Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Bernama - the national news agency of Malaysia – can co-develop AI tools for multilingual news summarisation and voice generation in Bahasa Melayu and Vietnamese, according to Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

In an interview with VNA correspondents in Kuala Lumpur on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925, Nur-ul Afida suggested the two agencies initiate cross-training programmes, allowing editors and journalists from both sides to exchange expertise on AI utilisation, share articles through digital platforms, and exchange information.

Both VNA and Bernama are members of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA). VNA joined the organisation in 1969 and is an active member currently serving on its Executive Board.

Nur-ul Afida said VNA has been a consistent and reliable partner in OANA, contributing actively to the regional media landscape through content sharing, coordination, and policy discussions. Their coverage of ASEAN and Indochina issues adds valuable perspectives. "Bernama appreciates the collaboration with VNA," she emphasised.

The CEO also proposed that the two agencies should share content platform through a cloud-based news hub for fast and secure content exchange between OANA members.

During Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Malaysia in November 2024, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, which, Nur-ul Afida said, creates greater opportunities for both VNA and Bernama to play a more significant diplomatic communication role.

The two sides should enhance the cooperation in many aspects strategically, such as jointly producing news content; using AI-assisted translation tools to improve accessibility for the peoples of both countries; and reporting on key bilateral events using real-time AI tools for multilingual dissemination.

Regarding the most effective area of cooperation between the two news agencies, the Bernama CEO highlighted the current information exchange programme and joint training efforts, which have had a substantial impact. She affirmed that this cooperation not only strengthens the relationship between the two agencies in journalism but also improves the quality of regional reporting.

Nur-ul Afida emphasised that in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and AI, reporters "are no longer just conveyors of information but also curators of truth in a sea of digital noise."

AI enhances their capabilities by offering tools like real-time transcription, content summarisation, and social media trend analysis, enabling faster and more accurate reporting.

However, she also warned of challenges like misinformation and ethical concerns. To thrive, she said, reporters must embrace lifelong learning and adopt a digital-first mindset.

They should learn to use AI-based transcription, content management systems, social media analytics, and digital publishing platforms; be capable of producing multi-format content — text, audio, video, and social posts; and build personal credibility through platforms while maintaining journalistic values.

Reporters are no longer just writers — they are digital communicators, fact-checkers, and community-builders in real-time, she said./.