Cambodia Pushes Media Digital Transformation, Emphasizes AI Ethics and Cooperation at Asia-Pacific Forum

Cambodia's Ministry of Information has emphasized the promotion of digital transformation in the media sector and the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Prak Sothoeun, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Information, representing His Excellency Net Pheaktra, Minister of Information, delivered a speech at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum held in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China, on September 5, 2026. The forum was attended by approximately 400 participants from 42 countries, including representatives from government institutions, major media organizations, research institutions, embassies, and international organizations. The forum, themed "Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Consensus and Media Action," saw Prak Sothoeun express gratitude to the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xinhua News Agency, and the People's Government of Guangdong Province for organizing the event and for their warm welcome. Prak Sothoeun highlighted that the forum's theme reflects the shared aspiration of the Asia-Pacific region for development that not only offers economic opportunities but also strengthens mutual understanding, trust, inclusivity, and cooperation among peoples. As an ASEAN member state and an active partner in Asia-Pacific cooperation, Cambodia recognizes the significant role of media institutions in facilitating constructive dialogue, disseminating accurate and trustworthy information, and promoting mutual understanding. The Ministry of Information of Cambodia is committed to fostering professional, responsible, inclusive, and modern media. Under the leadership of Minister Net Pheaktra, the ministry continues to enhance media professionalism, strengthen access to credible information, promote media literacy, and uphold information integrity and public trust. The use of technology, particularly AI, in the media sector must focus on being human-centered, ethical, transparent, and accountable. AI should serve as a tool to supplement journalists' judgment, not replace it. Cambodia is focusing on digital transformation in the information and media sector, modernizing media infrastructure, building the capacity of journalists and media professionals, and responsibly implementing new technologies. Concurrently, Cambodia emphasizes reducing the digital divide to ensure the benefits of innovation are shared widely. Prak Sothoeun stated that no single country or institution can tackle the challenges of the current information environment alone, especially the rapid cross-border spread of fake news and disinformation through digital platforms. Therefore, strengthening communication, mutual learning, and practical cooperation among media institutions, governments, researchers, academic institutions, and technology partners is essential. Cambodia supports strengthening media cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region through professional exchanges, journalist training, joint content production, promoting media literacy, dialogues on new technologies, and sharing best practices on information integrity. He also encouraged increasing opportunities for young journalists and media professionals to connect across borders, fostering a new generation of human resources who are technologically savvy, culturally sensitive, possess professional ethics, and regional solidarity. Furthermore, Prak Sothoeun called upon regional media institutions to enhance discussions, mutual learning, and collaboration, particularly on fact-checking, digital capacity building, research, professional training, and producing content focused on constructive development. He concluded by stating that contemporary media are not merely observers of development but crucial participants in building public understanding, fostering social connections, and strengthening trust between nations. Cambodia stands ready to work with friends and partners in the region to promote responsible innovation, professional media cooperation, and information integrity, thereby contributing to a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous regional community. By: Kong Sirirat © All rights reserved by National News Agency of Cambodia 2018