BERNAMA EXPANDS AI TRAINING FOR MEDIA PRACTITIONERS IN SABAH

KOTA KINABALU, May 6 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) continues to lead efforts in providing artificial intelligence (AI) training for local media practitioners, particularly in Sabah, through its "AI for Journalism: Transcription and Smart Tools" course. 

Bernama Centre for Excellence manager Ridzuan Mohd Ghazali said 25 journalists from various media agencies in the state are participating in the two-day course, which kicked off today.

He said the training focuses on providing information and exposure on AI-powered tools that can help expedite and facilitate journalists' tasks, including audio or video transcription and fact-checking processes.

"The training aims to broaden AI knowledge (among media practitioners). Ideally, we would like to host this training in every state so that no one is left out, because the government intends to equip all media professionals in Malaysia with AI literacy.

"We hope that media practitioners gain exposure to AI, which can help them stay competitive in today's fast-evolving tech landscape. So (with this training) they can harness AI ethically, with integrity and boost their productivity," he said.

Sabah is the fourth location to host the training, following Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, and Sarawak. Bernama Centre for Excellence is the course coordinator using the special allocation under the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025.

"AI is being used across all sectors, so we hope the field of journalism will not be left behind. Media organisations abroad are already at an advanced stage in adopting AI.

“We hope media practitioners in Malaysia will also make the most of this technology, ethically and responsibly," he said, adding that they are planning to hold the course for media practitioners in the east coast and southern regions.

Meanwhile, instructor Darwin Tan said courses on AI are crucial to ensure media practitioners, particularly journalists, are equipped with up-to-date knowledge of how to use the technology.

"It (the AI course) is just the beginning as technology evolves. Media practitioners must learn and adapt to the available technology. Using AI will make journalists' workflows easier, helping them become more efficient," he added.

-- BERNAMA