Cambodia Urges Truthful, Responsible Storytelling from Regional Media

Cambodia’s Undersecretary of State for Information, H.E. Prak Thaveak Amida, on July 14, called on regional media to tell their nations’ stories with truthfulness, credibility, and responsibility, as he addressed the opening of the 2026 Annual Meeting of the South and Southeast Asia Media Network and the Cultural Exchange Event themed “Looking Southward with Cities as Eyes.” Representing Minister of Information H.E. Neth Pheaktra, the Undersecretary expressed gratitude to the organisers and Yunnan Province for their warm hospitality, describing the gathering as more than a routine media meeting—but a vital platform for regional dialogue, cultural diplomacy, and people-to-people connectivity that advances mutual understanding and shared development. He noted that Yunnan, with its strategic location and deep historical ties to neighbouring countries, serves as a natural bridge linking China with South and Southeast Asia. The theme, he said, reminds us that cities are not just economic hubs but windows into the culture, progress, and aspirations of our peoples. Addressing the core discussion topic—“What Is a Good Story, and How Do We Tell Our Nation’s Story Well?”—he stressed that in an era of digital transformation and AI, a good story cannot be measured by views or shares alone. It must be truthful, fact-based, and reflect real experiences while fostering mutual respect among nations. He emphasised that developing countries must strengthen their capacity to tell their own stories confidently, as too often their societies are portrayed through external lenses that fail to capture their true histories, cultures, and achievements. Media, he said, must go beyond reporting events to provide context, preserve cultural identity, and ensure authentic voices are heard regionally and globally. For Cambodia, he explained, the national story is one of peace, resilience, reconstruction, and development—a nation that has overcome profound hardship, protected its cultural heritage, and continues advancing through reform, modernisation, and international cooperation. It is also the story of a new generation of Cambodian journalists and digital innovators using technology to promote accuracy, creativity, and social responsibility. To tell these stories effectively, he called for investment in professional journalism, human-resource development, and ethical use of technology, including AI. Journalists must be equipped to verify facts, counter misinformation, and produce accurate, engaging content accessible across languages, cultures, and digital platforms. Under Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, the Royal Government views the information sector as a catalyst for socio-economic development and national unity, he said. Minister Neth Pheaktra has prioritised media modernisation, digital transformation, professional ethics, and youth development in the field. Cambodia stands ready to deepen cooperation with the South and Southeast Asia Media Network, Yunnan Province, and regional partners through training, content exchange, joint productions, and digital-capacity building, he added. Concluding his remarks, the Undersecretary expressed confidence that the annual meeting would yield practical outcomes and new partnerships, and wished all delegates success, health, and happiness. By C. Nika