Journalists serve as cultural bridges for Asean, says deputy minister

KUALA LUMPUR - Journalists play a key role as cultural bridges in strengthening regional understanding and promoting Asean globally, Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said.

Speaking at a dinner held in conjunction with the 21st General Assembly of the Confederation of Asean Journalists, Chiew, who represented Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Tiong King Sing, said the gathering comes at a significant time as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026.

“As journalists, you are more than just reporters; you are cultural bridges. It is our hope that through your shared aspirations, we can initiate a unified Asean voice,” he said in his speech.

He added that the assembly serves as a key platform to promote the region’s diversity while reinforcing the importance of human perspectives in journalism despite growing technological influence.

“While you have spent the day discussing the future of AI and its impact on journalism, please remember that your human perspective is what truly fosters understanding,” he added.

Chiew also congratulated the National Union of Journalists Malaysia (NUJM) for hosting the event and described the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Journalism and Ethical Innovation as a landmark achievement.

Meanwhile, NUJM vice president Mark Mathen Victor Jonathen emphasised the need for stronger regional cooperation among journalists in facing industry challenges.

“Your presence here reflects a shared commitment that goes beyond borders, a commitment to journalism, to truth and to one another,” he said.

He noted that journalists across Asean operate under different systems and pressures but remain united by a common purpose.

“We are united by a common purpose which is to inform, to question and to serve the public interest,” he said.

Mark said the rapidly evolving media landscape, driven by technology and the spread of misinformation, requires collective action.

“These are not challenges any one country can address alone. They require cooperation, solidarity and a strong regional voice,” he added.

The four-day assembly, held from April 27 to April 30, includes a Board of Directors meeting, opening ceremony, panel sessions on the use of artificial intelligence in journalism.

It brought together member organisations from across the region, including Persatuan Wartawan Indonesia (PWI), Indonesia; National Union of Journalists Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM), Malaysia; National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), Philippines; Confederation of Thai Journalists (CTJ), Thailand; Vietnam Journalists Association (VJA), Vietnam; Laos Journalists Association (LJA), Laos; and Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ), Cambodia.

Observers from Myanmar, the Republic of Korea and the People’s Republic of China were also present, reflecting growing regional and international engagement in strengthening media collaboration.