PHNOM PENH: Minister of Information Khieu Kanharith has called for further cooperation among media practitioners to discuss various rising issues especially during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in order to forge a worthwhile future for the regional media industries. He made the statement during the AIBD's 46th Annual Gathering and 19th AIBD General Conference and Associated Meetings held virtually on Thursday with the theme, ‘Themed "The way forward in the new norm”.

He has stated that media practitioners have watched with great trepidation when the COVID-19 pandemic brought forth a tsunami of infodemics and confusion. The Minister has added that the negative impact of fake news and misinformation on politics, economics, security, social order and culture is undeniable.

He emphasizes, “It disrupts the unity and peace of the country, exacerbates distrust, division and violence among people, and undermine the confidence of the citizens in the media. With the timely COVID-19 Sessions targeted towards many different regions, through content sharing initiatives and inter-governmental cooperation, we the members, have never been more connected with each other.”

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith has commended AIBD's efforts for providing space for policymakers and media practitioners to discuss the various rising issues, especially during the beginning of the pandemic.

He says, "It is time for greater cooperation among the member organisations of the AIBD, to come together and promote authentic information and good programming. It is time to deliberate and steer this organisation, of which we are all beneficiaries, toward greater heights, forging a worthwhile future for the regional media industries”.

AIBD has presented to the Cambodian Minister the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution and continuous support and further development of the AIBD Institution.