Latest news with #ZambryAbdulKadir
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Zambry: Journalists must break echo chamber, uphold truth in digital age
KUALA LUMPUR: The digital revolution has fundamentally reshaped the media landscape, offering both immense opportunities and formidable challenges. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said journalism today operates in a fast-paced, AI-assisted environment where news travels instantly and algorithms dictate daily information exposure. "While digital transformation offers new platforms for news delivery and tools like data analytics and AI to aid reporters, it also brings profound challenges," he said in a speech at the 2024 MPI-Petronas journalism award Malaysian Media Night (Malam Wartawan Malaysia or MWM) 2025. Among the key concerns, he said, is the "filter bubble" phenomenon, a situation where readers are fed only content that aligns with their existing beliefs, risking polarisation and distortion of the truth. "Echo chambers damage the media's role as a credible public communication channel. "Journalists must break these walls with balanced and inclusive reporting to ensure all voices, including minority ones, are heard." He said the post-truth era has seen a rise in misinformation and conspiracy theories, undermining public trust in the media. "In such times, journalists must return to core values, to uphold truth and social responsibility. "Their duty is not to please or vilify those in power, but to report facts and uphold what is right." Zambry described journalists' noble role as a "guardian of democracy's conscience," echoing the views of prominent thinkers such as Albert Camus, José Martí and Walter Lippmann on press freedom and its necessity in a functioning democracy. He said press freedom is not a privilege but an essential pillar of a progressive society. "Journalists are the eyes and ears of the people. Through critical reporting, they help leaders make informed decisions." Zambry also lauded the efforts of the Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) in upholding journalism ethics through initiatives such as the Malaysian Journalism Awards (HKM), professional training, and the recent launch of its first e-journal on journalism. "MPI has long been a catalyst for journalistic excellence. "The new e-journal bridges the gap between media practice and academia, empowering journalists with research and thought leadership." Zambry said the Higher Education Ministry is committed to ensuring journalism curricula remain relevant, incorporating AI, data analytics, cyber law, and professional ethics. "We must produce not only skilled reporters, but critical thinkers grounded in ethical values and a philosophical understanding of their roles." He encouraged stronger collaboration between universities and media organisations through joint research, training, and ethics-focused colloquiums. Zambry also praised MPI's recent symbolic yet meaningful Media Integrity Support Signature Campaign, calling it a reminder that ethics remain the backbone of journalism. "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. While technology will continue to evolve, our personal and professional growth as journalists is a choice—a choice to hold firm to ideals, to continuously learn, and to always prioritise truth."
Malay Mail
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Higher education minister: Malaysia proposes Asean Institute to unify regional expertise, offers to host in UKM
LANGKAWI, June 20 — Malaysia has proposed the establishment of an Asean Institute to consolidate expertise across various fields among member countries in the region. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that this proposal was among the topics discussed during the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable here yesterday. 'Although certain countries have conducted studies at their respective university levels, there isn't a more comprehensive institute for all Asean member states,' he said at a press conference after the roundtable here yesterday. He added that Malaysia has offered to host this Asean Institute, given the country's expertise, including through the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (Ikmas) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Furthermore, he noted that the roundtable also discussed student and academic mobility within the region, including exchange programmes that would allow foreign lecturers to teach at educational institutions in Malaysia. 'Additionally, we also agreed to establish a body to manage scholarship matters, namely Asean-GEMS. This platform will be utilised to seek financial resources among Asean member states to provide scholarships,' he said. The Asean Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (Asean-GEMS) is a one-stop platform for information about regional scholarship and mobility programmes throughout the Asean region that was launched last night. This initiative will, among other things, provide access to opportunities and scholarship offers for all Asean students, while also supporting regional integration by encouraging youth mobility and cross-border academic exchanges. Zambry further mentioned that other matters discussed included proposals to establish networks and collaborative platforms among Asean higher education institutions, and to ensure that all discussion outcomes are elevated to the Asean Heads of State Meeting in October. He also remarked that this roundtable successfully brought together all ministers, representatives, and senior education officials from member countries, receiving positive feedback from regional and international participants. Meanwhile, among the delegates, the Chairperson Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines, Dr Shirley Castañeda Agrupis, praised Malaysia's efforts in hosting the dialogue, calling it a valuable platform for benchmarking best practices and addressing regional challenges. She stressed the need for harmonising research agendas and recognising academic credentials across Asean member states. 'We dream of borderless education, but without mutual recognition of curricula, student and faculty mobility remains limited,' she noted. Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Isesco) Dr Salim Mohammed Al-Malik has praised Malaysia's commitment to education and innovation following a series of high-level engagements during his visit to the 2025 Asean Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables. Dr Al-Malik underscored the pivotal role of Isesco in supporting its 53 member states, including Malaysia as a founding member, in advancing education, science, and culture, particularly among developing nations. — Bernama
Malay Mail
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
MOHE identifies seven Malaysian students in Iran, says watching situation closely
