Sarawak Media Conference to be annual event, says deputy minister

KUCHING: The Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2024, held for the first time this year, is set to become an annual event, says Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department (Corporate Affairs, Information, and UKAS), Datuk Abdullah Saidol.
 
Scheduled during the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) celebration from May 25 to 27, he said the conference aims to align media practitioners with the Sarawak government’s initiatives, especially amidst the transition to a digital economy.
 
“The timing of this conference is crucial as the media faces a revolution from traditional to modern, including Sarawak’s move towards a digital economy.
 
“It is the right time to engage the media as a pivotal platform for fostering understanding between the government and the people regarding Sarawak’s direction.
 
“So, I hope the Sarawak Media Conference will become an annual state event involving the media in Sarawak.”
 
He told the media this after a courtesy visit to Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, at the Astana Negeri Sarawak on Thursday (May 2).
 
Additionally, Abdullah said HAWANA 2024 promises an insightful exhibition chronicling journalists’ contributions since the 1950s and 1960s, pivotal in Sarawak’s and the nation’s journey to independence.
 
“We informed Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi that the exhibition concept revolves around the journey and struggles of journalists since the 1950s and 1960s, as they played a significant role in the independence and formation of Sarawak and the nation.”
 
Moreover, the event will feature the presentation of several awards, including the prestigious ‘Tokoh Wartawan’ award, alongside noteworthy occasions like the opening ceremony and dinner reception.
 
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg will grace these events with their presence.
 
Also present during the courtesy visit were director of Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Samuel Simon, Angkatan Zaman Mansang (AZAM) Sarawak chief executive officer Ali Suhaili, and Kuching Division Journalists Association (KDJA) president Ronnie Teo.