JaPEN To Enhance Gov't Communication With Digital, Face-to-face Strategy

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- The Information Department (JAPEN) will strengthen the delivery of government information through a combination of digital platforms and face-to-face engagement to ensure the public receives information they can relate to and trust.

Its director-general Erwin Khairul Ahmad said face-to-face, or heart-to-heart, communication will remain a key approach for the department even as digital platforms continue to dominate the information landscape.

At the same time, he said JAPEN would continue to enhance its digital content, including short videos and social media, while leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to ensure government information remains relevant amid changing media consumption patterns.

“In addition to face-to-face communication, we also need digital communication that maintains the same personal touch," he said during Bernama TV's Ruang Bicara programme titled Empowering Narratives, Strengthening Ties with the People tonight.

Erwin Khairul, who assumed office as JAPEN director-general on June 22, said he had produced four short videos on government policies within his first eight days in the role, which he hopes will become a new approach adopted by the department.

He said as more people now obtain information through digital platforms, government communication must evolve to keep pace with changing media consumption habits without neglecting direct engagement with the public.

Erwin Khairul said one of his priorities is to develop a multi-skilled JAPEN workforce through training, upskilling and exposure to new technologies, including AI.

To this end, he said the department would conduct continuous training programmes, including in collaboration with the Tun Abdul Razak Broadcasting and Information Institute (IPPTAR), as well as job rotation initiatives to ensure JAPEN personnel are able to adapt to the evolving communications landscape.

-- BERNAMA