PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (PIA) — Representatives of ASEAN member states under the Sub-Committee on Information (SCI) gathered on Nov. 27 here to discuss how to improve and further collaborate in advancing regional cooperation in the information and media sector.
H.E. Sles Alfin, Undersecretary of the State of the Ministry of Information (MOI) of the Kingdom of Cambodia, welcomed the delegation from participating countries as he stressed the need to work together to ensure a responsible, equitable, and trustworthy information landscape in the region.
“Information and media are playing a more important role than ever. However, the sector is facing significant challenges that undermines its robustness,” said Alfin.
Amid the proliferation of fake news and disinformation, Alfin said this undermines the credibility of information.
He also said the unethical use of digital technology, especially artificial intelligence, compromise trust and security.
“The trust in media continue to decline eroding its authority as a reliable source. Traditional business model that funds media organizations are under strained compromising the quality of journalism and professional reporting,” Alfin added.
According to Alfin, this has caused in diminishing the equitable access to information and reshaping how information is distributed.
To address these challenges, it is imperative for ASEAN member states to adopt a multi-stakeholder approach, said the MOI official.
Moreover, Alfin said there is a need to work together to engage stakeholders to ensure a robust, trustworthy and sustainable media landscape, while empowering ASEAN citizens to critically engage with the information they consume.
Part of the agenda is the reporting on updates on ongoing projects, as the SCI will recommend 11 new project proposals that will further promote information sharing, best practices, and new opportunities and initiatives for further collaboration among ASEAN member nations.
These project proposals will be formally submitted tomorrow during the meeting of the Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) hosted by the KOC.
The recommendation of the proposed projects “is a testament to our shared commitment, innovation and collaboration in the information sector,” said Alfin.
The SCI is tasked with promoting, intensifying, and advancing ASEAN regional cooperation in information and media under the direction and approval of the COCI.
Meanwhile, the Philippines’ implementation of the project entitled “Promotion of ASEAN Value and Identity in All ASEAN Member States” and the conduct of the “ASEAN Forum on Raising Media and Information Literacy in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” will be done in the 1st quarter of 2025.
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Assistant Director General, lawyer Tadeo R. Culla, led the Philippine delegation composed of representatives from the PIA and the People’s Television Network. (FCR/PIA7)
