ASEAN-Pakistan Media/Journalist Exchange Programme Strengthens Regional Media Ties

From Muhammad Afiq Mohd Asri

TAXILA (Pakistan), Feb 24 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN-Pakistan Media/Journalist Exchange Programme has become a vital platform for ASEAN journalists to enhance their professional skills, deepen cross-cultural understanding, and strengthen regional media cooperation.

Through training sessions, discussions and first-hand experiences, the participants really gained valuable insights into Pakistan’s media landscape, socio-political dynamics, and various issues, that would enable them to produce more balanced and accurate reporting.

Above all, the programme also provides these media professionals with an opportunity to witness Pakistan beyond the often-stereotyped portrayals in international news.

Bernama TV Malay Programme producer Riyadh Zudhi Loksin, 34, said he truly appreciated the training and knowledge-sharing sessions during the programme and described it as highly significant in shaping media professionals.

“The training sessions we attended were highly informative, covering many important topics, particularly in understanding the media landscape in ASEAN and Pakistan.

“With stronger professional connections and a commitment to ethical journalism, the ASEAN-Pakistan Media Exchange Programme can have a lasting impact by fostering closer collaboration and upholding integrity in regional reporting,” he told Bernama here.

Meanwhile, Head of News Operations and Administration, Mindanao Media Hub, People's Television Network Inc., Vinafel Araneta Pilapil, 38, described the programme as a crucial initiative in strengthening ASEAN-Pakistan relations.

“Beyond training, I have learned a lot about different cultures and how journalism is practised in various countries. This experience has been invaluable in exchanging knowledge and perspectives.

“Before coming here, I had heard many things about Pakistan, but I realised that not everything we read or watch in the news is entirely true,” she said.

Fellow Philippine journalist, Daniel Amos Manalastas, 31, on the other hand, emphasised the importance of combating misinformation.

“There are many negative reports about Pakistan, but after coming here, I found that the people are incredibly warm, hospitable, and respectful toward their guests and very different from how the international media often portrays them.

“As journalists, we have a responsibility to present facts accurately and dispel misconceptions. Meeting journalists from other countries also helped me understand how news is gathered and reported in different ways,” he said.

Meanwhile, Thai Mass Communication Officer, Nattapon Samuhaseneeto, 31, underscored the importance of media cooperation between ASEAN and Pakistan.

He noted that Thailand has established connections with ASEAN and Pakistani media, laying the foundation for future exchange of information.

“As neighbouring countries with close ties, many Thais work and live in Malaysia, just as Malaysians and other ASEAN nationals work in Thailand.

“Naturally, each country has information that needs to be shared with its citizens, such as the things they want to know, should know, and must know. This exchange of information will be even more effective following the establishment of this network,” he said.

Nattapon also highlighted that one of the key takeaways from the programme was the opportunity to learn about Pakistan’s culture, economic drivers, and various other sectors and industries, such as tourism, trade, and investment.

The ASEAN-Pakistan Media Exchange Programme from Feb 17 to 22 was organised by Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting with support from the ASEAN Secretariat.

The programme brought together 23 journalists from ASEAN member states and Timor-Leste to foster media collaboration and strengthen regional ties.

-- BERNAMA