Bernama Appointed As Official Supporting Media For SOMO Group’s 'ASEAN Economy'

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) has been  appointed as the official supporting media for 'ASEAN Economy', a publication by the SOMO Group aimed at strengthening communication and understanding of regional economic and policy developments across Southeast Asia.

In a statement, SOMO Sdn Bhd said the publication will highlight ASEAN’s market structures, investment potential and cooperation opportunities with particular emphasis on Malaysia’s strategic role as a connector between China, South Asia, and the ASEAN region through policy innovation and industrial upgrading.

The statement said that building on Bernama’s experience as the coordinating agency for the International Media Centre (IMC) during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, the news agency will assist 'ASEAN Economy' in enhancing cross-border communication and the dissemination of policy-related content.

Commenting on the collaboration, SOMO Group media affairs and communications director Annie Kang said Bernama’s involvement represents not only an endorsement but also a key driving force behind the initiative.

“This isn't just collaboration, it is co-creation. By aligning media with official institutions, we aim to translate ASEAN’s policy vision into real-world action, empowering entrepreneurs, and SMEs to identify opportunities and create value,” she said.

Meanwhile, SOMO Publishing director Thor Poh Ni said 'ASEAN Economy', as part of SOMO’s Global Connect series, seeks to equip readers and business leaders with deeper insights into the economic ecosystem of ASEAN member states.

In the same statement, Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin welcomed the initiative, noting that the collaboration is expected to enhance dialogue among the corporate, media and policy sectors.

“I hope this book will encourage more efforts to produce publications on the economies of Malaysia, its neighbouring countries and dialogue partners. On behalf of Bernama, we are always ready to support with our content, particularly in economic news write-ups,” she said.

'ASEAN Economy' is scheduled for publication next month (November), followed by a series of launch and forum events across ASEAN nations involving investors, policymakers, researchers and the business community.

-- BERNAMA