Aspiring Journalists Told To Strengthen AI, Data Journalism Skills

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- The rapidly changing media landscape in the digital era, increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), is pushing future media practitioners to adapt quickly to the latest technologies to remain relevant.

Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bachelor of Communication student Syafiqah Izzaty Syamsul Ikram, 21, said those preparing to enter the journalism field must equip themselves with knowledge of AI and data journalism.

However, she said communication students at public universities still lack exposure to data journalism, and called for curriculum reform to prepare them with the relevant skills.

“…some trainee journalists are confused when required to carry out data analysis during their internships,” she told Bernama.

UPM Bachelor of Communication (Content Development) student Nur Qistina Damia Erwan, 21, said she agreed on the need to prepare herself with knowledge of data analysis and AI before entering the media industry.

“Today’s journalism is no longer just about writing long, fact-based reports, but about producing concise, easy-to-understand news that captures public attention.

“So, if I don’t equip myself with knowledge of AI, it will be hard for me to stand out when I enter the digital media job market,” she said.

The rise of AI-generated content, such as fake images and videos, requires more rigorous verification before any news is published, said Malaysia Gazette trainee journalist Azwa Rohan, 22.

“AI can now generate news, which certainly makes journalists’ work easier. However, media practitioners should be less reliant on it, as it cannot bring a human touch to news stories.

“If news is to resonate with readers, media practitioners need to use their own words rather than rely entirely on AI-generated content,” she said.

The HAWANA Media Forum, organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), is the first in a series of events planned for National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026.

Officiated by Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, the one-day programme convened media leaders from Sabah and Sarawak, representatives of foreign media agencies in Malaysia, and other stakeholders in the country’s media landscape for deeper discussions and a more meaningful exchange of ideas.

-- BERNAMA