yong Soo Heong.

He said that this effort also aims to ensure that AI technology, regarded as a productivity tool, is used ethically within the industry.

"At MPI, we consider AI as a 'partner.' We should not be fearful of AI because it is a productivity tool that journalists can use to enhance their news delivery more comprehensively, including helping to get information, especially background information, more quickly."

"But when it comes to journalism, the most important thing is ethics. We should not use AI to manipulate anything... for example, there are tools that can replicate someone's voice or face. In journalism, that is something we shouldn't do. Why would we want to manipulate or fabricate something? We shouldn't do that," he said in today's exclusive interview on Bernama Radio regarding new media.

Meanwhile, Yong said that MPI is also considering bringing in experts in AI technology to provide extensive exposure to media practitioners on its developments.

"…last week, we held an AI programme in Kuching, Sarawak, to explain the aspects of AI regarding reader interests and demands. We plan to expand this to places like Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia.

"…we have received many requests from news organisations to bring in AI experts from abroad. We are currently looking into it and may reach out to experts from Europe, the United States, India, or China. This way, we can benefit from the exposure on how to do it, and how to do it properly but ethically," he said.

-- BERNAMA