Latest news with #17thConferenceofAseanMinistersResponsibleforInformation
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brunei Crown Prince urges stronger Asean unity amid rapid tech disruption
Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah delivering his speech at the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information on May 7, 2025. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Hassanal Bolkiah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, on Wednesday (May 7) called for deeper regional collaboration to address the fast-evolving digital landscape and the disruptive impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. In a speech at the official opening of the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) at the Indera Samudera Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei, the prince underscored the urgent need for Asean to keep pace with technological advancements, while safeguarding the integrity and inclusivity of the region's shared digital future. 'As we move further into the digital age, with some of our nations even leading the charge in innovation, a high literacy rate is essential. It empowers our people to navigate and harness the digital space effectively,' he said. While the digital shift brings opportunities for growth and innovation, it also poses complex challenges. The prince noted the rise of Artificial Intelligence as one such development that adds layers of difficulty to the already dynamic information landscape, making it crucial for the Asean information sector to evolve in step with these changes. 'I am encouraged to see AMRI collaborating with other sectors to proactively address these issues. This cross-sectoral approach is essential in ensuring that our region not only keeps pace with digital transformation but also safeguards the security and resilience of our digital environment,' he said. Under the theme 'Media Advancing Joint Understanding' or Maju, the 17th AMRI brings together information ministers, senior officials, and dialogue partners from across Asean and beyond, to explore strategies for promoting media as a unifying force in the region. In his speech, the prince also expressed support for Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', noting it reflects the region's ongoing efforts to strengthen unity while confronting external pressures and global uncertainty. Looking ahead to the Asean Community Vision 2045, which is expected to be adopted at the upcoming 46th Asean Summit, the prince stressed that the success of the Vision depends on effective public communication. 'It must be transformed from merely a policy framework into a shared aspiration embraced by all,' he said. Brunei Darussalam's digital transformation journey was also highlighted. His Royal Highness noted that the nation was among the first Asean member states to complete its 'Analogue Switch Off' in 2017, marking a milestone toward a fully digital broadcasting era. The prince commended the Asean information sector for its contributions to regional literacy and integration since AMRI's inception in 1989, particularly in fostering peace, stability, and unity across South-East Asia. 'His Majesty's Government remains committed to enhancing cooperation and making meaningful contributions to build regional resilience and prepare for future shocks,' he added. The 17th AMRI was attended by ministers and officials from all 10 Asean member states, Asean Plus Three dialogue partners – China, Japan and South Korea – as well as Timor-Leste. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Malaysia leads Asean social media safety guidelines development
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Malaysia is spearheading the development of the Asean Guidelines on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms, recognising the growing challenges associated with social media use. Leading the Malaysian delegation at the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) here, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said that the initiative aimed to provide harmonised guidance for the region, produce a comprehensive report assessing social media regulations across Asean member states, and ultimately support practical guidelines reflecting Asean's unique context. "We are now in the crucial phase of information gathering and expert consultations. "At this stage, questionnaires have been circulated, and we have requested nominations for interviews and participation in validation workshops. "These efforts are vital to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the benchmarking exercise, and they will significantly strengthen the quality of the guidelines we aim to develop," adding that all Asean member states' contributions are essential and contribute to creating a safer, more responsible social media environment for the region. Teo said this in her remarks during the plenary session held after the opening ceremony of the 17th Conference of AMRI today. Teo said digital expansion had exposed users to greater risks, including scams, online harassment, hate speech, and disinformation. "Moreover, different regulatory approaches from different sets of definitions and licensing regimes across Asean member states may lead to unequal protections for Asean citizens, higher compliance costs for platforms, and challenges in cross-border enforcement," she said. As Malaysia prepares to assume the Chairmanship of SOMRI Working Group on Information, Media and Training (SOMRI WG-IMT) and the Task Force on Fake News in 2025, Teo reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to building on collaborative initiatives, enabling every Asean citizen to navigate the evolving media landscape securely. She said a truly united Asean Community must be built on strong, inclusive, and trusted media and information ecosystems, calling for Asean member states to collaborate and realise the vision toward a resilient, responsive, and truly connected Asean by 2035. Teo also highlighted several significant Asean-led efforts, including the Asean Guideline on Management of Government Information in Combating Fake News and Disinformation, endorsed at the 16th AMRI in Da Nang in September 2023. It includes the Asean-Australia Workshop on Managing Government Information, held from Oct 1 to 3 last year, in Jakarta, which allowed delegates to exchange strategies and national experiences in countering disinformation, she said. Teo said key initiatives discussed at the workshop included the establishment of rapid-response fact-checking units supported by AI-enabled monitoring dashboards, the implementation of community-based digital literacy workshops and the integration of media literacy modules into school curricula. Meanwhile, guided by the AMRI Vision Statement 2035 and building on the achievements of regional efforts such as the Da Nang Declaration and the Asean-China Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Teo reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to media cooperation, digital literacy, and content co-production. On the 17th Conference of AMRI, themed 'MAJU-Media Advancing Joint Understanding: Transforming Media's Role in Advancing Cooperation and Mutual Understanding in Asean', Teo said it reflects a collective commitment to transform media into a participatory platform that is inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all communities across the region. Also in the Malaysian delegation are Information Department (JaPen) Communications and Community Development Service Division director Muhammad Najmi Mustapha and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chief corporate and international officer Syahrilazli Mahammad. The delegation also includes MCMC director II (Asean and Bilateral) Fatin Nabiha Ab Aziz, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) executive editor for International News Service Mohd Shukri Ishak, as well as other high-ranking officials from the Communications Ministry and its agencies. – Bernama
