Bernama Enhances ASEAN Content In Preparation For Malaysia's Chairmanship In 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency, Bernama, is actively enhancing its ASEAN-related content across all its platforms in preparation for Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025, said its Chief Executive Officer, Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin.

Given that Malaysia will be the focus of ASEAN countries, including dialogue partners and ASEAN Plus Three, she said various programmes, such as discussions on ASEAN, have also been introduced on Bernama TV and Bernama Radio, with weekly segments focusing on ASEAN-related issues.

"As part of this preparation, Bernama will also be launching a special microsite on September 1, which will provide comprehensive contents including news, photos, videos, and infographics related to ASEAN."

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"This microsite will make it easier for Bernama portal’s visitors, both domestically and internationally, to look for exclusive ASEAN news," she said, adding that the national news agency will also continue to enhance its news coverage on ASEAN through correspondents in three ASEAN countries, namely Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Nur-ul Afida described Malaysia's role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 as a golden opportunity for the country to showcase its leadership and commitment on the regional stage.

Recognising the significance of this responsibility, she said as the national news agency, Bernama will support the government's efforts to strengthen cooperation, enhance regional connectivity, and build resilience.

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"Bernama views the ASEAN chairmanship as a platform for the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to demonstrate the country's capabilities in economic and political leadership, as well as Malaysia's role in advancing regional education and culture.”

"This is also an opportunity for Malaysia to strengthen its influence and position among the 10 member countries of the bloc that continue to seek peace, community, and prosperity," she said, noting her experience visiting ASEAN member countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

ASEAN consists of 10 member countries: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Laos will hand over the ASEAN Chairmanship baton for 2025 to Malaysia at the ASEAN Summit in October.

Commenting on the inclusion of Timor-Leste as a new ASEAN member in the future, Nur-ul Afida said: "As a more advanced country, Malaysia plays the role of a ‘big brother’ capable of guiding Timor-Leste, particularly in the areas of education, culture, and economy."

“In the context of cooperation with Timor-Leste, Bernama hopes to play an active role in assisting the country in achieving its goals within ASEAN through the exchange of news and information." 

It has been reported since 2022 that Timor-Leste can attend ASEAN-level meetings as an observer until a formal consensus is reached on accepting the country as a member of ASEAN.

Regarding news exchange cooperation with international news agencies, Nur-ul Afida said Bernama plans to renew several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with news agencies from ASEAN countries and other countries, including China, Japan, and South Korea.

“This is an important step in expanding Bernama's news reach at both the regional and global levels," stated the chief executive officer.

-- BERNAMA