The Embassy of Malaysia in Seoul, represented by the Deputy Chief of Mission, participated in the Korea Herald 2025 HIT Forum held on 2 October 2025 at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI). The annual forum brought together around 250 participants, including leading media professionals from across Asia and members of the diplomatic corps, in a timely reflection on the evolving role of the press in an era of rapid technological and geopolitical change.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok underscored the dual challenge and opportunity posed by artificial intelligence in the media landscape. He called for regional solidarity, emphasising that only through shared expertise and cooperation can Asian media safeguard credibility, democracy, and public trust in an age of information overload.
Adding a powerful regional perspective, Datin Paduka Esther Ng, Chief Content Officer of The Star and Chair of the Asia News Network (ANN), urged Asian media organisations to amplify Asia’s own voice. She called for a stronger continental alliance to shape narratives that reflect the region’s diversity, innovation, and dynamism. In her words, “Asia is not just rising, it has risen,” where she noted that the region’s youth and technological prowess are now central to global progress.
The forum also featured two lively panel discussions. The first, “Shifting Trade Dynamics in a Fragmented World Economy,” explored the impacts of protectionism, supply chain realignment, and the promise of regional trade agreements such as RCEP. Despite global headwinds, participants highlighted Asia’s resilience and potential for deeper integration. Meanwhile, the second panel, “Security Challenges and Middle Power Strategies,” examined the role of countries like Malaysia and the Republic of Korea as bridge-builders and stabilising forces in a complex security environment. Discussions spanned maritime stability, cybersecurity, and strategic diplomacy, reinforcing the importance of collaboration among Asia’s middle powers in promoting peace and mutual understanding.
