AI Empowered News Still Needs Human Touch – Lee Jianquan: Journalists Infuse News with Warmth

(Miri, 4th)—“While artificial intelligence can enhance news processing efficiency, the soul of journalism always lies in human hands.”

Professor Lee Jianquan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Curtin University Malaysia, pointed out that the application of AI brings unprecedented possibilities to the news industry, not only speeding up processing but also deepening content analysis and improving engagement with audiences. However, he emphasized that the true warmth and value in journalism are bestowed by practitioners with empathy, moral judgment, and critical thinking abilities.

“Only human journalists can inject context, compassionate perspectives, and ethical thinking into reporting—these are the irreplaceable core values of news.”

Professor Lee Jianquan’s speech was delivered by Professor Roy Lilerama Lo, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences at Curtin University Malaysia, on his behalf at the closing and certificate presentation ceremony of the “Artificial Intelligence in the Newsroom” workshop this morning. Attendees included media practitioners, press association leaders, and representatives from major media outlets.

Professor Roy stated that the application of artificial intelligence in newsrooms is no longer a distant concept; today, the ways in which news is obtained, fact-checked, and distributed are undergoing rapid transformation, and future newsrooms will be completely revitalized.

He noted that the timing of this course is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association.

“For fifty years, the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association has steadfastly upheld the values of freedom of speech, professionalism, and community service—it is truly admirable. What is even more commendable is that you have not only preserved tradition but also courageously embraced technology and innovation to ensure that journalistic work continues to serve society with truth, morals, and courage.”

As a medical doctor and public health researcher, Professor Roy also cited experience during the pandemic to describe how misinformation during crises can undermine science, tear societies apart, and even endanger lives. He stressed that, in today’s information battlefield, journalists are not merely recorders but “the first responders of the information ecosystem.”

“The speed, integrity, and clarity of journalists are key to maintaining social stability and guiding public understanding. In this era of rapid AI development, the judgment of human journalists is all the more vital.”

On behalf of Professor Lee Jianquan, he also reiterated that Curtin University Malaysia will continue to deepen its cooperation with the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association to promote media literacy, youth development, and digital innovation education.

He announced that the university will host an international conference themed “The Role of Media in Advancing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 2030)” from December 4th to 5th this year and sincerely invited all media partners to participate actively.

He encouraged journalists to continuously enhance their professional abilities, and while embracing new technologies, to stay true to their original aspirations—upholding conscience, empathy, and responsibility to deliver truthful and valuable reports to society.

At the end of the ceremony, Professor Roy thanked all participants for their enthusiastic involvement and affirmed their initiative in learning AI technologies. He also offered special thanks to the organizing committee of the Northern Sarawak Journalists Association and to the two lecturers—Tan Sri Giri Amatya, PhD, and Lecturer Trijas Tindi—for their professional sharing.

“Let us continue to work together to create a society where the media is not only the pillar of democracy, but also a beacon of truth.”