From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail
KUNMING (CHINA), Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian media is showing strong interest in China’s advancements in technology, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and the digital economy, as well as focusing on how these developments directly impact Malaysia in terms of job creation.
Star Media Group’s managing editor, Brian Martin, said the media in Malaysia focus on partnerships and opportunities with China, as well as the direct impact on the lives of Malaysians.
“We see immense (Malaysian) reader interest in China’s technology, especially in areas like new energy vehicles (NEVs) and the digital economy. This isn’t surprising, as brands like BYD take up a chunk of the new EV market in Malaysia, and our readers want to know what this means for them.
“Our focus is always on the local impact — how does this create jobs in Malaysia? How does it benefit our consumers? How can our own tech sector partner for growth? We cover innovation through the lens of local opportunity,” said Brian during a panel discussion on the 11th ASEAN+3 Media Cooperation Forum held here today.
Brian was one of the four panellists for the discussion on the topic “Build Consensus and Enhance People-to-People Bonds in East Asia”. The other four panellists were the deputy director general, Mass Media Department, the Propaganda and Training Board of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, Somsack Sakounkham; the Bruneian head of editorial, Analisa Amu; and Cambodia’s Khmer Times chief editor, Roeun Van.
However, he added that the media coverage also prioritised human interest stories that connect the two nations, especially in tourism, education, and the deep cultural ties within the Malaysian Chinese community.
“These stories of shared humanity consistently resonate most with our readers, and ultimately, all international relations are personal. Our job is to tell those personal stories,” said Brian.
With the theme “Increase Inter-connectivity for Common Development and Shared Benefits”, the 11th ASEAN Plus Three (10+3) Media Cooperation Forum gathers over 100 participants from the 10 ASEAN countries, as well as Japan, the Republic of Korea and China.
The other speakers also stressed examining the digital technology advancement in China, especially in the areas of interconnectivity, green technology and agriculture.
According to Analisa, Brunei recently signed an agreement with China on hybrid rice technology aimed at enhancing the country’s rice production and strengthening food security.
She said, Brunei currently imports rice from Thailand and Cambodia, but efforts are being made to increase domestic rice production.
“Although Brunei–China bilateral relations, established in 1991, are not as longstanding as those with Japan and South Korea, the partnership has grown to become quite strong. We are looking forward to more collaborations between China and Brunei,” she added.
The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road commenced yesterday, bringing together over 200 representatives from 87 countries, international and regional organisations, and 165 media outlets and institutions globally.
The event, held in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, was jointly hosted by People’s Daily, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee, and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province.
-- BERNAMA
