As the media landscape undergoes rapid transformation in the age of AI, SEGi took a bold step forward by immersing its Diploma in Mass Communication students in one of the region’s most significant media events — the Sarawak Media Conference (SMeC) 2025. Held from 2 to 3 July at Sheraton Hotel Kuching in conjunction with the State-Level National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA), the event brought together a stellar lineup of local and international media leaders to tackle the theme “Artificial Intelligence: Shaping the Future of Media and Journalism.”
The students had the rare opportunity to learn directly from key figures such as Shelly Bryant, founder of TL Global Insights in Singapore, and Steve Saerang, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications at Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, who also serves on Perhumas Indonesia. These exchanges exposed students to real-world strategies in digital branding, corporate storytelling, and ethical journalism in an AI-driven world — concepts that are not just future-focused but essential in today’s job market.
Other featured speakers included national and regional authorities such as the Director-General of Broadcasting Malaysia, AI thought leaders like Soh Wan Wei of the AI Visionary Society, and data policymakers such as Darmain Segaran from the National AI Office. These interactions gave SEGi students direct insight into how AI is reshaping not only how news is delivered but how media professionals are expected to think, create, and adapt.
The exposure was not merely academic. With 63% of global consumers concerned about misinformation due to AI in media (Pew Research Center, 2024), events like SMeC equip future communicators with the skills and ethical compass to uphold truth in the digital era. Students were also introduced to national digital strategies and Sarawak’s own efforts to become a smart media and innovation hub through the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre and Khazanah Research Institute.
SEGi College Sarawak’s commitment to real-world learning continues to ensure that its graduates remain not only relevant but resilient in a fast-evolving media landscape. Conferences like SMeC bridge the classroom with the newsroom, enabling students to explore journalism, public relations, and digital media from both strategic and global perspectives.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
