China, ASEAN Media Urged to Embrace AI Responsibly

Held under the theme “Strengthening ASEAN-China Cooperation,” the forum concluded with a joint consensus recognizing that AI offers unprecedented opportunities in communication, research, and decision-making — but also presents ethical, social, and security-related risks that must be addressed.

Speakers urged media professionals and policy researchers to embrace AI as a tool for innovation while maintaining a commitment to transparency, cultural relevance, and human-centered values.

Pamela Samia, Acting Executive News Editor at the Philippine News Agency, emphasized the benefits of AI in boosting communication efficiency and research capacity, but warned against overreliance: “AI is a tool — it can never replace human judgment or critical thinking.”

Veronika S. Saraswati, Executive Director of the Indonesia China Partnership Studies, called for AI systems that reflect local data and cultural perspectives. “This approach will help the Global South reclaim its narrative in the digital age and prevent AI from becoming a tool of Western dominance,” she said.

Sivanxay Siphankham, Deputy Director of the Lao News Agency, noted that AI has already begun enhancing regional media collaboration but highlighted the urgent need to address challenges such as misinformation and algorithmic bias.

Lee Chean Chung, Chairman of Malaysia’s Center of Regional Strategic Studies, stressed that ethical frameworks, data privacy protections, and algorithm transparency must form the backbone of AI regulation. “AI should empower humanity — not replace it,” he said.

Thida Tin, Director General of Myanmar’s Media Development Department, echoed these concerns, stating that innovation must be balanced with ethics. “Technology should uplift all sectors of society while protecting the environment and vulnerable groups,” she said.

The forum, co-hosted by China’s Xinhua News Agency and Malaysia’s Bernama, brought together around 260 participants from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government agencies, and private sector organizations.

As AI continues to reshape industries and public discourse, the forum underscored the need for collaborative leadership and culturally grounded strategies to ensure technology serves people — not the other way around.