Kuala lumpur: Malaysian media is showing strong interest in China’s advancements in technology, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and the digital economy, as well as focusing on how these developments directly impact Malaysia in terms of job creation. Star Media Group’s managing editor, Brian Martin, highlighted that the media in Malaysia is concentrating on partnerships and opportunities with China, and the direct impact on the lives of Malaysians.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Brian Martin stated that there is immense reader interest in China’s technology, especially in areas like new energy vehicles (NEVs) and the digital economy. Brands like BYD dominate the new EV market in Malaysia, and readers are eager to understand the implications for them. “Our focus is always on the local impact – how does this create jobs in Malaysia? How does it benefit our consumers? How can our own tech sector partner for growth? We cover innovation through the lens of local opportunity,” said Martin during a panel discussion at the 11th ASEAN+3 Media Cooperation Forum.
Brian was one of the four panellists discussing ‘Build Consensus and Enhance People-to-People Bonds in East Asia’. Other panellists included Somsack Sakounkham from Laos, Bruneian head of editorial Analisa Amu, and Cambodia’s Khmer Times chief editor Roeun Van. Brian added that media coverage also prioritises human interest stories connecting the two nations, particularly in tourism, education, and cultural ties within the Malaysian Chinese community.
With the theme ‘Increase Inter-connectivity for Common Development and Shared Benefits’, the 11th ASEAN Plus Three (10+3) Media Cooperation Forum gathered over 100 participants from ASEAN countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China. Other speakers stressed examining China’s digital technology advancement, particularly in interconnectivity, green technology, and agriculture.
Analisa Amu mentioned that Brunei recently signed an agreement with China on hybrid rice technology to enhance rice production and strengthen food security. Despite Brunei-China relations being established in 1991, the partnership has grown strong, with expectations for more collaborations.
The 2025 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road commenced in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, bringing together over 200 representatives from 87 countries, international and regional organisations, and 165 media outlets. The event was jointly hosted by People’s Daily, the Communist Party of China (CPC) Yunnan Provincial Committee, and the People’s Government of Yunnan Province.