Curtin Malaysia Media Studies students go behind the scenes of Sarawak’s media industry

Miri, Sarawak – 19 August 2026 – What does it take to deliver a television news bulletin, produce a radio programme or put together tomorrow’s newspaper?

For 16 Diploma of Media Studies students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), the answers came directly from industry professionals during an immersive field trip to Kuching that took them behind the scenes of some of Sarawak’s leading media organisations.

Organised by the university’s School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE), the Media Studies Field Trip 2026 gave the students first-hand exposure to television broadcasting, print journalism, radio and digital media, helping them connect classroom concepts with the realities of professional media work.

At TV Sarawak (TVS), the students received an exclusive tour of the television station from the Sarawak Media Group team, exploring its news studio, production control room and broadcasting facilities. They learned how programmes move from planning and production to the final broadcast.

The visit then took a hands-on turn when the students were invited behind the anchor desk. Following a demonstration by a TVS news presenter, they took turns reading news scripts from a teleprompter, experiencing first-hand the concentration, timing and confidence required to face the camera.

The students also gained insights into print journalism and radio broadcasting through visits to The Borneo Post, See Hua Daily News and TEA FM. At the KTS Gallery, they explored the history and evolution of the media group before observing newsroom operations and engaging with journalists and editors at The Borneo Post.

An interactive sharing session with Ghaz Ghazali, Senior News Editor at The Borneo Post, gave the students an opportunity to discuss career pathways, interviewing techniques, ethical reporting and the challenges and opportunities created by the digital transformation of journalism.

For Fifi Liew, Discipline Lead for the Department of Arts and Commerce at SPACE and organiser of the field trip, such industry exposure is an essential part of preparing students for careers in media and communications.

“Media is a practice-based profession, and there is no substitute for experiencing the industry first-hand. These experiences allow students to move beyond theory, understand the standards and responsibilities of the profession, and develop greater confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce,” she said.

The students echoed the value of the experience, describing it as eye-opening and instrumental in giving them a clearer picture of the diverse career opportunities available in the media industry.

One student said the visits provided a better understanding of professional media operations, including the equipment, procedures and workplace environment, while another said learning about the different roles and how media teams collaborate had inspired them to consider pursuing a career in the industry.

Through initiatives such as the Media Studies Field Trip, Curtin Malaysia continues to strengthen industry-connected learning and equip students with the practical knowledge, confidence and professional awareness needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving communications landscape.

Curtin Malaysia extends its appreciation to TVS, The Borneo Post, See Hua Daily News and TEA FM for their warm hospitality and generous sharing of industry expertise, as well as their commitment to supporting the development of future media professionals.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Fifi Liew (centre, in pink shirt) and her students in a group photo with TVS representatives.

A student puts his newsreading skills to the test at the TVS anchor desk.

Ghaz Ghazali, Senior News Editor at The Borneo Post, shares insights into journalism with the students.

Fifi Liew (front, left) and students with the TEA FM team during their radio station visit.