Kuala Lumpur: Members of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) are urged to utilize emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence (AI), to maintain a leading edge in the evolving media landscape. Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Chief Executive Officer, Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, emphasized this potential at the 54th OANA Executive Board Meeting hosted by Bernama.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nur-ul Afida highlighted the opportunity OANA provides for members to set benchmarks for journalistic excellence, enabling their agencies to adapt and succeed in a world that is rapidly changing. She reiterated the shared responsibility of media professionals to uphold freedom of expression, ethical reporting, and equitable news dissemination, describing these principles as fundamental to a free and informed society.
The meeting was attended by OANA Secretary General Zaman Rezakhani, Director of International Relations at the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Bernama editor-in-chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj, and representatives from 13 international news agencies. Nur-ul Afida described the meeting as a crucial platform to tackle current challenges and opportunities in the media landscape, which are shaped by technological advancements, shifting audience behaviors, and the threat of misinformation.
The 54th OANA EBM is set to explore themes such as developing a digital-first, audience-centric approach and strategies for combating misinformation and disinformation. "These topics will be the focus of our panel discussions, providing valuable insights and actionable strategies for member agencies to implement in their respective organisations," Nur-ul Afida added.
She shared Bernama's initiative to address misinformation through MyCheck Malaysia, an independent fact-checking initiative launched in March 2020. This initiative adheres to the standards of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), focusing on issues impacting societal harmony, safety, daily life, and economic well-being.
Nur-ul Afida noted the significance of the 54th OANA EBM coinciding with Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'. Numerous meetings will be held across the country to foster regional collaboration, economic growth, and cultural understanding. Bernama will offer extensive coverage of these ASEAN meetings and share the news on the OANA channel for the benefit of its members.
Highlighting OANA's global influence, with 41 member agencies from 33 countries, Nur-ul Afida underscored its role in shaping narratives, addressing challenges, and promoting credible journalism. Since its establishment in 1961, OANA has disseminated two-thirds of the world's information, a testament to the collective strength of its members and their commitment to delivering timely, accurate, and balanced news.
Nur-ul Afida expressed pride in Bernama's over 20-year journey as a part of OANA, witnessing the organization's positive impact in addressing challenges, fostering innovation, and uniting diverse voices under a shared mission.