BANGKOK,
Thailand, May 29 – The secretary-general
of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has emphasized the
contribution of media to the growth of ASEAN.
According
to a statement posted ASEAN’s website, ASEAN secretary general Dr. Surin
Pitsuwan said, “Like many people around the world, the media has become an
inseparable aspect in our lives.”
“Everywhere
we go, we see advertisements, magazines, television sets, radios, computers – and
we perceive it as a source of entertainment, information, and communication,”
he noted. “Asia Pacific, with its large Gen-Y population, has become the
fastest growing region of social media users in the world. In fact, ASEAN
member states such as Philippines and Malaysia have already achieved
penetration rates of as much as 85 percent for popular social media sites.”
Speaking
at the opening ceremony of the Asia Media Summit (AMS) 2012 in Bangkok,
Thailand, Dr. Surin noted that “the AMS is an annual media gathering attended
by decision makers, media professionals, scholars and stakeholders from Asia,
Pacific, Africa, Europe, Middle East and North America, but it also stands for
ASEAN member-states,” he said, followed by laughter from the audiences.
“Time
has changed, and we should change with time,” he said, pointing out how fast
the world has changed, and with it, the need to stay updated with the
information exchange.
The
rise of the middle class in ASEAN, and the increase of our purchasing power, point
to our growing importance and our roles in the global economy, as well as the
decision-making process.
“The
media is the communicator for ASEAN, bringing the truth to the world and
rolling out the news. Seen from a larger perspective, the media has contributed
to ASEAN’s growth politically, economically, socially, culturally,” he said.
“Everyone
in the world is watching us (the Asia Pacific and ASEAN), and we need you – the
media's watchful eyes, your critical minds — to keep us on track," he
added.
The
ceremony also heard a written message from the Secretary General of the United
Nations – Mr. Ban Ki Moon – who stressed the importance of scrutiny by a
responsible media, in global affairs.
The
panel also expressed their appreciation to the sponsors, as well as to the Thai
Public Broadcasting Service (Thai PBS), for the tireless support of the two-day
summit. (ASEAN)
Christine
Joy Sarmiento
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