AKP Siem Reap, July 22, 2025 --

The 20th Asia Media Summit (AMS 2025) under the theme ‘Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence & Beyond’ kicked off this morning in Siem Reap cultural province inthe presence of media practitioners and high-level delegations from 37 nations.

This event was held under the presidency of H.E. Neth Pheaktra, Minister of Information.

In his opening speech, H.E. Neth Pheaktra said this event is not just celebrating the passing of years, but a legacy built by committed journalists, broadcasters, regulators, policymakers, and innovators across Asia and the Pacific who have worked hand in hand to shape a media environment that is resilient, ethical, independent, and responsive to the people it serves.

Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, the Minister continued, Cambodia made crucial strides in promoting freedom of the press, nurturing pluralism, and building the professional capacity of our media. He saw media not merely as a tool of communication, but as an instrument of peacebuilding, public education, and democratic resilience.

Today, Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet is carrying forward this vision with renewed dynamism. The Royal government of Cambodia is driving strategic reforms focused on digital transformation, professional integrity, and ethical media conduct—ensuring that the Fourth Estate remains a defender of truth and unity in the face of today’s challenges.

Ms. Philomena Gnanapragasam, CEO and Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) said is an annual international media conference organised by AIBD as its flagship event.

Every year in consultation with the members, partners and various global media gurus, a theme guides the direction and delivery of the summit, she said.

Being a unique broadcasting event in the Asia-Pacific, it attracts top-ranking broadcasters, decision makers, media professionals, regulators, scholars, and stakeholders from within and outside the region, added Ms. Gnanapragasam.

By Heng Panha