Brunei Darussalam hosted the 24th Meeting of the ASEAN-COCI Sub-Committee on Information (24th SCI) which saw the attendance of delegates from ASEAN member states physically as well as virtually from August 8 to 9.
Acting Director of Information Siti Bismi Nuruliman binti Haji Awang Emzah, as chair of the meeting said, “Despite the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on people’s lives, we have to accept that it has accelerated digital transformation in the fields of health, business, education, welfare and economy. A new norm has generated innovation opportunities.
“We must see how technology, especially telecommunication technology, can help to accelerate agendas and objectives towards an ASEAN community that is more resilient and informative.”
In line with the advantages brought on by digitisation, she said, “we also need to be careful and aware of the risks that come with it. In this digital age, we need to balance methods of communication between new and traditional media in disseminating information”.
Siti Bismi Nuruliman also welcomed the efforts of SCI member countries in providing projects in broadcasting, news and information exchange. The celebration of ASEAN’s 56th anniversary, she believes will further strengthen cooperation and support among member countries and dialogue partners towards a more stable and prosperous ASEAN in line with ASEAN Communication Master Plan II (ACMP II).
The meeting discussed matters of mutual interest in the broadcasting and information sector that have been, are currently and will be addressed.
An appreciation ceremony for the ASEAN Information Exchange 2022 Award was also held with a presentation of certificates and awards of appreciation to the winners.
The 2022 ASEAN Information Exchange Project, proposed by Thailand, aims to create a platform to share news and various forms of media information, such as video clips, articles and graphic information monthly among ASEAN member countries. The project was first held from April 2022 to April 2023 and has been extended to October 31, 2023 where two categories are contested – top sharers and top submitters.
In the 12 meetings held online, 299 media information items were submitted and 425 shared in.
Myanmar was crowned the winner in the top sharers category while Brunei was the first runner-up and Thailand in third place. Honourable mentions were given to Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.
For the top submitters category, Indonesia emerged as the winner with Brunei and Vietnam in second and third places. Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand received honourable mentions. – James Kon
