KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced plans to send journalists in the state to attend an executive programme at the prestigious University of Cambridge, United Kingdom (UK).
He said the programme, which would last for one to two months, will be borne by the Sarawak government.
“Because of technical changes, we now have a relationship with Cambridge in the UK, I have decided and I want journalists to join the executive programme, just for a month,” he said.
He made this announcement during the 36th edition of Kenyalang Journalism Awards (KJA) held at Riverside Majestic Hotel yesterday evening (Dec 14).
Abang Johari said journalists would have the opportunity to interact with international executives and discuss global issues.
“Besides that, this will ensure that your reports meet global standards, not just Sarawak standards.
“We expect you as a journalist who is full of knowledge, information and how to manage the data properly,” he said.
To ensure a fair selection process, he said there will be a panel comprising representatives from the journalist’s association, government, and private sector.
“So, we will have a panel of choice which includes one person from the association, one from the government, and one from the private sector to select the candidates. This ensures fairness,” he said.
He added that the state government plans to send two participants annually to the University of Cambridge.
“Together with our staff, the senior government officers are also to attend the programme. They are not just journalists.
“Because the subject matter is economics, social, and also new dimensions. So that you can improve your views and also the quality of our journalists.
An executive programme at university is often a course or programme designed for working professionals and executives to improve their skills in specific areas.
