KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 – The Media Innovation Fund 2.0 is expected to help local media companies strengthen their digital capabilities while protecting the welfare of journalists and other media workers.
Malaysian Media Council (MMC) chairman Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan said the fund comes at an important time for the industry.
Media organisations face growing pressure from rapid technological changes, artificial intelligence (AI) and competition from digital platforms. At the same time, audiences are changing how they access news and information.
Nallini also supported Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil’s reminder that companies receiving the fund should not dismiss employees arbitrarily.
She stressed that journalists remain essential to producing credible news, even as AI becomes more widely used. She also raised concerns about AI systems using journalists’ work without giving proper credit.
Media Companies Face Financial Pressure
Meanwhile, Media Chinese International Limited group editor-in-chief Datuk Kuik Cheng Kang said many media organisations are struggling to make their digital businesses financially sustainable.
Revenue from digital platforms has yet to cover the cost of running professional newsrooms, maintaining editorial teams and providing nationwide coverage.
Kuik said the government should also help media companies develop sustainable business models. This could help organisations retain skilled journalists and continue producing responsible news.
He added that technological progress must not weaken the media’s role in providing accurate information and holding those in power accountable.
Fund Expected to Support Digital Publishing
Malaysia Tribune editor-in-chief Sharaimei Shaik Ahmedullah also welcomed the initiative.
She said the first phase of the Media Innovation Fund had helped her organisation improve its news portal and strengthen its digital operations.
The new fund could further support technology upgrades, staff development and content innovation. Sharaimei also welcomed the emphasis on protecting media workers’ welfare.
RM30 Million Allocated for Media Innovation
Last Friday, Fahmi announced an allocation of RM30 million for Media Innovation Fund 2.0.
The fund aims to help local media organisations improve digital operations, develop staff skills and adopt new technologies, including AI.
It covers five areas:
- Training for media personnel.
- Software and technology upgrades.
- Equipment, hardware and support facilities.
- Content research and development.
- Subscriptions to news services and media content.
Applications opened on November 1 and will close on November 14, 2026.
Media organisations can submit applications through the official Media Innovation Fund website.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
