Vientiane, LPR – The eighth ASEAN Media Forum (AMF) kicked off today, bringing together media leaders, policymakers and experts to debate the essential role of media in shaping the longer term of ASEAN. Although ASEAN Secretary-General HE Dr. Kao Kim Hourn was unable to attend attributable to scheduling conflicts, his opening remarks set the tone for a productive and insightful forum.
“Welcome to the 8th ASEAN Media Forum,” Dr. Kao began in his speech, emphasizing the importance of this annual meeting. He emphasized the role of the AMF as a key platform for dialogue between ASEAN and the media, fostering understanding and cooperation on pressing regional and global issues.
Hosted by the Lao PDR, this yr’s forum focuses on improving connectivity and resilience inside ASEAN. These topics are particularly essential in today’s dynamic world, where challenges equivalent to information overload and disinformation require revolutionary solutions.
Dr. Kao acknowledged that within the age of social media, they face challenges that traditional media do. “Social media has democratized access to information,” he noted, “but it has also become a powerful vector for spreading false narratives.” He stressed the necessity for media organizations to adapt and maintain their integrity on this changing landscape.
A key issue highlighted by Dr. Kao is the necessity to bridge the gap between ASEAN initiatives and public awareness. Many residents are unaware of ASEAN’s direct impact on their lives. For example, initiatives equivalent to the ASEAN Single Aviation Market have made air travel cheaper and more accessible to people across the region. Similarly, the ASEAN Economic Community has facilitated trade and investment, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.
To address this awareness gap, Dr. Kao called for closer cooperation between the ASEAN Secretariat and the media. He urged media leaders to effectively tell the “ASEAN story” by conveying the advantages of regional integration and supporting a way of shared identity.
The Secretary General also expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government of Germany for its continued support to the AMF. Their partnership was instrumental in ensuring the success of this annual event.
Dr. Kao concluded his remarks with a call to motion: “Together, allow us to strengthen connectivity and resilience and empower the media to inform ASEAN’s story with enthusiasm, constructive insight and deep understanding.”
The eighth ASEAN Media Forum guarantees to be a helpful opportunity for media professionals and policymakers to interact in meaningful discussions and chart a path towards a more connected and resilient ASEAN.
