Latest news with #SabahJournalistsAssociation
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Sandakan journalist battling anaemia receives Tabung Kasih@HAWANA aid
Teo Nie Ching (second right) presenting the contribution to Jee Cheng Hee. – Bernama photo SANDAKAN (June 17): A journalist battling anaemia expressed her heartfelt gratitude and was visibly moved upon receiving a contribution from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA fund, presented by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching Tuesday. Merdeka Daily News journalist Jee Cheng Yee, 35, said the cash contribution would help ease the burden of her medical and treatment expenses. The mother of three – aged eight, four, and 11 months – shared that she developed anaemia following caesarean sections during the birth of her children. 'I'm very grateful to the Sabah Journalists Association and the Sandakan Media Association for assisting me with the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA application process,' said Jee, who has been a journalist for 10 years and is currently based in Sandakan. 'I hope this kind of assistance can reach and support more journalists who are in need,' she said when met at her residence in Taman Yeng Seng here. Also present at the visit were Malaysian National News Agency's (Bernama) head of Management Services and Finance, Sharifah Zaini Syed Zain, and head of Corporate Affairs, Mariati Mohd Arif. Meanwhile, Teo said a total of 19 media practitioners in Sabah have benefited from the Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative to date. She added that RM1 million has been allocated for the fund this year, expressing hope that more media personnel in need would receive the assistance. 'We will consider all applications and determine the donation amount based on each individual's circumstances,' she said. The Tabung Kasih@HAWANA initiative reflects the spirit of Malaysia MADANI by upholding values of compassion and care, particularly for media practitioners who have long contributed to society but are now facing life or health challenges. The fund was established as a Communications Ministry initiative and implemented through Bernama to support serving and retired journalists and other media practitioners who are facing hardships or financial difficulties. To date, a total of 442 media practitioners nationwide have benefited from the initiative, with contributions amounting to RM1.2 million. – Bernama
The Star
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Digital transformation funds must benefit media nationwide, says Sabah journalists' group
Sabah Journalists Association president, Mariah Doksil. KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has urged the government to ensure that its latest digital transformation initiative for the media is inclusive, practical and results-driven. This is especially important for journalists in Sabah and Sarawak who often face unique on-the-ground challenges, said SJA president Mariah Doksil. In welcoming the Federal Government's RM30mil allocation for digital transformation in the media sector, she added the move was a timely recognition of journalism's evolving role in an increasingly digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven landscape. However, Mariah stressed that meaningful engagement with state-level media organisations must not be treated as an afterthought 'Sabah and Sarawak's inclusion must not be tokenistic. There must be clear KPIs to assess whether or not these programmes truly reach and benefit journalists (across the nation),' she said in a statement on Sunday (June 15). ALSO READ: Govt to allocate RM30mil for media digital transformation, says Anwar Mariah added that the allocation is a valuable opportunity for media practitioners to upskill and embrace new storytelling tools, provided that training is accessible and tailored to the diverse needs of journalists. 'In a world increasingly shaped by AI, journalists must remain ethical, factually accurate, and, most importantly, human in their storytelling. These programmes should help ensure that our work retains its jiwa, the soul and empathy that define meaningful journalism,' she said. Mariah stressed the importance of proper consultation with local media bodies such as SJA to ensure that no one is left behind. The RM30mil allocation was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when officiating the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday (June 14). The funds are intended to support digital transformation and the adoption of new technologies in the media industry. Mariah said that while the allocation is a step in the right direction, it must be translated into meaningful and measurable outcomes, not just for major media players in the peninsula, but for every journalist striving to tell stories from the rural and remote corners of Malaysia. ALSO READ: Fahmi announces founding board members of Malaysian Media Council Meanwhile, on the government's move to enhance social protection for local and national stringers – part-time or freelance journalists – through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) i-Saraan contributions, Mariah welcomed it but called for clarity in its implementation. 'Local stringers are the backbone of rural coverage, while national stringers bridge regional voices with the national narrative. These are necessary steps to safeguard their livelihoods, but the process must be straightforward and accessible,' she said. Mariah also proposed the creation of a centralised database to keep track of stringers across the country, an initiative she believes will help provide structured and targeted support. 'Of our 115 active members, around 20% are stringers. A dedicated platform would go a long way towards ensuring that their contributions are properly recognised and their needs adequately addressed,' she added. On Saturday, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced that social security protection for stringers would be expanded under both PERKESO and EPF.
