BY CHIANG HEE TZE
KUALA LUMPUR: Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) and China Media Group (CMG), Bernama chief executive officer (CEO) Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin expressed her commitment to strengthening media cooperation and providing valuable insights to support CMG’s navigation of Asia’s evolving dynamics.
Describing the MoU as a significant milestone in Bernama’s collaboration with China’s state-owned CMG, Nur-ul Afida said it marks the establishment of a strategic partnership aimed at elevating cooperation in media and communications.
“Media exchange has always played a key role in promoting Malaysia-China relations.
“I believe this cooperation represents a major advancement for Bernama, providing a huge win-win opportunity at both the regional and global levels,” she said during an interview with China’s international news station CRI News Radio recently.
The interview also highlighted the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, the China-Malaysia Friendship Year, and media opportunities for Malaysia as it prepares to chair ASEAN in 2025.
In recent years, Bernama and CMG have fostered strong ties, enhancing media cooperation and promoting mutual understanding between the two countries.
The agencies have agreed to establish a regular framework for cooperation, focusing on content exchange, joint programmes, personnel exchanges, and expanding cultural ties to further strengthen bilateral relations.
During Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to China from November 4-7, he witnessed the signing of several MoUs including one between Bernama and CMG.
“Bernama looks forward to leveraging CMG’s vast resources and professional expertise, especially in the area of digital media technology.
“Additionally, Bernama has its own unique advantages, which can enhance CMG’s reporting capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region,” she said.
She said that the MoU also opens the door for robust content sharing and media training, aiming to boost news timeliness and facilitate a deeper cultural exchange.
Highlighting the enduring ties between Malaysia and China, Nur-ul Afida said the MoU offers both countries’ media an opportunity to deepen connections and further promote bilateral relations.
“From the perspective of the media, Malaysia and China have always respected each other, and the relationship has remained strong.
“Both media have provided positive coverage of one another, fostering goodwill and understanding among our audiences,” she said.
Nur-ul Afida also reiterated Bernama’s commitment to balanced reporting, avoiding the biases seen in certain media.
“When we report on China, we frequently source information from Chinese media, ensuring that we provide balanced, objective, and accurate reporting,” she added.
When asked about cooperation between China, ASEAN, and other Asian countries, Nur-ul Afida believes that there are common goals in regional stability, economic recovery, and sustainable development between China and other Asian countries, with promising future prospects and immense cooperation potential.
“China is an indispensable partner for many Asian countries, and the Malaysian government’s policies are highly inclusive and sustainable. The prospects for deeper cooperation between Malaysia and China are extremely bright.
“Therefore, other Asian countries and China can further cooperate in numerous new areas, setting new standards that will contribute to making the world fairer and more sustainable.
“Similarly, I believe these developments will help raise public awareness, strengthen diplomatic relations, and showcase the vast potential for cooperation between other Asian countries and China,” she said.
Reflecting on her visit to Shanghai during the Prime Minister’s trip, Nur-ul Afida lauded the city’s remarkable transformation over the years.
“Since my first visit to China in 1997, I have read a lot about China’s development, especially regarding Shanghai. I was fortunate to visit Shanghai again during Prime Minister Anwar’s official visit to China.
“In Shanghai, I saw many changes. From my hotel room, I could see many skyscrapers. These skyscrapers give Shanghai a futuristic vibe, showcasing its status as one of the global financial centres,” she said.
Nur-ul Afida said China’s extraordinary pace of change, particularly in major cities like Shanghai, serves as a testament to its position as a key player in global development. – BERNAMA
