ADDRESS BY
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE HAJI AL-MUHTADEE BILLAH
IBNI HIS MAJESTY SULTAN HAJI HASSANAL BOLKIAH MU’IZZADDIN WADDAULAH, THE CROWN PRINCE AND SENIOR MINISTER AT THE PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF
THE 17TH CONFERENCE OF THE ASEAN MINISTERS RESPONSIBLE FOR INFORMATION (17TH AMRI)
VENUE:
INDERA SAMUDERA GRAND HALL THE EMPIRE BRUNEI
ON
WEDNESDAY, 9TH ZULKAEDAH 1446 / 7TH MAY 2025
Assalamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh
Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Rahim
Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen, Wassalaatu Wassalaamu ‘Alaa Asyrafil Mursaleen, Sayyidinaa Muhammadin, Wa’alaa Aalihee Wasahbihee Ajma’een, Waba’du.
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.
It is a pleasure to join all of you for the Opening of the Seventeenth (17th) Conference of The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) with the theme “Media Advancing Joint Understanding” or MAJU.
I would like to extend my warm welcome to our foreign guests, the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, the ASEAN Senior Officials Responsible for Information, ASEAN Plus Three Dialogue Partners, and their respective delegates. I would also like to extend my warm greetings to distinguished Ambassadors from the ten ASEAN Member States, the People’s Republic of China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN for the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) as well as senior government officials present today.
It is indeed an honour for Brunei Darussalam to host this year’s meeting, and I sincerely trust that your deliberations will yield substantive outcomes and tangible progress, in line with the strategic vision and directives from our Leaders.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The establishment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 1967 marked a momentous event in the region, and has been the impetus for promoting economic and security cooperation among its members. At this opportunity, I would like to express support for Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflecting ASEAN’s commitment to fostering regional resilience and prosperity, while also enhancing cooperation in response to ongoing global challenges and external pressures.
I look forward to the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 at the sidelines of the forthcoming 46th ASEAN Summit. The Vision will serve as a roadmap for ASEAN over the next 20 years, enhancing ASEAN’s resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing global landscape while addressing emerging trends that present both opportunities and challenges. For the Vision to succeed, it must be effectively communicated to the people in a way that resonates with their everyday lives, transforming it from merely a policy framework into a shared aspiration embraced by all.
In this regard, AMRI plays a vital role. Since its establishment in 1989, AMRI has consistently supported ASEAN’s vision, not only by contributing to regional peace and stability, but also by advancing ASEAN’s integration efforts. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the ASEAN information sector for its contributions to improving literacy across the region. As we move further into the digital age, with some of our nations even leading the charge in innovation, a high literacy rate is essential. It empowers our people to navigate and harness the digital space effectively.
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam constantly carries out initiatives aimed at expanding audience reach and facilitating a smooth transition to the digital platform. I am pleased to note that Brunei Darussalam is one of the first ASEAN Member State to complete the “Analogue Switch Off” on 31st December 2017, marking a significant milestone in our shift toward a fully digital broadcasting era.
However, while digital transformation has unlocked new opportunities, it has also brought about a host of new challenges. The rapid pace of technological advancements, particularly in areas of Artificial Intelligence has added layers of complexity to the online environment. As such, it is crucial for the information sector to evolve in tandem with this fast- changing media landscape.
Given ASEAN’s strong and growing digital footprint, I am encouraged to see AMRI collaborating with other sectors to proactively address these issues. Indeed, this cross- sectoral approach is essential in ensuring that our region not only keeps pace with digital transformation, but also safeguards the integrity, inclusivity, and security of our shared digital future. I firmly believe that all those efforts only serve to the betterment in how we strategize and adapt to upcoming trends and challenges.
In this regard, I would also like to reaffirm the commitment of His Majesty’s Government to enhancing cooperation and making meaningful and significant contributions to pave the way for enhanced unity in our collective resolve to be more resilient and prepare now for future shocks. Let me conclude by wishing you all a productive and successful meeting, and a pleasant stay in our country.
With the blessed kalimah Bismillah Hir Rahman Nir Rahim, I now declare the 17th Conference of The ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, officially open.
Wabillahit Taufik Walhidayah, Wassalamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.
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