Kuala Lumpur: The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) is set to expand its artificial intelligence (AI) courses beyond journalists and editors, extending these educational opportunities to behind-the-scenes staff within the journalism industry. Bernama's chief executive officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, emphasized the agency's commitment to offering comprehensive AI training targeted at varied participants.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative aligns with Bernama's goal of implementing AI courses comprehensively. Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin stated, "We have planned several other courses, including for those behind the scenes, not just for journalists and photographers, but also those working in journalism. Insya-Allah, we will also bring courses like this to Sabah and Sarawak."

The announcement followed the launch of the 'AI in the Newsroom' course, officiated by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. This course is part of a series of AI-related training programs for media professionals and was funded by a RM1 million special allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at last year's National Journalists' Day celebration in Kuching, Sarawak.

Nur-ul Afida reiterated Bernama's dedication to fulfilling the government's mandate on AI education. She highlighted the collaboration with Huawei and Redtone, which included expert insights from the United States on AI in journalism.

The two-day course at Huawei Customer Solution Innovation Centre (CSIC) is attended by 40 journalists and editors from various media organizations, aiming to enhance their understanding of AI applications in modern journalism.

Notable attendees at the event included Huawei Malaysia CEO Simon Sun, Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and other key figures from Bernama's editorial and management teams.