The 9th ASEAN Media Forum (AMF) was inaugurated on 6 November 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The annual forum, organised by the ASEAN Secretariat in collaboration with the Malaysian government and supported by the German Federal Government through GIZ, convened media professionals, communication experts, and opinion leaders from all ten ASEAN Member States.
Themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, the forum provided a platform for open dialogue on the evolving role of media in promoting regional integration and addressing shared challenges.
Discussions centred on how media can foster greater understanding of ASEAN’s vision, achievements, and future aspirations.
In his opening remarks, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored the importance of the media in shaping public perception of ASEAN.
“The media plays a crucial role in shaping and sharing the ASEAN narrative with audiences across the region and beyond,” he said, emphasising that effective communication is vital for building trust and unity among ASEAN citizens.
The event also featured participation from Dato’ Zanariah Zainal Abidin, Director-General of the ASEAN-Malaysia National Secretariat, and Silke Riecken-Daerr, Ambassador of Germany to Malaysia.
Both highlighted the significance of international cooperation in strengthening media capacity and promoting sustainable development.
Panels and workshops explored topics such as digital transformation, combating misinformation, and enhancing inclusivity in media representation.
Delegates discussed strategies to ensure that ASEAN’s diverse voices are reflected in regional narratives, particularly in the context of rapid technological change and shifting public expectations.
The forum comes at a time when ASEAN is intensifying efforts to strengthen regional identity and resilience.
Media leaders noted that inclusivity and sustainability are not only communication goals but also essential pillars for ASEAN’s broader socio-economic development.
By convening stakeholders from across Southeast Asia, the AMF reaffirmed its role as a key platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building in the media sector.
The discussions are expected to inform ASEAN’s communication strategies and support its long-term vision of a more integrated and people-centred community.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, Sarawak Daily
