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MINISTERS and senior officials responsible for information from ASEAN member states convened in Brunei on Wednesday for the 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI), with Malaysia’s Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching leading her country’s delegation.
The two-day event, hosted in Bandar Seri Begawan, will address a wide range of issues including regional media strategies, the fight against misinformation and disinformation, digital inclusivity, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI). The forum also aims to advance digital transformation across the region.
Brunei’s Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, who also serves as Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, officiated the opening ceremony of the conference held at a local hotel.
Alongside ASEAN member states, delegates from ASEAN Plus Three – China, Japan, and South Korea – are also participating in the meetings.
The Malaysian delegation includes senior representatives from the Communications Ministry and its agencies, such as the Information Department (JaPen), the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), and the national news agency Bernama. Notable attendees include JaPen’s Communications and Community Development Service Division director Muhammad Najmi Mustapha, MCMC’s Head of International Affairs Division Norhani Mohamad Adzhar, MCMC Director II (ASEAN and Bilateral) Fatin Nabiha Ab Aziz, and Bernama’s Executive Editor for International News Service Mohd Shukri Ishak.
On Thursday, ministers and senior officials are scheduled to have an audience with the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, at Istana Nurul Iman.
Meanwhile in Malaysia, the Public Service Department (JPA) has advised civil servants to consider applying for flexible Work From Home (WFH) arrangements during the upcoming ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur at the end of May, due to expected heavy traffic congestion.
In a statement issued today, JPA said the initiative aligns with the MADANI government's ongoing efforts to support civil servant well-being and maintain effective public service delivery. The policy is guided by provisions under the Human Resource Service Circular (MyPPSM), Section SR.4.1.2.
"Civil servants who are eligible are encouraged to consult with their respective department heads for proper consideration," the department said.
The ASEAN Summit, to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on 26–27 May, will bring together an estimated 20,000 participants including heads of state, officials, and delegates from member countries and key dialogue partners such as China and the Gulf states. - May 7, 2025