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah Journalists welcome digital transformation allocation, urge inclusive implementation and support for stringers
Mariah Doksil KOTA KINABALU (June 15): The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) has welcomed the federal government's allocation for digital transformation in the media sector, calling it a timely recognition of journalism's evolving role in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world. In a statement on Sunday, SJA President Mariah Doksil said the initiative reflects the government's acknowledgment of the media's vital contribution towards building an informed and democratic society. 'The Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) welcomes the digital transformation allocation. We view it as a significant recognition in shaping an informed and democratic society,' she said. Mariah stressed that the allocation presents an opportunity for media practitioners to equip themselves with new skills, adapt to modern tools, and enhance storytelling quality in the face of rapid technological advancements. 'In a world increasingly shaped by AI, journalists must be equipped with the right competencies to remain relevant and ethical. We hope that any training or programmes under this allocation will help journalists not only prioritise factual accuracy without AI manipulation, but also retain the human soul, 'ada jiwa' and empathy in journalism,' she added. She also underscored the need for inclusive implementation of the programme, urging meaningful engagement with state-level media associations. 'Engagement sessions with state-level media associations are essential. Participation from Sabah and Sarawak should not be treated as token or a mere formality. Clear KPIs should be established to measure the programme's impact effectively,' said Mariah. On the government's move to enhance the welfare of media stringers both local and national through the PERKESO social protection scheme and i-Saraan EPF contributions, SJA expressed its appreciation and called for accessibility and clarity in implementation. 'Local stringers are the backbone of rural coverage, while national stringers provide diverse perspectives from Sabah to the national level. These initiatives are timely and much-needed steps towards safeguarding their social protection and securing their futures. We hope these programmes will be accessible and user-friendly for the intended recipients,' she said. Mariah also proposed the establishment of a dedicated platform to collect and maintain data on stringers nationwide, aimed at providing more structured and targeted support. 'Among our 115 active SJA members, approximately 20 percent are stringers. A centralised platform would go a long way in ensuring their needs are met and their contributions better recognised,' she added. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an allocation of RM30 million to support media organisations in digital transformation initiatives and the adoption of new technologies for content production when officiating the National Journalists' Day (Hawana) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. He said the allocation aligns with efforts to strengthen the country's media ecosystem and ensure its sustainability.
Barnama
14-06-2025
- Business
- Barnama
RM30 Million Boost To Strengthen Media Ecosystem
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- The RM30 million digital transformation allocation is seen as an opportunity for media practitioners to acquire new skills, adapt to modern tools and enhance the quality of storytelling. Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil said the association viewed it as a significant recognition in shaping an informed and democratic society, especially in a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that required journalists to be equipped with the right competencies to remain relevant and ethical. 'We hope that any training or programmes under this allocation will help journalists not only prioritise factual accuracy without AI manipulation, but also retain the human soul and empathy in journalism,' she told Bernama here today. Mariah stressed the need for inclusive implementation, emphasising engagement with state media associations especially from Sabah and Sarawak, and called for clear KPIs to measure impact effectively. In JOHOR, Johor Media Club president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak said the announced allocation could be used to increase training related to AI and empower new technology in content production or digital platforms, which are increasingly popular among audiences. 'Therefore, media practitioners now need to be more proactive in learning how to use technology in the media world so that their functions and roles align with the intended objectives. 'This will enable media organisations to enhance their image and credibility as fast, efficient and reliable providers of information,' said Fauzi, who is also Malaysian Media Clubs Federation (GKMM) president. Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia Senior Lecturer in Communications Dr Syed Agil Alsagoff said the allocation proved the government's commitment to ensuring the media industry remains competitive and relevant. With this financial support, he said media organisations could invest in technologies such as AI, data analytics and digital platforms to improve efficiency and the quality of content produced.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
RM30m boost to strengthen media ecosystem
KUALA LUMPUR: The RM30 million digital transformation allocation is seen as an opportunity for media practitioners to acquire new skills, adapt to modern tools and enhance the quality of storytelling. Sabah Journalists Association (SJA) president Mariah Doksil said the association viewed it as a significant recognition in shaping an informed and democratic society, especially in a world increasingly shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI) that required journalists to be equipped with the right competencies to remain relevant and ethical. 'We hope that any training or programmes under this allocation will help journalists not only prioritise factual accuracy without AI manipulation, but also retain the human soul and empathy in journalism,' she told Bernama here today. Mariah stressed the need for inclusive implementation, emphasising engagement with state media associations especially from Sabah and Sarawak, and called for clear KPIs to measure impact effectively. In Johor, Johor Media Club president Mohamad Fauzi Ishak said the announced allocation could be used to increase training related to AI and empower new technology in content production or digital platforms, which are increasingly popular among audiences. 'Therefore, media practitioners now need to be more proactive in learning how to use technology in the media world so that their functions and roles align with the intended objectives. 'This will enable media organisations to enhance their image and credibility as fast, efficient and reliable providers of information,' said Fauzi, who is also Malaysian Media Clubs Federation (GKMM) president. Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia Senior Lecturer in Communications Dr Syed Agil Alsagoff said the allocation proved the government's commitment to ensuring the media industry remains competitive and relevant. With this financial support, he said media organisations could invest in technologies such as AI, data analytics and digital platforms to improve efficiency and the quality of content produced. 'However, as emphasised by the Prime Minister, it is important to maintain a balance between the use of AI and journalistic ethics,' he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when officiating the the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here today, announced the RM30 million allocation for media organisations in the country to implement digital transformation and adopt new technology in content production. The HAWANA 2025 celebration, organised by the Ministry of Communications with Bernama as the implementing agency, is aimed at recognising the role and contributions of media practitioners in the nation's development. May 29 has been gazetted as National Journalists' Day in conjunction with the first publication of Utusan Melayu on May 29, 1939, to commemorate the contributions of industry players who have been instrumental in shaping an informed society.
