ASEAN to Strengthen Joint Efforts on Social Media Challenges After 47th Summit, Says Fahmi
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 18: ASEAN member countries will intensify regional coordination to address social media-related challenges following the 47th ASEAN Summit, which will be held from October 26 to 28, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil announced.
He said the cooperation would be guided by the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Responsible Use of Social Media, one of the key documents expected to be adopted during the summit.
“The Kuala Lumpur Declaration is the result of discussions held last May among ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei,” said Fahmi after attending the ASEAN Friendship Concert 2025 at the Seri Angkasa Auditorium, Angkasapuri Kota Media, on Saturday night.
“During those discussions, most ministers agreed that ASEAN needs a joint strategy and collective steps to address the growing challenges related to social media. We must be united to form similar legislation and take immediate coordinated action,” he added.
Fahmi noted that although ASEAN countries vary in size and influence, with some hosting regional headquarters of major social media platforms like Meta and TikTok, all member states face common online threats.
“Whether large or small, every ASEAN nation is affected by issues such as scams, online gambling, and misinformation. These problems transcend borders, so regional unity is crucial,” he said.
Fahmi expressed confidence that after the summit, ASEAN ministers overseeing information portfolios will move forward with coordinated measures to strengthen online safety and digital governance.
On preparations for the summit, Fahmi said readiness has reached 85 to 90 percent, with full completion expected by the opening day. Technical upgrades, including expanded bandwidth and the installation of 5G infrastructure, are being finalized to ensure stable internet access for media representatives throughout the event.
He also announced that he would personally inspect the International Media Centre (IMC) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) on October 22, followed by a briefing session with media practitioners on the summit’s final preparations.
In a separate note, Fahmi lauded the success of the ASEAN Friendship Concert 2025, describing it as a reflection of regional unity and cultural harmony ahead of the summit.
“This year’s concert is special because, for the first time, it includes participation from Timor-Leste, which will officially join ASEAN on October 26,” he said, congratulating Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) for its role in organizing the event.
“This concert showcases the young talents of Southeast Asia and celebrates the spirit of brotherhood that defines our region,” Fahmi added.