The program Mobile Journalism (MoJo) was jointly organized in early June by the Australian Consulate-General in Ho Chi Minh City and the International Development Unit of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC International Development - ABCID).
According to Ms. Kate Wallace, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, media organizations across Southeast Asia and around the world are facing a range of challenges, including fake news, misinformation, shifting audience expectations, financial pressures, and the growing influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
She noted that these challenges were a key reason behind the training initiative. Beyond introducing digital tools, the program sought to strengthen practical reporting skills for journalists operating in a rapidly evolving media landscape, enabling them to tell compelling stories about the changes shaping societies and the region.
During the program, journalists, editors, digital content creators, and ABCID experts engaged in in-depth discussions on misinformation, disinformation, and public trust in the media; ethical frameworks for the responsible use of AI; and strategies for developing multi-platform content. Participants also explored how a deeper understanding of audience behaviour can help media professionals create more relevant and effective content across television, websites, and social media platforms.
Speaking to VnEconomy/Vietnam Economic Times, Mrs. Deborah Steele, former Director of News at the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and former senior executive overseeing news content at ABC, said generative AI is transforming virtually every sector, including the media industry. While the technology is evolving rapidly and creating new opportunities, it also brings significant risks, particularly the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation.
"New AI tools are emerging almost every week, which means we must continuously monitor and understand them," she said. "That is why I believe learning about generative AI is a responsibility for everyone. Alongside the challenges come tremendous opportunities. Those who can adapt and identify new opportunities will be the ones who succeed in this changing environment."
Mrs. Steele added that AI can be a powerful tool to help media professionals better fulfill their mission of informing and engaging the public.
The program also included field visits to Austal Vietnam and TLC Modular, where participants practised mobile journalism techniques while using AI-powered tools such as Perplexity, NotebookLM, and ChatGPT.
The Mobile Journalism training program forms part of the broader Southeast Asia Digital Dialogues initiative, which aims to enhance understanding of emerging opportunities and challenges in the digital landscape, strengthen local media capabilities, and foster shared knowledge across the region.
The initiative also aligns with Australia's long-term strategy, "Invested: Australia's Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040," which identifies deeper engagement with Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, as a key priority. The program comes as Australia and Vietnam continue to expand cooperation following the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.
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