Bernama's AI Course Transforms Media Practitioners From 'Zero To Hero'

JOHOR BAHRU, June 26 (Bernama) -- ‘From Zero to Hero’ best captures the transformation experienced by participants of the AI-Powered Content Creation & Editorial Automation course organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) here.

The two-day intensive course, which began yesterday, brought together 30 media practitioners from various organisations, including part-time journalists.

Participants were introduced to the fundamentals of using artificial intelligence (AI) for generative video content and scriptwriting.

Bernama reporter Mohd Syazwan Mustafa, 28, said he was thrilled to gain hands-on exposure to AI-based video production, something he once believed was only within reach of seasoned professionals.

“With the combination of elements like text-to-image and video generation, AI voice integration, as well as editing with scripts, voice-overs, animations and subtitles, I am now more confident in producing my own content,” he said on the final day of the course.

The Star reporter Venesa Devi Mhinder Singh, 30, described the course as a valuable platform to enhance AI-based content editing skills in a more systematic and professional manner.

“AI technology is essential for media practitioners to remain relevant and competitive. I hope Bernama will continue offering such courses, as opportunities like this are rare,” said Venesa, who has seven years of experience in journalism.

Meanwhile, Utusan Malaysia part-time photographer Raja Jaafar Raja Ali, 60, who brings over 30 years of experience in photography, said keeping up with the latest technology is essential, even for veteran professionals.

“I now work part-time after opting for early retirement through a voluntary separation scheme. 

“That's why I believe it's important to keep up with technology to ensure my work stays relevant and high-quality,” said Raja Jaafar, who began his career at Utusan in 1991.

The course combined theory with hands-on sessions and culminated in group video project presentations, where participants showcased their newly acquired skills through short yet creative productions.

It was facilitated by two AI experts from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Associate Professors Dr Azwa Abdul Aziz and Dr Normala Rahim. Each participant received a certificate, presented by Ridzuan Mohd Ghazali, manager of Bernama’s Centre of Excellence.

“Participation from the Southern Zone was very encouraging. Most of the participants successfully created videos that were not only entertaining but also of high quality,” said Azwa.

Johor is the seventh stop in the course series, following Kuala Lumpur, Cyberjaya, Sarawak, Sabah, Terengganu and Kedah, which is part of Bernama’s ongoing effort to digitalise editorial operations and equip media practitioners nationwide.

-- BERNAMA