KUALA LUMPUR: To boost public interest in Asean-related issues, media outlets should move away from a "colonial mindset" that prioritises news coverage of developed countries, say panellists.
South China Morning Post executive managing director Zuraidah Ibrahim said it is important for the media to focus more on issues in their own regions.
"We have to look in the mirror and ask ourselves if we have a colonised mindset and whether we prioritise other countries over our own region," said Zuraidah during a panel session titled "The Role of Media and Opinion Leaders in Narrating Asean."
She added that many journalists might be more familiar with being tourists in London than visiting Manila.
Zuraidah said news agencies should think creatively to draw more public interest to Asean issues.
"It is our job to go beyond that label," added Zuraidah.
She said journalists need to be more interested in local issues to generate more attention for Asean-related matters.
"Be curious, dig deep, and keep your eyes and ears on the ground to reflect the diversity out there," she said.
"Asean has the reputation of moving at a 'glacial speed.' Consensus is a word that induces paralysis. The sooner we break away from this mindset that it must be one narrative, the better off we would be," added Zuraidah.
Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, who moderated the session, agreed with Zuraidah, saying readers are disinterested in "dry and technical" articles on Asean.
"People don't want to read long articles. The landscape must change. We live in a world where people read up to eight lines, as most of the time is spent on short videos on TikTok and Instagram," said Wong.
Wong then asked the panellists what stories might generate more interest in Asean issues.
Thai veteran journalist Kavi Chongkittavorn suggested that newsrooms focus on the cultural diversity of Asean nations in areas like food, fashion, music, and sports.
"Each country has its own uniqueness, and these are some of the common themes that we can put together to tell a good story," said Kavi.
He said that as Malaysia assumes Asean chairmanship this year, it is crucial for the 10-member regional group to stand firm against confrontations by major powers.
"Asean has to maintain convincing powers, and we have to ensure we don't lose that. If we can do that, the Malaysian chair of Asean will have a legacy," said Kavi.
The two-day Asean Economic Opinion Leaders Conference: Outlook for 2025, where Star Media Group is an exclusive media partner, will discuss key economic issues and the sustainable future of the regional grouping.
It will conclude on Thursday (Jan 9).
