ASEAN reaffirms commitment to a safe and inclusive digital environment

ASEAN member states have collectively reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a safe, secure, inclusive, and resilient digital environment to protect the rights and well-being of their people, while emphasising the need for stronger regional cooperation to address emerging digital challenges.

Bernama reported today this united stance was underscored through the unanimous adoption of two key declarations at the 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) and its related meetings, which concluded on Wednesday.

The “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media for ASEAN” received full support from all 10 ASEAN nations, marking a significant step towards a safer and more accountable digital space across the region.

The declaration reflects ASEAN’s shared resolve to curb the misuse of social media platforms while reinforcing digital security and regional harmony.

AMRI also endorsed the “Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration to Reaffirm the Commitment of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information to Strategic Advancement in Media and Information,” which outlines continued efforts to enhance cooperation and elevate the role of media and information in the post-2025 ASEAN Community.

Malaysia, which participated actively in the discussions, presented recent progress on the “ASEAN Guidelines on the Safe and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms.”

These guidelines aim to provide practical strategies to improve online safety and promote digital well-being among member states.

According to Deputy Minister of Communications Teo Nie Ching, who led the Malaysian delegation to AMRI, the guidelines are expected to be finalised within the next three months.

The ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI) delegation was headed by the Ministry of Communications’ Secretary-General, Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa.

Outside the formal meetings, Teo, along with fellow ASEAN ministers and senior information officials, paid a courtesy call on Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei at Istana Nurul Iman on Thursday.

Teo also held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Brunei and Cambodia on Wednesday, and with Chinese officials on Thursday.

The 17th AMRI and the 8th AMRI Plus Three meetings concluded on Wednesday, following the 22nd SOMRI and related ASEAN Plus Three and Japan discussions held from 5 to 6 May. Cambodia will host the 18th AMRI and its associated meetings in 2027. - May 9, 2025