Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation
The inaugural ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum will take place in Kuala Lumpur this Friday, bringing together 200 government officials, influential media leaders, and experts from across the region and China to strengthen ties and foster deeper engagement.
Forum Objectives
Jointly organised by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Xinhua News Agency under the theme "Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation", the one-day event aims to facilitate in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics important to the ASEAN and the world at large.
Key Topics
Key topics include "Promoting Civilisational Exchange, Setting an Example for the Global South", "Boosting Maritime Silk Road Cooperation, Charting a New Course for Peaceful Development", and "Harnessing the AI Revolution, Seizing Unprecedented Opportunities".
Bernama’s Perspective
Bernama’s Chief Executive Officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to co-host the forum with Xinhua. She stated that the forum will provide an opportunity for Malaysian and Chinese media companies and agencies, as well as think tanks from both countries and across ASEAN, to exchange views and proposals through their respective presentations.
History of Cooperation
Bernama and Xinhua began cooperating in news exchanges with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) on Dec 14, 1985. On Dec 18, 2023, they renewed their agreement in Kuala Lumpur, further solidifying their decades-long cooperation that goes beyond news exchanges.
First International Media Programme
This event marks the first time both agencies collaborated to host an international media programme. Nur-ul Afida added that the timing of the forum is particularly significant, as Malaysia is chairing ASEAN this year and currently also serves as the country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations for the 2024-2027 period.
Forum Details
The forum will feature discussion sessions and a networking dinner in the evening. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is scheduled to open the forum. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, and Secretary-General of the Communications Ministry Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa will also be attending. Xinhua News Agency Editor-in-Chief Lyu Yansong and senior officials from the agency are expected to attend the event.
Speakers
Among the speakers taking part in the sessions are Bernama’s Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Deputy Director of the Xinhua Institute of Xinhua News Agency Zhu Zhibin, Executive Director of the Indonesia China Partnership Studies Veronika S. Saraswati, Deputy Director General of the Lao News Agency Sivanxay Siphankham, and Vice Chairman of the Myanmar Press Council Khin Maung Zaw.
Industry Insights
Nur-ul Afida said that in addition to strengthening diplomatic relations between ASEAN countries and China, the forum will also serve as a platform for regional and Chinese media to share best practices and new technologies in the media industry. This includes areas such as artificial intelligence in media, data analytics, and automation in news production. Furthermore, the media can also discuss efforts to enhance information transparency and combat the spread of fake news in the region.
Conclusion
The ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum aims to facilitate deeper engagement and cooperation between ASEAN countries and China. With a range of topics to be discussed, the forum is expected to yield positive outcomes for all parties involved.
FAQs
Q: What is the theme of the ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum?
A: The theme of the forum is "Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation".
Q: Who are the organizers of the forum?
A: The forum is jointly organized by the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Xinhua News Agency.
Q: What are the key topics to be discussed at the forum?
A: The key topics include "Promoting Civilisational Exchange, Setting an Example for the Global South", "Boosting Maritime Silk Road Cooperation, Charting a New Course for Peaceful Development", and "Harnessing the AI Revolution, Seizing Unprecedented Opportunities".
Q: Who are the expected attendees of the forum?
A: The expected attendees include government officials, influential media leaders, and experts from across the region and China.