(Kuching, 30th) The Sarawak government plans to sponsor local journalists to participate in advanced executive training programs overseas to enhance the professional quality and reporting standards of Sarawak's news practitioners.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, the Premier of Sarawak, pointed out that this plan will be implemented through collaboration with Sarawak news agencies. The goal is to provide qualified media professionals with international perspectives and professional experience.
“I have instructed the Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, to be responsible for this matter. Last year, I expressed my hope to send journalists with specific backgrounds abroad for advanced programs.”
He stated this during an interview at the opening of the 2025 Asia Carbon Conference (ACC) at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching yesterday.
The Premier emphasized that the plan will be implemented systematically and will establish a qualification assessment mechanism to ensure that only those who meet the standards can participate.
“This plan will be conducted in cooperation with Sarawak's Journalists Association or the Press Council, and a selection mechanism will be established to evaluate the qualifications and backgrounds of applicants.”
He added that the Sarawak government will allocate special funding to support this plan, viewing it as a long-term investment that will contribute to shaping the future of Sarawak's journalism industry.
Abang Johari hopes that this initiative will not only cultivate more journalists with professional competence but also bring new perspectives and innovative thinking to address the challenges faced by the current media industry.
“I am ready. If we can provide free education to the people of Sarawak by 2026, we certainly have the resources to offer overseas training for journalists. I hope that through this plan, we can enhance the quality of reporting and nurture journalists capable of presenting new viewpoints and ideas, further elevating the position of Sarawak's media industry.”
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, the Premier of Sarawak, pointed out that this plan will be implemented through collaboration with Sarawak news agencies. The goal is to provide qualified media professionals with international perspectives and professional experience.
“I have instructed the Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Corporate Affairs, Information and Sarawak Public Communications Unit), Datuk Abdullah Saidol, to be responsible for this matter. Last year, I expressed my hope to send journalists with specific backgrounds abroad for advanced programs.”
He stated this during an interview at the opening of the 2025 Asia Carbon Conference (ACC) at the Borneo Convention Center Kuching yesterday.
The Premier emphasized that the plan will be implemented systematically and will establish a qualification assessment mechanism to ensure that only those who meet the standards can participate.
“This plan will be conducted in cooperation with Sarawak's Journalists Association or the Press Council, and a selection mechanism will be established to evaluate the qualifications and backgrounds of applicants.”
He added that the Sarawak government will allocate special funding to support this plan, viewing it as a long-term investment that will contribute to shaping the future of Sarawak's journalism industry.
Abang Johari hopes that this initiative will not only cultivate more journalists with professional competence but also bring new perspectives and innovative thinking to address the challenges faced by the current media industry.
“I am ready. If we can provide free education to the people of Sarawak by 2026, we certainly have the resources to offer overseas training for journalists. I hope that through this plan, we can enhance the quality of reporting and nurture journalists capable of presenting new viewpoints and ideas, further elevating the position of Sarawak's media industry.”