By Dinnierose Raiko

Media plays a pivotal role in narratives that influences reactions across platforms and boarders. The 19^th Asia Media Summit’s high-level panel on 3^rd September 2024, welcomed some of the influential figures in the Asia-Pacific Region coming, from governments, the Diplomatic Corp and important stakeholders, who collectively drew attention to a number of areas of focus for the region and the media development efforts that are currently rolled out.

The high-level panel which was moderated by Mr. Leon Dinesh, Managing Partner at Messrs Leon & Partners had the esteemed presence of the Papua New Guinea Minister for Information and Communications Technology and AIBD Special Envoy to the Pacific, Hon. Timothy Masiu, Cambodia Minister of Information H.E Neth Pheaktra, Federal Court Judge of Malaysia, Hon. Justice Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, Romania Ambassador to Malaysia & Brunei Darussalam H.E Mrs. Nineta Bărbulescu, Mrs. Virginie Bioteau, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France to Malaysia and Chairman of APNIC Foundation, Australia, Dato’ Sharil Tarmizi

With shifting global dynamics, it is important for the media to utilize the influence it has to champion positive developments.

Technological advancements have seen to many countries exploring their own paths in connectivity and digitization for an accessible and inclusive media, and also sought measures to control disinformation and misinformation, through the medium of Media Literacy and overall media development. This being from policymaking right down to the practice. 

Papua New Guinea Minister for Information and Communications Technology and AIBD Special Envoy to the Pacific, Hon. Timothy Masiu, opened the dialogue with an outline of the pathway Papua New Guinea ICT Ministry is on at policy-making level, highlighting a series of critical policies driving the country’s digitalization efforts.

“The Digital Transformation Policy 2020 laid the groundwork for nationwide digital transformation, followed by the National Cyber Security Policy 2021, which strengthens cybersecurity frameworks. The Digital Government Act 2022 established governance protocols for implementing key digital projects, while the Digital Government Plan 2023–2027 focuses on digitalizing essential services”, said Minister Masiu.

The Government Technology Stack, a framework for PNG’s public sector technology deployment, ensures consistency across government systems. “The Data Governance & Protection Policy, that is now before the before Cabinet, is a strong indication that the value of data in today’s economy and national security, calls for the setting of guidelines for its management and security, “added the PNG ICT Minister.

He further remarked that the National Media Development Policy, that is also awaiting Cabinet approval, is aimed towards elevating media standards and strengthening government communication.

On the Pacific Islands regional front, PNG ICT Minister Timothy Masiu highlighted the nation’s leadership in regional digital transformation through the 2023 Lagatoi Declaration and the Pacific ICT & Digital Transformation Action Plan 2024–2030, emphasizing collaboration and adaptation with Pacific partners.

The discussion then proceeded to Cambodia’ s stance on Misinformation and Disinformation and the need to ensure Access, Quality and Safety of Information.

Cambodia Minister of Information, H.E Neth Pheaktra discussed the increasing prevalence of disinformation. “It threatens the fabrics of society and the democratic processes we uphold”, stated the Minister.

Minister Pheaktra highlighted the statistics for Cambodia’s media landscape, with over 13 million Facebook accounts and 10 million TikTok accounts among its 17 million citizens.

The shift from traditional to new media has democratized information dissemination but has also allowed fake news to flourish. The growing numbers and the rate at which fake news spreads is one problem, not only Cambodia but every other country face on the daily. 

“Royal Government of Cambodia is committed to safeguarding the integrity of information reaching our citizens. We understand that the credibility of our media institutions is not only vital for journalistic ethics but also essential for national security and social stability”, added H.E Neth Pheaktra.

He went on to announce that Cambodia MoInfo will be launching a national campaign later this year (2024) aimed at enhancing media digital literacy to promote public awareness, support journalistic integrity, and promote national security. Cambodia Ministry of Information has also recently introduced a Charter of Professional Journalism to establish ethical standards and accountability for all media actors in the country.

The High-level panel also welcomed legal input from Federal Court Judge of Malaysia, Hon. Justice Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera, who directed the focus to the significant strides in integrating media and technology to improve public understanding and confidence in the legal system.This shift not only ensured the continuity of legal proceedings during the COVID 19 lockdowns but also provided media access to court hearings, promoting greater transparency in the legal system. This Remote Communication Technology proved efficient and has now replaced manual management

Since venturing on its digital transformation journey in 2011, the judiciary has introduced a range of innovative solutions, including a comprehensive case management system, e-filing services, queue management systems, and e-auctions for property foreclosures. “These advancements have streamlined court operations, improved efficiency and is reducing delays across the judicial process”, said Hon. Justice Datuk Vazeer.

One of the most notable innovations has been the adoption of a court transcript transcription system, which replaced manual notetaking and has helped minimize delays in court proceedings. The pandemic further accelerated these technological advancements, with the judiciary introducing virtual hearings via platforms like Zoom.

In addition to these efforts, the Malaysian judiciary has begun using artificial intelligence to promote sentencing uniformity, ensuring fairer outcomes. Throughout these changes, the judiciary has placed a strong emphasis on public engagement and transparency. This is where media and the legal system integrate seamlessly with the use of the current technology.

“It ensures public trust in the legal system and requires continued efforts to be more open and accessible” reiterated the Honorable Judge.

Romania Ambassador to Malaysia & Brunei Darussalam H.E Mrs. Nineta Bărbulescu added to the dialogue, the importance of media as a watchdog in democracy and the necessity of internet access as a basic utility.

Ambassador Bărbulescu herself who is a long-time diplomat in the Asia-Pacific and quite well-versed with the culture, ethnicity and demography, discussed the significance of media in social inclusion and promoting informed citizenship and how reliable internet allows voices in the media in the media, ensuring accessibility and inclusion. “There is also a great need for continuous education of adults and the preservation of historic and cultural narratives for us to learn from, she elaborated.

H.E Mrs. Nineta Bărbulescu in recommendation, called for all industry players to explore the Code of practice for online conduct. The code itself has the acknowledgement of major tech companies like Adobe, Google, and Microsoft, aiming to maintain transparency and accountability.

France reiterated its long-standing support for the Asia Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), with the Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of France, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Mrs. Virginie Bioteau who joined in on this dialogue, and highlighted the importance of media in shaping societal behaviour. She stressed that responsible journalism plays a critical role in addressing global challenges such as sustainable development, peace, and security.

The Deputy Head of Mission also expressed concern about the Indo-Pacific region’s vulnerability to environmental and climate-related issues, which disproportionately impact low-income and coastal communities. France recognizes the urgency of these challenges, particularly in nations that are most at risk due to rising sea levels, natural disasters, and shifting weather patterns. In light of this, France is working closely with regional partners to ensure that media outlets can effectively communicate the realities of climate change and other environmental threats to vulnerable populations. 

 “In addition to environmental concerns, France is actively combatting the spread of disinformation. Media cooperation and training to promote truth-based reporting, particularly in misinformation campaigns is an area of focus moving”, said Mrs.Bioteau. France has called for a united strategy among ASEAN members and the rest of the Indo-Pacific to address these issues, for sustainable development and mobilizing regional peace and cooperation.

Chairman of APNIC Foundation, Australia, Dato’ Sharil Tarmizi on the other hand, spoke of internet connectivity and its role in media and society.

 He emphasized the importance of organizations like APNIC (Asia Pacific Network Information Centre) in supporting 56 economies across the Asia-Pacific region to build internet capacity and promote inclusivity. One notable example came from Bangladesh, where APNIC helped make local scripts accessible online, increasing access to information for a wider audience.

Dato Sharil also stressed the need for managing the internet, rather than controlling it, as a way to create an apt society while mitigating new challenges.

He pointed out that the internet has transformed global communication and information sharing and has created opportunities and posed risks that require education and proactive management. Rather than enforcing strict controls, Dato Sharil advocated for a balanced approach that allows societies to benefit from the internet’s potential while addressing its impact through education and public awareness.

This panel was attentively observed by an audience of over 300 delegates coming from 40 countries across the region and beyond, comprising of policy makers and members of the diplomatic corp from various, academics, practitioners and stakeholders.

From Papua New Guinea’s digital transformation policies to Cambodia’s battle against the spread of misinformation, countries across the region are implementing innovative strategies to address the complex issues they face. France also weighed in, on the importance of media in environmental and social reporting, particularly for vulnerable communities in the Indo-Pacific.

The onus now lies not only ASEAN but Asia-Pacific to collaborate and take on new media and the vast digital landscape to drive sustainable development, peace, and security. With digital platforms becoming more dominant, the leaders in this High-Level panel agreed that media must not only inform but also protect democratic values and maintain public trust. The dialogue closed with a call for continued efforts by the media to create a more informed and resilient society in the region and contribute positively to the current global dynamics.