Abdullah makes his closing remarks at the event. – Photo: Kong Jun Liung
Kuching (July 3): Media companies may need to be responsible for the costs of artificial intelligence (AI) tools and digital applications that journalists use in their daily work, said Datuk Abdullah.
Closing Ceremony of Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2025 (SMEC) 2025 Today, the vice minister of Prime Minister Sarawak’s division acknowledged what financial burden media experts are facing, keeping up with evolving digital requirements.
“Some reporters and journalists say, “You have to download this app. You have to pay RM90 a month. Then you have to pay RM300 a year. You have to subscribe to this and the company doesn’t cover it,” he said.
“Yes, these tools will help their work, but employers also need to understand that these additional costs are necessary to enable digital assistance, whether it is AI or not.”
He emphasized that as technology advances rapidly, media companies must consider these “hidden costs” when discussing digital transformation.
“This is another consideration that we have to consider. Perhaps future seminars will have researchers who have looked into the actual costs involved in embracing digital advancements, both for individuals and for governments,” he said.
Abdullah, who was organised president of SMEC 2025, said that AI is currently part of everyday discourse, but it must approach it in a balanced way.
“We don’t want to be left behind, but we shouldn’t be too quick to adopt new technology. As one of our speakers mentioned, we’ve used the term “wholesale adoption” before, but we shouldn’t rush to the latest advancements, especially if the basics aren’t fully addressed. ”
He emphasized that the story of digital policy differs depending on the appetite of the country and government.
“For example, the US is driving commercial interests, the EU standards, and China is driving security. In Sarawak, we need to shape our own approach that matches our specific needs.”
Abdullah also highlights the need for an inclusive infrastructure, noting that many rural areas of Sarawak still lack basic connectivity.
“You don’t need to talk to me about AI. There’s no internet in my area. The tower is there, but it’s not working,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the Sarawak government has invested billions in digital infrastructure, more effort is needed to close the digital gap.
He also advocated early education in AI, including governance and ethics, to prepare the next generation for a digital future.
“Yesterday, the teacher told me to send a message to the Prime Minister. We should probably start teaching kids about the good and evil that AI brings like elementary schools,” he shared.
Abdullah also reminded me that AI may evolve to simulate intelligence and emotions, but cannot replicate the most important human qualities, such as empathy, emotion, and cultural understanding.
“This is something that AI will never understand because of the diversity of race, religion and language in Malaysia, especially in Sarawak,” he said.
A collection of journalists, academics, policymakers and technology experts, SMEC 2025 focused on the intersection of the digital future of the innovation, governance and the media industry.
