Ms Philomena Gnanapragasam, Director AIBD, called on the Ambassador of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia, H.E Aart Jacobi in Kuala Lumpur on 25th February 2021. The meeting was in continuation of Director’s efforts to build new partnerships and to collaborate with strong international voices in the region.

H.E Aart Jacobi highlighted that Kingdom of Netherlands have been a long-time advocate of access to information, freedom of expression along with issues related to gender equity, especially in socio-cultural context.

Director AIBD, mentioned that AIBD has always raised its perspectives towards human developmental issues through its capacity building programmes for regional broadcasters and organising various international dialogue platforms to facilitate its members and partners to voice out their opinions to the world.

Ms Gnanpragasam also highlighted the fact that AIBD has been working with various Dutch consultants in the past and its high time that we can move towards having more impactful activities together. She said that AIBD is launching new initiatives and activities related to safety of journalists, health communication manual, advocacy of right to information along with digital safety. Such activities have been asked by its members and need of the time.

H.E Aart Jacobi appreciated the recent achievements of AIBD especially its awareness campaign of COVID19 reporting for regional broadcasters.  Ambassador assured that embassy will look forward to working with AIBD on different initiatives, which can benefit the regional media development.