MOU WITH CHINA MEDIA GROUP OPENS DOORS FOR ENHANCED MEDIA COOPERATION - BERNAMA CEO

By Chiang Hee Tze

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- Following the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and China Media Group (CMG), Bernama chief executive officer (CEO) Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin expressed her commitment to providing valuable insights and content to help the Chinese state-owned agency navigate Asia's evolving dynamics.

She said that the MoU is a significant milestone, marking the establishment of a strategic partnership between the two parties, which will enhance cooperation in the fields of media and communications.

“Media exchange has always played a key role in promoting Malaysia-China relations.

“I believe this cooperation represents a major advancement for Bernama, providing a huge win-win opportunity at both the regional and global levels,” she said in an interview with China’s international news station CRI News Radio.

In recent years, Bernama and CMG have fostered strong ties, enhancing media cooperation and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.

The agencies have agreed to establish a regular cooperation framework, focusing on content exchange, joint programmes, personnel exchanges, and expanding cultural ties to further strengthen bilateral relations.

During Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to China from November 4-7, he witnessed the signing of several MoUs including one between Bernama and CMG.

“Bernama looks forward to leveraging CMG’s vast resources and professional expertise, especially in the area of digital media technology.

“Additionally, Bernama has its own unique advantages, which can enhance CMG’s reporting capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region,” she said.

She said that the MoU also opens the door for strong content sharing and media training, which will effectively strengthen both parties’ news timeliness and cultural information exchange.

The interview also highlighted the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, the China-Malaysia Friendship Year, and media opportunities for Malaysia as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025. A summary has been posted on the CRI News Radio website.

Nur-ul Afida emphasised that the diplomatic ties offer a unique opportunity for both countries' media to deepen understanding, strengthen connections, and further promote bilateral relations.

"From the perspective of the media, Malaysia and China have always respected each other, and the relationship has remained strong.

“Both media have provided positive coverage of one another, fosters goodwill and understanding among our audiences,” she said.

“At Bernama, we have always prioritised avoiding the biased reporting methods often seen in Western media. When we report on China, we frequently source information from Chinese media, ensuring that we provide balanced, objective, and accurate reporting,” she added.

When asked about the cooperation between China, ASEAN, and other Asia countries, Nur-ul Afida believes that there are common goals in regional stability, economic recovery, and sustainable development between China and other Asian countries, with promising future prospects and immense cooperation potential.

“China is an indispensable partner for many Asian countries, and the Malaysian government’s policies are highly inclusive and sustainable. The prospects for deeper cooperation between Malaysia and China are extremely bright.

“Therefore, other Asian countries and China can further cooperate in numerous new areas, setting new standards that will contribute to making the world fairer and more sustainable.

“Similarly, I believe these developments will help raise public awareness, strengthen diplomatic relations, and showcase the vast potential for cooperation between other Asia countries and China,” she said.

Meanwhile, Nur-ul Afida extended her congratulations to China on its development. Having first visited Shanghai in 1997, she recalled being deeply impressed, and this time, she witnessed the city's remarkable growth and transformation.

“Since my first visit to China, I have read a lot about China’s development, especially regarding Shanghai. Last week, I was fortunate to visit Shanghai again during Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit to China.

“In Shanghai, I saw many changes. From my hotel room, I could see many skyscrapers. These skyscrapers give Shanghai a futuristic vibe, showcasing its status as one of the global financial centers. I didn’t expect that China, especially large cities like Shanghai, would develop so quickly and undergo such massive changes.”

-- BERNAMA