Building an Asean identity

Borneo Bulletin on 21st November 2013 reported the following:

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“THE culture and information sectors in Southeast Asia need to do more to build an Asean identity.”

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos said at the 48th Meeting of the Asean Committee on Culture and Information (COCI), one of the oldest institutions of Asean. The event took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas.

“The goal here is to connect our people beyond borders, bridge cultural gaps and articulate the benefits of regional integration as we move towards the establishment of the Asean Community in 2015. Leaders accordingly have tasked all three Asean Community Councils to emphasise their efforts to relevant sectors, people and stakeholders – including through traditional, mainstream and new media. In this respect, they look forward to the early finalisation of the Asean Communication Master Plan,” he said.

The permanent secretary also recalled that the strategic objectives of the Asean Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint adopted by leaders in 2009 included creating a sense of belonging, consolidating unity and diversity as well as deepening mutual understandings of cultures, histories, religions and civilisations.

Other objectives included conserving and preserving cultural heritage, promoting cultural creativity as well as industries and engaging with the community as part of the broader goal of building an Asean identity.

Based on the Mid-Term Review of the Implementation of the ASCC Blueprint which was approved by leaders at the 23rd Asean Summit last month, more improvements are needed in the dissemination of information and reporting mechanisms.

The review also called for further development of websites and multimedia promotions through commercial mainstream media and greater publicity for core development issues. It urged sectoral bodies under the ASCC to integrate their programmes and activities with existing promotional material.

Presentation of Asean Television News Award 2013 to Channel News Asia by the permanent secretary. - PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH
Presentation of Asean Television News Award 2013 to Channel News Asia by the permanent secretary. – PHOTOS: AZARAIMY HH



Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos in a group photo with the committee of 48th Meeting of the Asean Committee on Culture and Information (COCI)
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos in a group photo with the committee of 48th Meeting of the Asean Committee on Culture and Information (COCI)

In separate remarks, Datin Shireen Mustapha, the Special Duties Officer at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports who currently chairs the COCI, highlighted that the finding of the Mid-Term Review on Asean was unbalanced especially in terms of socio-cultural issues. The report, to a large extent, emphasised official events and processes at the expense of other activities.

“To create a deeper understanding and more holistic view of Asean, the review recommended that we should address this imbalance. I am confident that our meeting today will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the culture and information sectors that we represent,” she said.

The event yesterday also saw the presentation of the Asean Television News Award 2013 to Channel News Asia from Singapore for best contribution to the Asean Television News.

The award was presented by the permanent secretary.

Cambodia will succeed Brunei as chair of the committee, which includes representatives of various government ministries in Asean as well as radio and television broadcasters, museums, libraries and national archives.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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