AKP Phnom Penh June 09, 2026 --

A Cambodian senior official has called for enhanced ASEAN-China media cooperation to strengthen information integrity, build digital capacity, and promote people-centred narratives in response to the opportunities and challenges of the rapidly evolving digital era.

Speaking at the 2026 ASEAN-China Media Cooperation Forum and Related Events in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China on June 9 under the theme “Media Convergence for Shared Growth: Opening a New Chapter in ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida, Undersecretary of State at the Cambodian Ministry of Information, highlighted Cambodia’s commitment to modernising its media sector and advancing regional cooperation.

H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida said that under the leadership of the Royal Government of Cambodia, the Ministry of Information has been actively promoting digital transformation, media literacy, professional ethics, and the modernisation of public communication. He noted that cooperation with the ASEAN-China Centre has made meaningful contributions to the implementation of Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy – Phase 1, particularly in strengthening institutional capacity, accelerating digital transformation, and expanding regional media collaboration.

To further strengthen ASEAN-China media cooperation, Cambodia proposed three strategic priorities for the years ahead.

The first priority focuses on strengthening information integrity and practical cooperation in fact-checking. H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida emphasised that public trust remains one of the most valuable foundations of a healthy information ecosystem. He noted that Cambodia has launched public awareness campaigns encouraging citizens to verify information before sharing it and called for stronger regional mechanisms to facilitate experience-sharing, early warning systems against harmful misinformation, and coordinated responses to cross-border false information.

The second priority is promoting inclusive capacity-building for the digital era. He stressed that media professionals today require not only traditional journalistic skills but also expertise in areas such as data journalism, ethical use of artificial intelligence, audience analysis, digital safety, and cybersecurity. Cambodia supports broader ASEAN-China training and exchange programmes to help journalists, editors, spokespersons, and digital communicators adapt to the rapidly changing media environment.

The third priority centres on promoting human-centred and constructive narratives. H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida encouraged media organisations to go beyond official statements and policy discussions by highlighting the real-life benefits of ASEAN-China cooperation in areas such as culture, education, tourism, green innovation, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. He said joint media projects, documentary production, and digital storytelling initiatives could help strengthen public understanding and engagement, particularly among younger generations who increasingly consume information through social media platforms.

Cambodia also welcomed the launch of the ASEAN-China Social Media Creators Initiative, describing it as a timely and important platform that recognises the growing influence of digital content creators in public communication, cultural exchange, and regional connectivity, he said.

Addressing content creators and digital practitioners attending the forum, H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida highlighted their important role in making regional cooperation more accessible and meaningful to the public. At the same time, he stressed that digital influence should be accompanied by a strong sense of social responsibility. He encouraged creators to produce reliable, multilingual, and culturally respectful content, avoid spreading unverified information, and contribute to strengthening friendship and mutual understanding between ASEAN and China.

Concluding his remarks, H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida reaffirmed Cambodia’s readiness to work closely with ASEAN Member States, China, think tanks, media institutions, and digital communication partners. He expressed hope that the forum would serve not only as a platform for dialogue but also as a catalyst for practical cooperation, resilient partnerships, and shared benefits for the peoples of ASEAN and China.

By Heng Panha