Siem reap: The 20th Asia Media Summit (AMS 2025) began this morning in the cultural province of Siem Reap, featuring media practitioners and high-level delegations from 37 nations. The event is themed 'Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence and Beyond' and is presided over by H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Neth Pheaktra emphasized in his opening speech that the summit is not only a celebration of years passed but also a recognition of the legacy created by journalists, broadcasters, regulators, policymakers, and innovators across Asia and the Pacific. These individuals have collectively worked to shape a media environment characterized by resilience, ethics, independence, and responsiveness to the public.
The Minister highlighted that under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Cambodia achieved significant progress in promoting press freedom, nurturing pluralism, and enhancing the professional capacity of the media. The former Prime Minister viewed media as a tool not only for communication but also for peacebuilding, public education, and reinforcing democratic resilience.
Currently, the vision is being advanced by Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet with renewed energy. The Royal government of Cambodia is implementing strategic reforms aimed at digital transformation, professional integrity, and ethical media practices, ensuring that the media continues to serve as a defender of truth and unity amidst contemporary challenges.
Ms. Philomena Gnanapragasam, CEO and Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), mentioned that the summit is an annual international media conference organized by AIBD as its flagship event. She noted that each year, in consultation with members, partners, and global media experts, a guiding theme is selected to steer the summit's direction and delivery.
Ms. Gnanapragasam added that the summit, being a unique broadcasting event in the Asia-Pacific, attracts prominent broadcasters, decision-makers, media professionals, regulators, scholars, and stakeholders from both within and outside the region.