Media leaders adopt Shenzhen Consensus to boost Asia-Pacific cooperation Asia More than 400 media representatives from over 40 countries and regions have adopted the Shenzhen Consensus, pledging to promote openness, innovation and digital transformation as drivers of prosperity and stronger cooperation across the Asia-Pacific region. The consensus was unveiled yesterday (5 September) at the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF), held at the Qianhai International Convention Center in Shenzhen, China. The signatories committed to safeguarding the multilateral trading system and strengthening coverage of regional integration efforts, including the proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific and measures to stabilise industrial supply chains. Themed "Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action", the forum called for greater media cooperation, mutual trust and regional integration amid rapid digital transformation and growing communication challenges. The forum also serves as a prelude to the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which Shenzhen will host in November this year. "We believe that an informed society, supported by professional and responsible media, is an important foundation for inclusive development and constructive regional cooperation," said Prak Thaveak Amida, Under-Secretary of State at Cambodia's Ministry of Information. Cambodian officials urged the region's media organisations to uphold "truth over sensationalism, dialogue over division, and shared progress over narrow interests". Partnership programme launched At the opening ceremony, 16 founding organisations from China and other countries jointly established the Organising Committee of the Asia-Pacific Media Partnership Programme. The founding members include Xinhua News Agency, Malaysia's Bernama, Indonesia's Antara News Agency, Russia's TASS, Vietnam News Agency and Peru's Andina News Agency, among others. Bernama chief executive officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin said the initiative would strengthen ties and strategic cooperation among news agencies in the region. "Through this participation, Bernama will have the opportunity to exchange experiences and