ASIA-PACIFIC BROADCASTING

Brunei and Singapore have formally agreed to foster greater bilateral media collaborations, particularly in the field of digital media such as IPTV, cable TV and mobile broadcasting.

The MOU was signed on behalf of Brunei by Hj Awang Alaihuddin bin Dato Seri Utama Hj Awang Mohamad Taha, Permanent Secretary of Brunei’s Ministry of Communications, in his capacity as Director of Broadcasting. Signing on behalf of Singapore was Dr Tan Chin Nam, chairman of the Media Development Authority.

The signing was witnessed by Dato Seri Setia Hj Awang Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, Brunei’s Minister for Communications, and Rear Admiral (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Singapore’s Acting Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts.

“Brunei Darussalam is a key partner of Singapore and the latest media cooperation between the two countries further strengthens our long-standing bilateral relationship. Through this MOU, we hope to put in place a broad framework for our agencies to share ideas and their experiences to meet the challenges of regulating emerging digital platforms and for companies in both countries to collaborate on different facets of the digital media value-chain,” said Dr Tan.

Hj Awang Alaihuddin said: “In view of media convergence, advancements in technology and the opportunities that they bring, it is timely that the existing cooperation be extended to the regulator level.

“We see this as a strategic partnership where both parties can collaborate on a range of activities — commercial and industrial exchanges and technology partnerships, educational and learning exchanges, and the sharing of policy and regulatory information

“I am positive that with our combined efforts, the MOU we sign will deliver the benefits it promises and stimulate further collaboration between both our countries and industries.”

The agreement builds upon and complements the existing bilateral media MOU in the field of broadcasting signed by Brunei and Singapore on 6 October 1990. The initial MOU led to a number of joint technical meetings between broadcasters from both countries. It also generated a steady slate of TV and radio co-productions that included Rapsodi, a variety extravaganza; Minda, Bridging Minds and University Forum, which are programmes that promote closer interaction and understanding among students; Pantun, a joint radio production; and Malay dramas.

The closer media ties between Brunei and Singapore reinforce firm media cooperation among ASEAN member states. Both countries have been leading the region’s efforts towards digital broadcasting through their co-chairmanship of the ASEAN Digital Broadcasting (ADB) meetings.

The ADB had successfully obtained agreement to a common set of technical specifications for SD and HD digital set-top boxes, as well as the policy parameters concerning the strategies and schedule for the switchover from analogue to digital broadcasting.

Other than with Brunei, Singapore has so far sealed media cooperation MOUs with three other ASEAN countries — the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.

 

 

 

 

 

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