Fact checking of information is important, especially when digital and communication technologies are fast developing for communication and dissemination of information. The key statement was delivered by the Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Defence during the 16th Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information, AMRI held in Da Nang, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Retired Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Yussof, as Brunei Darussalam's Minister Responsible for Information and Vice Chairman of AMRI, also stated that the exploitation and manipulation of information may potentially disrupt ASEAN's foundation. Yang Berhormat further underlined the importance to continue prioritizing society's trust through a strong legal framework to combat fake news; and to leverage information literacy including communications link and networks under the ASEAN Task Force on Fake News to counter the misuse and abuse of data.
Yang Berhormat concluded that the information sector is a vital part of the world's knowledge ecosystem and welcomed mutual engagement with Dialogue Partners towards increasing ASEAN's presence outside the region which would boost ASEAN's reputation and Centrality through the support and mutual agreement in the traditional spirit of ASEAN solidarity.
Yang Berhormat also attended the 7th AMRI Plus Three and held a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Nguyen Manh Hung, Minister of Information and Communications of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. The 16th AMRI carried the theme “Media: From Information to Knowledge for a Resilient and Responsive ASEAN".
