By, Hani Rashid
GOMBAK, 27 May 2025: In conjunction with COMM FEST’25, a workshop on mobile journalism (Mojo) was held on 27 May 2025 at the Multimedia Lab. The session was led by Haji Mohammed Hazli Hassan, a veteran journalist with 33 years of experience. He previously worked with Berita Harian, Utusan Malaysia, and Petra News. Hazli shared insights from his years of training media professionals from RTM, Bernama, and the Ministry of Information.
Hazli emphasized that mobile journalism empowers individuals to work independently using just their smartphones. Communication students are already trained in storytelling and ethics, but non-media students can also benefit. He encouraged everyone to explore tools like CapCut, VN, and PowerDirector. These apps help enhance storytelling through video editing and creative visuals.
Hazli shared his personal journey from being a photographer to becoming a reporter and Mojo advocate. He described how traditional photography became repetitive and pushed him to explore writing. Despite resistance from his superiors, he pursued journalism and joined Utusan Malaysia. His story highlighted the importance of adaptability and growth in the media field.
The workshop also touched on the ethical side of mobile journalism. Hazli warned against recording emergencies before helping those in need. He stressed that human life should always come before content. Students were reminded to balance speed with empathy when reporting.
He advised students to make the most of their internships by shadowing senior journalists and taking on field assignments. He emphasized that real-world experience teaches more than classroom theory. Being proactive and asking questions is key to learning. Internships are a chance to understand how the media industry really works.
The speaker also introduced AI tools like ChatGPT as helpful companions in content creation. He explained how AI can help overcome writer’s block and spark new ideas. However, he warned students not to copy-paste AI-generated content. Instead, they should use it as a starting point and build their own narratives.
Hazli reminded students that the best stories are those that are rare, fresh, and unexpected. He used the example of “a postman biting a dog” to illustrate what makes news interesting. Creativity and originality are essential in storytelling. Verifying facts is just as important, especially when using social media sources.
While international outlets like BBC and Al Jazeera have embraced Mojo, Malaysian media remains cautious. Hazli shared his efforts to encourage local broadcasters like RTM to adopt Mojo practices. He compared the slow, film-based reporting of the 1990s to today’s instant uploads. Technology has made journalism faster and more accessible.
Facebook was highlighted as the most effective platform for Mojo in Malaysia due to its reach and monetization features. Hazli compared it with TikTok, noting TikTok’s generous algorithm but Facebook’s broader content support. He encouraged consistent posting and live sessions to grow engagement. The session ended with a reminder that with just a phone and creativity, anyone can be a storyteller.***
