Overview
Raising ASEAN awareness and facilitating greater information flow on the benefits of ASEAN developments are important priorities of regional cooperation in the information and media sectors. To better respond to the digital information age, the information sector is taking concrete steps to raise information and media literacy skills of ASEAN citizens. Policy and project initiatives targeting different segments of ASEAN societies are also developed to better equip ASEAN peoples to be more discerning in consuming information.
Through the use of different types of media including print media (newspapers, magazines), broadcast media (TV, radio), outdoor media (advertising) and internet (social media, websites, TV and radio based internet), the information sector promotes ASEAN awareness and communicates the benefits and opportunities of regional integration to the people. The effectiveness of the outreach efforts is monitored and evaluated through studies including the Poll on ASEAN Awareness 2018, to provide a guide in developing future communication strategies.
A multitude of activities such as workshops, conferences, competitions and capacity building and trainings are conducted annually. Longstanding activities include the ASEAN Television News, the Voice of ASEAN – Beyond Boundaries, and the ASEAN Quiz series. These activities work towards creating linkages and knowledge exchanges among ASEAN media, promoting tolerance in the media for diverse cultures and practices, and enhancing the use of advancements in ICTs to promote ASEAN awareness and belonging.
To better navigate the information landscape, the sector is proactively implementing the ASEAN Communication Master Plan (ACMP) II (2018-2025) which serves as the framework to communicate messages about the organisation, development and vision of ASEAN and the ASEAN Community to regional and global audiences. To this end, the information sector is leveraging a suite of new media platforms including podcasts, webinars, and videos, to excite and inspire ASEAN citizens to be a part of the community-building journey.
Information and media cooperation is established at the First Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) in Jakarta, 24-25 May 1989. It is committed to raising and advocating awareness of ASEAN policies and initiatives, and communicating through traditional, mainstream and new media. Together with ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners and other stakeholders, AMRI strives to create a regional sense of belonging, and to foster and promote ASEAN Identity.
Priority Areas of Cooperation
Guided by the Strategic Plan for Information and Media 2016-2025, our key priorities in the information sector include:
- promoting access to information about ASEAN;
- promoting a sense of regional identity and community;
- harnessing the use of information and communication technologies to reach wider audiences,
- developing ASEAN-relevant multimedia content;
- minimising the negative impacts of misinformation and fake news in the digital era while reaping the benefits of technological advancements.
Major Sectoral Bodies/Committees
Cooperation in the information and media sector is led by the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) and supported by the Senior Officials’ Meeting Responsible for Information and Media (SOMRI). SOMRI works in partnership with the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (ASEAN COCI) through the Sub-Committee on Information (SCI) to implement projects and address policy issues related to the sector. The Working Groups on ASEAN Digital Broadcasting; Information, Media and Training; and Content and Production advise SOMRI on strategic and important initiatives, programmes, and projects in the information and media sector.
The major sectoral bodies/committees are as follows:
|
Name |
Description |
|
ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) Related meeting: AMRI + 3 (Dialogue Partners – China, Japan, Republic of Korea) |
ASEAN sectoral body tasked with developing strategic regional solutions for information and media cooperation. |
|
Senior Officials’ Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI) Related meetings: SOMRI + 3 SOMRI + Japan |
ASEAN body comprising Ministries and/or Agencies in charge of information from the ASEAN Member States. Supports and promotes ASEAN awareness towards building the ASEAN Community through cooperation and joint activities. |
|
SOMRI Working Group on ASEAN Digital Broadcasting (SOMRI WG-ADB) |
Recommends and implements initiatives related to digital broadcasting. Comprises specialists on digital broadcasting from broadcasting authorities/agencies of the ASEAN Member States. |
|
SOMRI Working Group on Information, Media and Training (SOMRI WG-IMT) |
Provides policy recommendations in the field of information, media and training at the ASEAN level. Comprises relevant officials and experts nominated by the AMS. |
|
SOMRI Working Group on Content and Production (SOMRI WG-CP) |
Responsible for the recommendation and implementation of key measures and projects related to the production and co-production of content and new media related to ASEAN. Comprises public service media and producers nominated by the AMS. |
|
ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (COCI) |
Responsible for the formulation, implementation and review of culture and information projects for funding by the ASEAN Cultural Fund (ACF). |
|
ASEAN Sub-Committee on Information (SCI) |
Tasked with promoting, intensifying and advancing ASEAN regional cooperation in information and media under the direction and approval of COCI. |
Key Documents
Agreements and Declarations:
Da Nang Declaration on “Media: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Responsive ASEAN”
- ASEAN Guideline on Management of Government Information in Combating Fake News and Disinformation in The Media
- Framework for Developing Digital Readiness Among ASEAN Citizens, 12 March 2021
- Framework for Promoting Accessibility for All in ASEAN Digital Broadcasting, 14 December 2020
- Joint Statement of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information to Minimise the Negative Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), 25 August 2020
- Framework and Joint Declaration to Minimise the Harmful Effects of Fake News, 10 May 2018, Singapore
- Core Values on Digital Literacy for ASEAN, 10 May 2018 in Singapore
- Declaration on Social Responsible Media for a Peaceful and Prosperous ASEAN Community, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, 12 June 2012
- Programme for the Enhancement of ASEAN Cooperation in the Television, Radio, Film and Video Areas, Jakarta, 25 May 1989
- Programme for the Enhancement of Press Cooperation among ASEAN Countries, Jakarta, 25 May 1989
- Declaration of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, Jakarta, 25 May 1989
- Agreement for the Promotion of Cooperation in Mass Media and Culture Activities, Cameron Highlands, 17 December 1969
Joint Media Statements:
- Joint Media Statement of the 16th Conference of The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and 7th Conference of The ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information
- Joint Media Statement of the 15th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information & 6th Conference of the ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information
- Joint Media Statement of the 14th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and 5th Conference of ASEAN+3 Ministers Responsible for Information, 10 May 2018, Singapore
- Joint Media Statement of the 13th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and 4th Conference of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines, 17 March 2016
- Joint Media Statement of the 12th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and 3rd Conference of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information, 12 June 2014, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
- Joint Media Statement of the 11th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information and 2nd Conference of ASEAN Plus Three Ministers Responsible for Information, 1 March 2012, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Joint Media Statement of the 10th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, 5 November 2009, Vientiane, Lao PDR
- Joint Media Statement of the 9th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, 24 May 2007, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Joint Press Statement of the 8th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, 7-8 October 2004, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- Joint Press Statement of the 7th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, 18-19 October 2002, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam
- Joint Press Statement of the 6th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, 12-13 October 2000, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Press Release:
Strategic Plan:
Related links:
