KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 — The inaugural Asean-China Media and Think Tank Forum kicks off today, bringing together leading figures in the media industry and experts from across southeast Asia and China to foster deeper engagement in the dynamic media landscape.
About 200 delegates will attend the one-day event, which is jointly organised by Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and Xinhua News Agency. This marks the first international media initiative hosted by both agencies since renewing their bilateral agreement in December 2023.
Held under the theme ‘Strengthening Asean-China Cooperation’, the forum provides a unique platform for in-depth discussions on a wide range of issues relevant to Asean and the global community.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the forum’s opening ceremony.
Among the distinguished guests who will be speaking are Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Xinhua News Agency Chief Editor Lyu Yansong and Deputy Managing Director of China Communications Construction Company Limited Chen Zhong.
Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, secretary-general of the Communications Ministry Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin and Bernama’s editor in chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj will also be in attendance.
The forum is expected to delve into emerging media technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation. It will highlight the importance of transparency in media reporting and efforts to counter the spread of fake news across the region.
Notable speakers include Bernama chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, deputy director of the Xinhua Institute at Xinhua News Agency Zhu Zhibin, executive director of the Indonesia-China Partnership Studies Veronika S. Saraswati, and deputy director general of the Lao News Agency Sivanxay Siphankham.
The forum also coincides with Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year and its role as country coordinator for Asean-China Dialogue Relations for the 2024–2027 period, as well as Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming state visit to Malaysia next week.
— Bernama
