KUALA LUMPUR, 06 November 2025 (TATOLI) –The 9th ASEAN Media Forum (AMF) convened in Kuala Lumpur under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” bringing together media professionals, communication experts, and public opinion leaders from all ASEAN Member States to discuss the evolving role of media in promoting regional integration.
The forum served as a key platform for open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities faced by the media sector amid ASEAN’s ongoing transformation.
Organized by the ASEAN Secretariat in collaboration with the Malaysian government and supported by the German Federal Government through GIZ, the event emphasized the importance of effective communication in fostering understanding among ASEAN citizens.
In his opening remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn underscored the indispensable role of the media as a bridge between ASEAN institutions and the public.
“Reliable and responsible journalism that informs, educates, and empowers communities is more important than ever in building trust and cohesion,” he said.
Kao also cautioned against misinformation in the digital era, stressing the need for continued collaboration to ensure accurate reporting on ASEAN developments.
Dato’ Zanariah Zainal Abidin, Director-General of the ASEAN–Malaysia National Secretariat, also highlighted the media’s proactive role in ASEAN community-building.
“Your role is not passive; it is proactive. You provide the crucial bridge between policy outcomes and the people whose lives we seek to improve,” she said, urging greater focus on people-centered stories that showcase friendship, youth collaboration, and resilience across the region.
Ambassador Silke Riecken-Daerr, the German Ambassador to Malaysia, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s efforts in strengthening public communication.
“This partnership underscores our shared dedication to promoting inclusive and sustainable communication across the region.”
The first session, titled “Global Economic Dynamics and the Overall Impacts on ASEAN,” featured prominent speakers including Tan Sri Rebecca Sta Maria (former Executive Director of APEC), Julian Neo (Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia), and Erica Tay (Director of Macro Research, Maybank Singapore). The discussion centered on the global economic shifts affecting ASEAN’s competitiveness and the importance of coordinated strategies to navigate uncertainty in the world economy.
A special segment, “Conversation with ASEAN Chair,” featured Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, and Dato’ Zanariah Zainal Abidin, Director-General of the ASEAN–Malaysia National Secretariat. Both highlighted Malaysia’s achievements during its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 and stressed the vital role of cross-border media collaboration in amplifying ASEAN’s shared narrative.
The Panel II discussion, “From Neighbor to ASEAN Member,” focused on Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN and its broader implications for the region. The panel featured Ambassador Natércia Coelho da Silva (Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste to ASEAN), Insa Ewert (Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia), Arividya Arimuthu (ISIS Malaysia), and Joanne Lin (ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute). Speakers discussed the integration process and the opportunities Timor-Leste’s membership brings to regional cooperation and inclusivity.
The ASEAN Media Forum 2025 reaffirmed the region’s collective commitment to strengthening communication cooperation and ensuring that the messages of inclusivity, sustainability, and unity continue to resonate throughout Southeast Asia.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editór: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
