A Journey of Passion, Resilience, and Unwavering Commitment to Truth
By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 – In an era where journalism is evolving at an unprecedented pace, Salbiah Said, former Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic) at Bernama, Malaysia’s national news agency, offers a unique perspective shaped by over three decades in the field. Her journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the pursuit of truth. In a candid interview with TNS News here recently, Salbiah opened up about her career, sharing the motivations, challenges, and lessons that have defined her work as a journalist.
A Passion for Storytelling: The Beginning
Salbiah’s love for journalism began with a passion for storytelling. “My inspiration to become a journalist stemmed from a deep-seated passion for storytelling,” she shared. “Working at a news agency like Bernama was exciting because it gave me the opportunity to deliver timely and accurate information to the public. The dynamic environment kept me on my toes, always working on something new.”
Her interest in journalism was nurtured during her formative years at a Convent secondary school in Butterworth, Penang, where she honed her writing and public speaking skills. “One of my teachers, a nun, taught us the value of good storytelling. We were made to tell stories in English, which greatly influenced my career choice,” she recalled.
After graduating from the School of Mass Communication at Universiti Teknologi MARA in 1977, Salbiah began her career as a part-time reporter at Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). But it was when she joined Bernama in 1979 that her professional journey truly began to take shape. “Getting the job at Bernama was one of the defining moments in my life. From that day, I knew this was the right path for me,” she reflected.
A Journey of Growth and Challenges
Throughout her 32-year career at Bernama, Salbiah faced numerous challenges and opportunities that shaped her professional journey. “Each challenge was an opportunity for growth, whether it was developing new skills, learning from mistakes, or adapting to industry changes,” she said. Over the years, she navigated both hard news and feature writing, particularly excelling in business and economic news coverage. However, the shift toward human interest stories provided her with deeper fulfillment. “In the early years, it was all hard news. But as time went by, I found a love for feature writing because of the depth and impact these stories could have,” she said.
Her goals have also evolved. “My primary goal as a journalist was always to inform and educate the public by providing accurate and unbiased stories,” she explained. However, with the digital age, new challenges have emerged, such as balancing speed with accuracy and combating misinformation. “It’s critical that we continue to adapt while maintaining ethical standards and staying true to our journalistic principles.”
Salbiah acknowledges that journalism is not for the faint-hearted. “Journalism requires hard work and commitment—it’s not a 9 to 5 job. Courage is also essential, especially when reporting under pressure or facing criticism.” These qualities have been a constant throughout her career at Bernama, where she tackled significant challenges and seized countless opportunities for growth.
Memorable Moments as a Correspondent
Salbiah’s tenure as a correspondent in Singapore from 2001 to 2003 was marked by significant challenges and memorable stories. One of her most memorable assignments was covering the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia. “Witnessing the sheer scale of devastation and loss of life was heart-wrenching. Amid the tragedy, there were incredible stories of resilience and solidarity,” she recalled. Reporting on how cultural and religious practices helped people find solace and strength amid the devastation added a unique dimension to her coverage.
Why It Was Memorable
“The tsunami, which struck on December 26, 2004, was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history, affecting multiple countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and even parts of East Africa. Covering the devastation and the human stories that emerged from it was both challenging and profoundly impactful,” Salbiah shared. “Meeting survivors who had lost everything yet remained hopeful and witnessing the global response in terms of aid and support were deeply moving experiences.”
The Story
“In Aceh, which was one of the worst-hit areas, I witnessed how the local Muslim community’s faith played a crucial role in their coping mechanisms. Reporting on how cultural and religious practices helped people find solace and strength amid the devastation added a unique dimension to the coverage. Covering such stories required a deep respect for the local customs and sensitivity to the emotional states of the survivors,” she explained.
Impact of the Coverage
On a personal level, this experience profoundly shaped Salbiah’s perspective on the role of journalism in humanitarian crises. “It reinforced my belief in the power of storytelling to drive change and foster global solidarity,” she reflected.
The Changing Face of Journalism
As a seasoned journalist, Salbiah has witnessed first-hand the seismic shifts in the media landscape, particularly with the rise of digital technology. Today, journalists use various tools for news selection, production, and distribution. “Technology plays a pivotal role in almost every aspect of a journalist’s work now,” she said. Platforms like Google Alerts help keep journalists updated on the latest trends, while social media offers real-time updates and audience engagement.
Despite these advancements, Salbiah believes that the essence of journalism remains unchanged. “While technology has enhanced the way we report, the core principles of journalism—accuracy, integrity, and storytelling—remain the same. We must still hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards.”
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, Salbiah also spoke on the role of AI in modern journalism. “AI helps with efficiency, such as automating routine tasks and assisting in fact-checking. But at its core, journalism still relies on human insight and ethical considerations.”
Looking Forward
As she reflects on her career, Salbiah is most proud of her role in informing and educating the public. “Journalism, to me, has always been about making a positive societal impact.” She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, as both journalism and the world around it continue to change.
Salbiah’s advice for budding journalists? Cultivate curiosity, passion, and courage, and always remain committed to ethical reporting. “Journalism is about much more than just writing—it’s about finding stories, bringing them to life, and ensuring the public is informed accurately and fairly.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
For those who have followed Salbiah’s career, her story serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the power of journalism in shaping informed societies. As the media landscape continues to evolve, the lessons she has learned and shared will undoubtedly influence the next generation of journalists.
Post-Retirement Involvement
Even after retirement, Salbiah continues to contribute to Bernama as a sub-editor. “My role as a sub-editor has shifted from leadership and strategic planning to a more focused, hands-on approach in refining and ensuring the quality of content,” she explained. What keeps her motivated is her passion for journalism, the opportunity to mentor young journalists, staying engaged with current events, the professional fulfillment of contributing to high-quality journalism, and the sense of community within the newsroom. “These factors combine to create a rewarding and meaningful post-retirement involvement with the agency,” she added.
As she continues her journey beyond Bernama, Salbiah is looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, both personally and professionally. Her legacy as a journalist is one of dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to the truth—principles that will continue to guide her in the years to come.
TNS News