Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has highlighted the potential dangers and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) at the Sarawak Media Conference (SMEC) 2024. Speaking to around 600 local and international attendees, he emphasized that AI, especially generative AI, can be a powerful tool that challenges humankind in unprecedented ways.
Abang Johari explained how AI can manipulate speeches, altering languages and images in real-time to suit specific agendas. He cautioned that while AI can revolutionize how we live, govern, and interact, it also poses a significant threat in terms of creating fake content and manufacturing false facts within real information.
The two-day conference, themed “Media Evolution in the Digital Era,” coincides with the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2024, which is attended by over 1,000 media practitioners from Malaysia and 11 other countries. The event, officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, aims to bring together journalists to discuss the evolving landscape of media in the digital age.
Organized by the Communications Ministry in collaboration with the Sarawak state government, with the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) as the implementing agency, the conference serves as a central gathering for Malaysian journalists to exchange ideas and insights on the impact of AI on the media industry.
As AI continues to advance and reshape various aspects of society, Abang Johari’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the importance of ethical and responsible use of this technology to ensure the authenticity and integrity of information in the digital age.