ABU DHABI, 4th October, 2023 (WAM) — Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), has participated in a panel discussion held as part of the Advanced Media Qualification Programme (Balance), which is being run by Deraya Speakers, a company specialised in training future media experts and strategists in the Arab world to become world-class speakers. Moderated by Hind Khlaifat, General Manager of Deraya Speakers, and Sulaiman Al Hattlan, CEO of Hattlan Media, the discussion engaged participants in the programme. Khlaifat said that such sessions provide a platform for exchanging expertise between speakers and participants in the programme, which helps participants gain further specialised knowledge and skills. For his part, Al Rayssi affirmed that lifelong learning is a cornerstone of media work, especially as the world continues to see rapid technological advancement, reshaping various sectors. About the skills required in public speakers, he said that an expansive knowledge
base, composure, quick-wittedness, confidence and humility are all elemental, noting that public speakers should also have access to a comprehensive database of information sources, prepare for media interviews, and have great articulation. The WAM Director-General affirmed that the UAE has become a global model of tolerance and coexistence, and has presented numerous inspirational success stories, adding that media messages must be based on these achievements. “WAM is keen to spotlight the bright image that the UAE has cultivated, as well as its values and exemplary track record,” he continued, highlighting the Agency’s efforts to build a large network of global media partners, which enhances its ability to fulfill its mandate. “Supported by our wise leadership, we, in the UAE, are committed to implementing the best global standards across all sectors, including the media sector, which has vast potential and sees continuous development. We must seek to acquire all the skills required to keep pace with such d
evelopment and continue to hone them,” Al Rayssi went on to say. He lauded the role of the Balance programme in qualifying speakers to become influential media voices across their specialisations. At the end of the session, the WAM Director-General answered questions asked by participants about the operations of the Emirates News Agency, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in media work, and special initiatives to prepare UAE nationals to excel in the media industry. He affirmed that credibility is at the core of WAM’s work model. About the role of AI in media, Al Rayssi explained that it is a vital component for ensuring the continued growth of media entities, highlighting that WAM is currently developing an AI lab, with many other relevant initiatives to be announced during the upcoming edition of the Global Media Congress (GMC).
Source: Emirates News Agency