Brunei Darussalam is currently hosting the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Information (AMRI) and the 22nd ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information (SOMRI) and related meetings, held from May 7 to 9, 2025.

The conferences aim to strengthen regional cooperation in broadcasting, media, and digital content amidst evolving information landscapes.

The event was officially opened by the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, who, in his welcoming remarks at the start of the two-day SOMRI meeting on May 7, underscored the importance of regional efforts to manage emerging information challenges.

Awang Ajman bin Haji Meludin, serving as Chairman of SOMRI, emphasized significant progress in combating fake news and disinformation, calling for continued collaboration among member states.

The meetings gathered senior officials from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste, as well as San Lwin, ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Discussions focused on enhancing regional cooperation, exchanging best practices, and addressing pressing issues such as disinformation, misinformation, digital inclusivity, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) amid rapid digital transformation.

Meanwhile, Cambodia was represented by Minister of Information, Neth Pheaktra, who led the Cambodian delegation attending the 17th ASEAN Ministers’ Meeting on Information (AMRI).

As Vice-Chair of the meeting, Cambodia participated under the theme “Media for Shared Understanding: The Changing Role of Media in Promoting Cooperation and Mutual Understanding in ASEAN MAJU”, which emphasizes the media’s evolving role in fostering regional identity and shared values.

Cambodia will assume the rotating presidency of the 18th AMRI meeting in 2027.

The conference was hosted by Brunei under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billa bin His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. In his opening remarks, the Crown Prince highlighted the strategic importance of media engagement in reinforcing ASEAN centrality and regional cohesion.

The current meeting addressed strategic progress in media and information, with key discussions on combating disinformation, promoting digital literacy, and exploring the ethical implications of AI and digital transformation.

Besides ministers and senior officials responsible for information from ASEAN member states, the conference included representatives from ASEAN Plus Three—China, Japan, and South Korea. On the sidelines, ASEAN leaders convened for an audience with Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman on May 8.

^{Photos by: Long David.}