PUTRAJAYA is allocating RM30 million to ensure journalists are not left behind in the era of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced the fund during his speech at the National Journalists Day (HAWANA) 2025 celebration.
He said the allocation would support training, digital upgrades, and fair compensation—particularly for younger media professionals.
“I agree to raise a relatively large fund to help the media organisations in the country,” he said.
The RM30 million, according to Anwar, is the largest-ever government allocation for the media in Malaysia’s history.
“This is the largest fund given by the government to journalists. In my memory, I have seen our history since the independence era.”
The initiative will also fund SIGMA, a government-led effort to boost digital transformation in newsrooms.
Project SIGMA is a government-backed initiative, launched with Google, to help Malaysian newsrooms embrace digital storytelling and engage younger audiences.
“How to make the digital transformation with government funds, with training, with compensation to the journalists, especially the young ones, so that we ensure that the journalism world is not left behind in the pursuit of artificial intelligence transformation,” he said.
Anwar said embracing technology must come with a strong ethical foundation.
“The issue of AI and ethics needs to be applied… The focus of the economy needs to be balanced with values and culture. If not, we will not be human.”
He added that it was the government’s responsibility to help journalists adapt and thrive.
“I realize that this demand is true and I am responsible to ensure the needs of the efforts of the journalists to be better.”
The Ministry of Communications will oversee the rollout of the fund, with further details to be announced soon. - June 14, 2025
