Kuala Lumpur: In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI), journalists must quickly adapt and embrace the technology, not only to remain relevant but to redefine efficiency and excellence in their work.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, in conjunction with National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Marfika Adnan Haris Fadzilah, 34, shared her experience participating in the 2024 China International Media Exchange Programme, organised by the China International Press Communication Centre in Beijing. Marfika, a journalist with Bernama's Lifestyle Desk, said that during her four-month stint in China, she saw how deeply AI was woven into daily life and how it proved useful to her as well.
Marfika noted that AI became a part of her daily routine in China, not just as a work tool, but as a personal assistant that made life easier. Among the AI applications she found indispensable were Baidu Translate and WeChat Translate, which let her instantly convert Chinese documents into Malay or English using just her phone. She acknowledged that she relied heavily on ChatGPT throughout her four-month assignment, using it to craft interview questions, write photo captions, and translate Chinese texts into Malay or English.
Reflecting on the challenges she faced in China, Marfika said the language barrier was the most difficult, as most locals had limited proficiency in English. She described it as a 'chicken and duck' conversation, a complete communication gap, which required her to get creative with body language and rely on AI-powered translation apps. This challenge, she shared, taught her to be more flexible, open, and better at non-verbal communication.
Meanwhile, Astro Awani journalist Hasimi Muhamad, 36, recalled a career milestone while covering the 2019 Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, soon after joining the station. He prepared thoroughly, knowing it wasn't just official coverage but reporting on the Country Statement. Hasimi emphasized that he never views international assignments as leisure trips but as valuable opportunities to gain knowledge and experience, enhance report quality, collaborate with foreign journalists, and master the latest technology.
Hasimi recounted his most challenging and memorable overseas assignment: covering Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's official visits to Beijing in March 2023 and Shanghai in November last year. Working alone required 'double skills,' such as capturing visual soundbites and leveraging the latest technology. This is part of the company's effort to enhance the skills of broadcast journalists.
Marfika Adnan and Hasimi described HAWANA as more than a celebration, emphasizing that it is a platform for knowledge sharing, professional networking, and renewing the spirit to face media industry challenges. Themed 'Journalism in a New Era: Balancing AI and Ethics,' the HAWANA 2025 grand celebration will be held on June 14 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with an estimated attendance of 1,000 local and foreign media practitioners.
Under this year's HAWANA allocation, Bernama has held five AI workshops in Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Sarawak, Sabah, and Terengganu (for the East Coast zone) to equip media practitioners with a stronger grasp of AI technology.