Journalists urged to embrace new technology in news reporting
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu Journalists Association (KKJA) chairman Yong Ted Phen has urged journalists to embrace technology that has transformed the way of reporting and news dissemination with a positive attitude.
He said the advancement of information technology (IT) has a huge impact on the newspaper industry.
Yong said even the Malay Mail that has operated for over a century has stopped printing to go fully digital, adding that many national papers have also ceased their print operations in Sabah.
According to him, local conventional newspapers are also feeling the pressure to keep up with the new trends.
“Apart from print editions, newspaper organizations have also ventured into e-paper, online news, Facebook and video coverage to disseminate content across multiple platforms in different formats,” Yong said in his welcoming speech at the KKJA Chinese New Year luncheon at the Hakka Hall here yesterday.
The event was graced by Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew, who represented Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal.
“As journalists, our job has undergone a drastic change from handwriting news reports for Chinese reporters or use of typewriters for English reporters to instantaneous reporting and live video coverage. We have to embrace these changes with a positive attitude, to learn new technology that has transformed our way of reporting. At the same time, I hope that the local communities would continue to support the transformation of conventional newspapers in our commitment to bring quick, accurate, fair and transparent reporting to our readers,” he added.
KKJA, he said, has organized various activities for its members and peers, including the annual Press Night, Chinese New Year celebration, presentation of study awards to members’ children and welfare aid since its inception 27 years ago in 1992.
“We also strive to play the role as a bridge between the industry, the government and private sector in effort to pursue better interests for our members and their family.”
Yong also thanked the association’s advisors and sponsors for their continuous support.
Also present at the event were Minister of Health and People’s Wellbeing, Datuk Stephen Wong; Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide; Luyang assemblyman Phoong Jin Zhe; KKJA advisors, Tan Sri Dr T.C. Goh, Tan Sri David Chu, Datuk Seri Panglima Teo Chee Kang, Datuk Michael Lui, Datuk Lau Kok Sing, Datuk Frankie Liew, Datuk James Hwong, Datuk Francis Goh and Datuk Tiong Tan Hua, represented by Joe Tiong; Dato’ Sri Dr Ling Hie Sing, Wong Kee Mee, Sharon Chong represented by Wong Yuen Ping, Dr Wah Hai Sit, Chin Tek Ming, Kapitan Li Su Fook, Phang Jyn Yenn, Eliza Goh, Datuk Harry Teo, Max Loo representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry; press secretary to the Chief Minister, Colin Nicholas Forsythe; Sabah Journalists Association president Muguthan Vanar; and KKJA deputy president Tang Pok Ngai.