Workshop helps equip journalists with storytelling skills

SIBU: Participants of the ‘Mobile Journalism Workshop’ here yesterday gained many tips on ways to improve their skills amidst the current social media era.

According to Institute Rejang Journalist (IRJ) Sarawak secretary Jane Moh, who acted as head of the workshop organising committee, the modules outlined for this programme meant to help prepare journalists for their future undertakings.

“For us local journalists, we need to be able to improve our skills, especially now that we are in the world of social media,” she said in her remarks for the opening of the two-day workshop at the Kingwood Hotel here yesterday.

More than 300 participants took part in the programme, organised by the IRJ.

Adding on, Moh said two trainers and a film director facilitated the session.

“We have the privilege to invite two trainers from Singapore, Augustine Anthuvan and Ng Lian Cheong, who are also journalists.

“These two individuals are from the newsroom. They cover breaking news and special reports, and this requires them to react fast and convey the full story with accurate information, despite the video being only 30 to 60 seconds long.

“Although I am aware that most of us are not likely to have the same experience, we can all apply these skills to produce effective stories.

“We also have the pleasure to invite a very young man, originally from Kapit, who is now a film director in Kuala Lumpur, Dexter Anthony, to teach us about filming and editing videos using smartphones, and uploading them on social media.

“He is also a creative director, who is going to teach us on how to bring ideas to life.

“For those in corporations, these same effective storytelling skills can be applied to try and sell brands or products, while those in in tourism can learn about finding and coming up with better stories,” she added.

Also present at the ceremony yesterday was the chief political secretary to the Premier of Sarawak, Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman.