Bernama Equips Northern Malaysian Media With Practical AI Skills
Date: 20 August 2025 | Location: Butterworth, Penang
The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) recently hosted a focused training titled “AI In Action: Revolutionising News in the Digital Age” for media professionals from northern states including Penang, Perlis, and Perak. This two-day course aimed to introduce journalists to the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in news production, supporting Malaysia's broader digital transformation goals.
Why AI Matters in Media Today
The course gathered 20 media practitioners, providing them with actionable strategies to use AI for improving efficiency, accuracy, and audience reach. Trainer Nitra Sari Omar emphasized that AI should be seen as a supportive tool rather than a threat to journalism.
- Automation of routine tasks like transcription and summarisation frees journalists to focus on investigative reporting and storytelling with local insight.
- AI helps ensure factual accuracy by assisting in data analysis and trend identification.
- Combining AI with authentic human judgment strengthens news quality.
“Media organisations must integrate AI tools without compromising the human element that ensures trust and context in reporting,” noted Omar.
Balancing Speed and Integrity
Mohd Iskandar Othman, president of the Mutiara Media Club and a journalist with Sinar Harian, highlighted the urgency for journalists to adapt to AI amidst an overwhelming flow of information.
- AI skills accelerate news production and help filter vast data effectively.
- Journalists can reduce repetitive technical work, allowing more focus on analysis and storytelling.
- Maintaining ethics and journalistic principles remains crucial to uphold news integrity.
The training also served as a platform for networking among northern region media professionals, reinforcing the message that AI adoption must go hand-in-hand with ethical standards.
Continuing AI Education for Journalists
This course marks the 10th session in Bernama’s ongoing AI training series for media practitioners. Previous workshops have been conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak, Kedah, Johor, Terengganu, and Pahang.
As the coordinator for AI training under the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2025 initiative, Bernama is committed to equipping journalists with tools and skills that match the digital era's demands.
National AI Framework Supporting Media Transformation
On 12 August, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim outlined five pillars of Malaysia’s National AI Framework aimed at ensuring AI benefits all citizens, including:
- Forward-looking policies
- A digitally literate workforce
- Secure and trusted digital infrastructure
- Empowerment of digital trust
- Strategic investments through public–private partnerships and global cooperation
For PR and communications professionals looking to understand AI’s role in media, practical courses like this one provide valuable insights and skills.
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