LANGKAWI, June 20 — The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) will continue to closely monitor Malaysian students currently in Iran to ensure their safety and well-being. Its Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir said that MOHE had so far identified seven Malaysian students currently in Iran, although the exact number remains uncertain as some are there under self-sponsorship. 'We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and our team will work in coordination with the Foreign Ministry. Based on the information available during my visit to Iran a few weeks ago, we identified seven Malaysian students there,' he said. 'Even though they are not registered with MOHE, as Malaysians, it is our responsibility to be concerned for their well-being and ensure we know their whereabouts. We will continue to monitor the situation,' he said in a press conference after the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable Conference here today. Yesterday, MOHE urged all Malaysian students currently in Iran to leave the country immediately, following the escalating conflict in the region. Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud reportedly said that Malaysian students had been identified as studying in Qom and Isfahan. — Bernama
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia proposes Asean Institute to consolidate regional expertise
LANGKAWI: Malaysia has proposed the establishment of an Asean Institute to consolidate expertise across various fields among member countries in the region. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir said this proposal was among the topics discussed during the Asean Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable here today. "Although certain countries have conducted studies at their respective university levels, there isn't a more comprehensive institute for all Asean member states," he said at a press conference after the roundtable here today. He added that Malaysia has offered to host this Asean Institute, given the country's expertise, including through the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Furthermore, he noted that the roundtable also discussed student and academic mobility within the region, including exchange programs that would allow foreign lecturers to teach at educational institutions in Malaysia. "Additionally, we also agreed to establish a body to manage scholarship matters, namely Asean-Gems. This platform will be utilised to seek financial resources among Asean member states to provide scholarships," he said. The Asean Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (Asean-Gems) is a one-stop platform for information about regional scholarship and mobility programmes throughout the Asean region that was launched tonight. This initiative will, among other things, provide access to opportunities and scholarship offers for all Asean students, while also supporting regional integration by encouraging youth mobility and cross-border academic exchanges. Zambry further mentioned that other matters discussed included proposals to establish networks and collaborative platforms among Asean higher education institutions, and to ensure that all discussion outcomes are elevated to the Asean Heads of State Meeting in October. He also remarked that this roundtable successfully brought together all ministers, representatives, and senior education officials from member countries, receiving positive feedback from regional and international participants. Meanwhile, among the delegates, the Chairperson Commission on Higher Education (CHED) of the Philippines, Dr Shirley Castañeda Agrupis praised Malaysia's efforts in hosting the dialogue, calling it a valuable platform for benchmarking best practices and addressing regional challenges. She stressed the need for harmonising research agendas and recognising academic credentials across Asean member states. "We dream of borderless education, but without mutual recognition of curricula, student and faculty mobility remains limited," she noted. Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) Dr Salim Mohammed Al-Malik has praised Malaysia's commitment to education and innovation following a series of high level engagements during his visit to the 2025 Asean Ministers of Education and Higher Education Roundtables. Dr Al-Malik underscored the pivotal role of ISESCO in supporting its 53 member states including Malaysia as a founding member, in advancing education, science, and culture, particularly among developing nations. – BERNAMA
Barnama
a day ago
- Business
- Barnama
Malaysia Has Proposed To Set Up ASEAN Institute
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek (right) and Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir pose for a photo before attending the ASEAN Education Ministers' Roundtable (#EduRoundtables2025) and related events held here today. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED LANGKAWI, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has proposed the establishment of an ASEAN Institute to consolidate expertise across various fields among member countries in the region. Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir stated that this proposal was among the topics discussed during the ASEAN Higher Education Ministers' Roundtable here today. "Although certain countries have conducted studies at their respective university levels, there isn't a more comprehensive institute for all ASEAN member states," he said at a press conference after the roundtable here today. He added that Malaysia has offered to host this ASEAN Institute, given the country's expertise, including through the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Furthermore, he noted that the roundtable also discussed student and academic mobility within the region, including exchange programs that would allow foreign lecturers to teach at educational institutions in Malaysia. "Additionally, we also agreed to establish a body to manage scholarship matters, namely ASEAN-GEMS. This platform will be utilized to seek financial resources among ASEAN member states to provide scholarships," he said. The ASEAN Global Exchange for Mobility and Scholarship (AEAN GEMS) is a one-stop platform for information about regional scholarship and mobility programs throughout the ASEAN region that was launched tonight. This initiative will, among other things, provide access to opportunities and scholarship offers for all ASEAN students, while also supporting regional integration by encouraging youth mobility and cross-border academic exchanges. Zambry further mentioned that other matters discussed included proposals to establish networks and collaborative platforms among ASEAN higher education institutions, and to ensure that all discussion outcomes are elevated to the ASEAN Heads of State Meeting in October.
