Kuala Lumpur: The forum held in conjunction with the National Journalists' Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration on June 14 is vital for the media industry to strengthen journalism in the face of rising artificial intelligence (AI) use, stated Utusan Borneo Sabah Editor-in-Chief Datuk Lichong Angkui.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lichong emphasized the importance of this forum in preventing irresponsible parties from exploiting AI in ways that could compromise journalistic values and ethics. He remarked that the forum should unite media players across the country in their efforts to uphold the integrity of journalism.
Lichong highlighted that the media forum is an ideal venue for industry players, stakeholders, and interested parties to discuss current trends in journalism and find solutions to the increasing issue of AI manipulation. His comments come in the wake of Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's announcement of HAWANA 2025's theme, "Journalism in the New Era: Embracing AI, Safeguarding Ethics," and the unveiling of the event's logo at Wisma Bernama.
The HAWANA 2025 celebration is scheduled from June 13 to 15 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTC KL), with the main event on June 14 officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Lichong, who also serves on the governing council of Ikatan Setiakawan Wartawan Malaysia-Indonesia (ISWAMI), acknowledged that technological advancements and the internet have expedited news delivery, but warned of the risks of widespread fake news dissemination if AI is misused.
He stressed the necessity of reinforcing vigilance and fact-checking to ensure the authenticity of news provided to the public. Lichong pointed out the critical role of media in confirming the accuracy of viral content shared by netizens, thereby maintaining journalism's integrity.
Lichong concluded by expressing his approval of the HAWANA 2025 theme, noting its relevance to modern journalism where AI technology is indispensable. He underscored the need for balancing AI sophistication with journalistic ethics to maintain responsible and trustworthy journalism as a national asset.