Vice President Võ Thị Ánh Xuân (centre) welcomes Ministers of Information and Communications from ASEAN member states at the 16th Conference of ASEAN Ministers responsible for Information. — Photo courtesy of Ministry of Information and Communications

ĐÀ NẴNG — The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information is an important forum for member states and dialogue countries to exchange and identify future priorities and directions for cooperation while jointly achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals and the priorities of the ASEAN community.

That was the message from Vice President Võ Thị Anh Xuân in her keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the biennial 16th ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, hoping that the ministers and delegates will have productive working days in Đà Nẵng and share valuable recommendations for ASEAN leaders as well as reaching agreement on specific action plans for promoting the role of information sector.

Xuân said: “Since joining the ASEAN in 1995, with the motto of being ‘active, proactive and responsible’, Việt Nam has made various contributions to maintaining solidarity and unity as well as fostering our central role in the association. Great importance has been placed on the information and communications as part of the joint development process.

Ministers of Information and Communications from ASEAN at the opening ceremony of the 16th Conference of ASEAN Ministers responsible for Information in Đà Nẵng. —  VNS Photo Công Thành

“The cooperation in promoting timely and accurate access to information based on digital capabilities turning information into knowledge to support businesses and improve people’s livelihoods, and minimising the impact of negative information is now an urgent need, at national, regional and international levels, including ASEAN."

The Vice President also said the Prime Minister of Việt Nam approved the strategy for digital transformation in journalism by 2025, and vision to 2030 with an aim of developing professional and modern media through the application of advanced technology and digital platforms, strengthening the connection between Việt Nam and the international community.

Xuân added: “I suggest that delegates at the meeting discuss solutions to promote digital transformation, internet access and digital literacy for people. It also will help boost the image of ASEAN and its member states, spreading positive and effective sources of news in tackling fake news and disinformation among people in rural and remote areas.

“I hope the meeting will promote the important role of information in the ASEAN development process, and turn information into knowledge for the people as the theme of this year’s meeting: From information to knowledge for a resilient and adaptive ASEAN.”

Deputy Secretary of ASEAN, Ekkaphab Phanthavong said: “On behalf of the secretary general of ASEAN, allow me to express my warmest congratulations and appreciation to the Government of Việt Nam for hosting and convening the 16th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI), the 20th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting responsible for Information and related Meetings in Đà Nẵng.

“I once again thank the Government of Việt Nam and in particular, the Ministry of Information and Communications, for hosting this important gathering as we continue to work towards ASEAN as a Community of Opportunities for All.

“With the ASEAN region emerging from the pandemic, the information and media sector plays an important and cross-cutting role in advancing our ASEAN Community vision. The productive discussions by the SOMRI and the ongoing discussions by the ministers on the theme of Media: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Responsive ASEAN shall provide our regional cooperation further momentum and the strategic directions to advance social, sustainable and inclusive development.”

He also highlighted Thailand – the AMRI outgoing chair for its steadfast leadership in navigating the cooperation in the media and information sector through the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A showroom of digital transformation introduces smart applications in media and communications in Đà Nẵng City. — VNS Photo Công Thành

The deputy secretary highly appreciated the esteemed presence of the Plus three dialogue partners – Japan, South Korea and China – and Timor Leste as an observer at the conference.

Minister of Information and Communications of Việt Nam, Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng said people are now investing in more powerful technology, so the ethical and responsible use of technology and social responsibility of cross-border digital and media platforms needed to be reiterated.

“In previous days before the opening ceremony of the conference, ASEAN member states conducted a forum to promote cooperation in digital transformation for the media sector and a similar on fake news under the initiatives of Việt Nam,” Hùng said.

“AMRI ministers can proudly declare the new mission of media: creating knowledge and understanding from information, thus empowering the people and their well-being.

“The information and media sector in ASEAN is assuming new missions and proactive opening new horizons for development to hand-in-hand build a peaceful and prosperous ASEAN Community. It’s the transformation from information to knowledge and understanding. Leading this new mission will be valuable contributions of ASEAN to the information and media industry in the world.”

He said media agencies in ASEAN have shared good practices of digital transformation and will jointly develop a guideline for media digital transformation in the region.

The final results of the conference, discussions of senior officials meetings and ASEAN member states with three dialogue partners will be reported at a press conference on Saturday, the organising committee said. — VNS