Kuala Lumpur: Communication Minister Fahmi Fadzil today launched the 'AI in the Newsroom' course organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), marking the first in a series of AI-related training programmes designed for media professionals.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the two-day course, which is attended by 40 journalists and editors from different media organisations, aims to enhance understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its applications in modern journalism. The event is being held at the Huawei Customer Solution Innovation Centre (CSIC), located on Level 33, Integra Tower, The Intermark.

The course offers participants expertise from leading AI and digital infrastructure firms, Huawei and REDtone, providing hands-on experience in leveraging AI for news production, fact-checking, and content optimisation. This initiative is part of BERNAMA's broader strategy to prepare journalists for an evolving media landscape where AI plays an increasing role in news gathering, editing, and dissemination.

The programme is supported by a RM1 million special allocation to BERNAMA from the government, announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2024. BERNAMA is committed to empowering journalists with AI literacy while ensuring that core journalistic principles like accuracy, authenticity, and ethical reporting remain uncompromised.

The news agency has made significant progress in adopting AI-driven solutions for news and video production, setting a benchmark in the Malaysian media industry. With this initial course, BERNAMA reaffirms its leadership in AI adoption in the media sector, equipping journalists with the skills required to navigate a future where AI and human expertise work collaboratively.