THE ASEAN-China Media and Think Tank Forum, held in Kuala Lumpur today, brought together key stakeholders from across Southeast Asia and China in a major effort to strengthen regional cooperation through dialogue, media collaboration, and shared intellectual engagement.
Organised under the auspices of the MADANI government through the Ministry of Communication, the forum was a joint initiative between Bernama and China's Xinhua News Agency.
The event was officially opened by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Sri Fadillah Yusof, who reaffirmed Malaysia’s strong commitment to nurturing regional dialogue and multilateral cooperation.
In his keynote address, Fadillah stressed the importance of continued collaboration in facing shared global and regional challenges.
“The perspectives and contributions of delegates are essential in shaping the future of ASEAN-China relations, including ongoing engagement to address regional and global issues. Our cooperation must remain dynamic, visionary, and impactful,” Fadillah, who is also the Minister of Energy Transition & Water Transformation (PETRA) said, at the launch of the event held under themed “Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation.”
The forum serves as a strategic platform for media representatives and policy thinkers to explore new avenues for meaningful regional engagement. It aligns closely with the Malaysia MADANI vision, which emphasises a knowledge-based society and the celebration of diverse perspectives.
The gathering saw participation from approximately 250 representatives across more than 160 organisations, including media outlets, government agencies, think tanks, and private enterprises from ASEAN member states and China.
Delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on three key thematic areas aimed at reinforcing a shared vision for regional prosperity.
Senior figures in attendance included Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil; Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Communications,Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa; Xinhua Editor-in-Chief Lyu Yansong; BERNAMA Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai; BERNAMA Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin; and BERNAMA Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.
The forum marked a significant milestone in regional media and policy cooperation, reinforcing the strategic role of dialogue in shaping ASEAN-China relations in an increasingly interconnected and complex global environment. – April 11, 2025
