MEDIA IS PIVOTAL TO AMPLIFY MALAYSIA ASEAN CHAIRMANSHIP VISION

PUTRAJAYA, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- The media plays a pivotal role in Malaysia’s aspirations for its ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship, said the Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry, Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.

He emphasised the importance of media engagement in bridging the gap between ASEAN and its people, ensuring that the government’s vision resonates with communities at all levels.

“ASEAN is not just a high-level concept—it is practical and achievable. It must be relevant and beneficial to the people.

“Our media engagements are essential to demystify ASEAN and demonstrate its relevance to everyday life,” he said in a special media briefing ahead of the SOM-Level Meeting and ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi.

The briefing, held here, Tuesday, underscored the pivotal role of the media in bridging the gap between ASEAN and its people, the ministry said in a statement. 

Amran emphasised Malaysia's commitment to ensuring ASEAN initiatives remain people-centric, directly addressing the needs and aspirations of communities across the region.

“Our efforts must ultimately benefit the people. ASEAN must be for everyone - Malaysians and all who call ASEAN home,” he said. 

By hosting ASEAN meetings across various states, Amran said Malaysia aims to promote grassroots engagement and showcase the nation’s rich diversity.

The media, he noted, will play a critical role in highlighting these efforts and their impact on local communities, as well as promoting the economic and socio-cultural benefits of ASEAN to a global audience.

The Secretary General also used the briefing to reaffirm Malaysia’s leadership and readiness to host ASEAN 2025.

He praised the media’s role in projecting Malaysia’s strengths, including its cultural heritage, professionalism, and renowned hospitality.

“As hosts, let us show the world what makes Malaysia extraordinary. Together, we can ensure ASEAN’s success and demonstrate our commitment to its principles,” he said.

He also expressed confidence in the media’s ability to elevate Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, reinforcing its relevance and significance to all Malaysians, in line with the larger vision to lead ASEAN towards a future of shared prosperity and cohesion.

-- BERNAMA