The defining challenge facing journalism today is ensuring the media is not just the first to report, but the first to get it right.
Sunway Group executive director (chairman’s office) Ong Pang Yen said with social media, digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) flooding the world with unprecedented volumes of information, credibility had become an increasingly scarce commodity.
As such, the media’s role in verifying facts, providing context and helping the public make informed decisions, has never been more important.
“The media landscape has changed more in the past 20 years than the preceding 100,” Ong highlighted during Sunway Group’s Northern Region Media Night 2026 in Seberang Jaya.
“Every technological leap from newspapers to television, digital media and now AI has made information faster and more accessible.
“Today, almost anyone can publish a story, go live or generate content.
“AI produces very convincing articles, images and videos. That can be inclusive or divisive.
“Information is no longer scarce. In fact, we’re all drowning in it. What we need is not simply more content but context – to help distinguish facts from rumours or opinions.”
Ong described journalism as a public service that keeps communities informed, holds institutions accountable and helps people navigate an increasingly complex world.
“Whether you are reporting from the field or working behind the scenes, you preserve stories that shape our communities and nation.
“You even help us discover where the best hawker foods in town are,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Ong said Sunway, as a proud Malaysian company, deeply valued an independent and responsible media, pledging to continue working closely with local practitioners.
“Informed communities are stronger communities. Your reporting and constructive criticism make organisations like ours better,” he added.
The media night, themed “Polka Dot Glam”, saw many pressmen and content creators turn up in colourful outfits.
Guests were treated to a scrumptious buffet, a live quiz, musical performances and catwalk sessions.
TV3 cameraman Noor Asrolizham Zakaria and Penang Monthly assistant editor Rachel Yeoh walked away with the male and female best dressed awards.
Noor Asrolizham who rocked polka dot pants, a bow tie, a velvet coat and straw hat, shared his last-minute preparations.
“I actually bought the pants on my way here and got changed in the car,” he said.
“It’s fun getting dressed up according to event themes and contributing to the atmosphere,” he said.
The event also saw unbridled laughter when several attendees were invited on stage to showcase their best Michael Jackson impersonations.
Guests also took home special draw prizes, which included Sunway theme park passes, hotel stay vouchers and mobile phones.
The Star photographer Lim Beng Tatt won the grand prize of an iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Also present were Sunway Medical Centre Penang’s chief executive officer Christine Lee Chwee Ngoh, head of business development and corporate communications Abbey Ong and public relations and corporate communications senior executive Liew Jia Xian.
