KUALA LUMPUR, July 2, 2026 — Newly appointed Director-General of Jabatan Penerangan Malaysia (JAPEN), Erwin Khairul Ahmad, emphasised the need to empower national narratives and strengthen ties with the people through a balanced approach of digital innovation and personal engagement.
Speaking on BERNAMA TV’s Ruang Bicara programme titled Memperkasa Naratif, Memperteguh Jalinan Dengan Rakyat (Empowering Narratives, Strengthening Ties with the People) on July 1, Erwin shared his vision for the department amid rapid changes in the communications landscape.
“RUANG BICARA di BERNAMA TV memberi ruang kepada saya untuk berbicara tentang MEMPERKASA NARATIF, MEMPERTEGUH JALINAN DENGAN RAKYAT. Sempat juga berkongsi idea tentang cabaran dan hala tuju Jabatan Penerangan dalam mendepani perkembangan dunia komunikasi di masa depan,” he posted on X after the programme.
Erwin, who assumed the role of JAPEN’s 20th Director-General on June 22, 2026, stressed that while digital platforms dominate information consumption, face-to-face or “heart-to-heart” communication remains essential.
He said JAPEN will enhance its digital outreach through short videos, social media content, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI), while ensuring these efforts retain a personal touch.
“In addition to face-to-face communication, we also need digital communication that maintains the same personal touch,” he said during the interview hosted by Ally Iskandar.
Within his first eight days in office, Erwin personally produced four short videos on government policies, signalling a new, more agile approach he hopes the department will adopt.
A key priority for the new Director-General is building a multi-skilled workforce capable of adapting to evolving communication trends. This includes continuous training, upskilling, exposure to new technologies such as AI, collaboration with Institut Penyiaran dan Penerangan Tun Abdul Razak (IPPTAR), and job rotation initiatives.
The department aims to ensure government information remains relevant, relatable, and trustworthy to the public in an era of fast-changing media habits.
Erwin’s appearance on Ruang Bicara marks one of his early public engagements since taking office, highlighting JAPEN’s commitment to transparent and effective government communication under the current administration.
The full episode aired on BERNAMA TV and is available on the department’s official platforms.
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