Google launches initiatives to help Malaysian newsrooms navigate AI, changing audience habits

PENANG, June 24 — Google has launched two new initiatives aimed at helping Malaysian news organisations adapt to artificial intelligence (AI) and changing audience behaviours as the media industry undergoes rapid digital transformation.

Announced at the National Journalists’ Day (HAWANA) 2026 celebrations, the programmes — Project Sigma 2.0 and Project Berita — are being rolled out in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Majlis Media Malaysia (MMM).

Project Sigma 2.0 builds on a pilot programme launched in 2024 and will support up to 20 small and medium-sized news organisations with tools, frameworks and consultancy support aimed at helping publishers better engage Generation Z audiences.

In a media statement, Google said the initiative was designed to help newsrooms experiment with new formats, platforms and audience engagement strategies as younger Malaysians increasingly consume news differently from previous generations.

Alongside the programme, Google and MMM also introduced Project Berita, which focuses on addressing skills and capacity gaps across the journalism sector as AI becomes more widely adopted in media organisations.

The initiative will provide training for aspiring journalists, working media practitioners and newsroom leaders.

Under the programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia will roll out the #AiYOH (AI Literacy Empowerment Workshop) initiative at universities nationwide, while the Malaysian Press Institute will conduct specialised AI and newsroom management training for journalists and senior editors.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the government remained committed to ensuring media practitioners had opportunities to strengthen their understanding of emerging technologies, particularly AI.

He said Project Sigma 2.0 would help equip media professionals with the tools, insights and skills needed to adapt to an increasingly digital media environment while using AI responsibly.

MMM chairman Nallini Pathmanathan said collaboration among publishers, journalists, educators and industry experts was crucial to strengthening public trust and supporting the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s journalism ecosystem.

Google managing director of News Partnerships for Asia-Pacific Kate Beddoe said the programmes aimed to combine newsroom experimentation, industry expertise and practical training to help journalists and publishers navigate an increasingly AI-powered media landscape.

Further details on Project Sigma 2.0 and Project Berita are expected to be announced at a later date.