Media Innovation Fund To Boost Innovation, Competitiveness Of Local Media -- Sec-Gen

PUTRAJAYA, March 17 (Bernama) -- The Media Innovation Fund is expected to act as a catalyst for innovation and strengthen the competitiveness of the local media industry in facing an increasingly dynamic digital landscape, said Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Hamzah.

He said the media industry is undergoing a rapid phase of change due to developments in digital technology, shifts in the way people access information, and pressures on traditional media business models.

“In this new environment, media organisations and practitioners must continue to adapt, innovate and leverage the latest technologies to ensure that the content produced remains relevant, high-quality and trusted.

“The MADANI Government recognises the challenges faced by the media industry, and the Media Innovation Fund has therefore been introduced as a strategic initiative to support transformation and innovation efforts within the local media sector,” he said in his speech at the Phase 1 Media Innovation Fund offer letter presentation ceremony here today.

Abdul Halim said the fund aims to empower media organisations to explore new approaches in content production and delivery, while also strengthening their ability to face an increasingly challenging media landscape.

He said the fund provides financing across four main scopes: media staff training, software and technology adaptation, equipment and support facilities, as well as research and content development.

A total of 34 out of 50 media organisations registered with the Information Department were selected as recipients after undergoing a thorough evaluation process based on the project proposals submitted.

Meanwhile, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin expressed gratitude for the approval of their application for the fund, which will be used to equip the newsroom, particularly the Editorial Department, with artificial intelligence (AI) elements that had previously been implemented gradually due to high costs.

“When the Communications Ministry offered this fund, we seized the opportunity to use it in the Editorial Department across wire services, TV, radio, digital media and news portals, including the development of our own mobile applications,” she said.

Nur-ul Afida said that the fund will at least help drive the agency’s planning towards strengthening newsroom capabilities with AI elements.

She added that Bernama will also use the fund to train media personnel with the latest digital skills to ensure they keep pace with current technological developments.

“This will help journalists and media staff remain relevant and aligned with changes in the media industry,” she said.

-- BERNAMA