Dated: 17 June 2009
Brunei Darussalam and Singapore today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster greater bilateral media collaborations, particularly in the field of digital media. It aims to spur policy and regulatory exchanges, as well as business collaborations between government and private entities of both countries in digital media such as internet protocol television, cable television and mobile broadcasting.
The MOU was signed by His Excellency Haji Awang Alaihuddin Bin Pehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohamad Taha, Permanent Secretary, Brunei’s Ministry of Communications, in his capacity as its Director of Broadcasting, and Dr Tan Chin Nam, Chairman of Singapore’s Media Development Authority, at the sidelines of BroadcastAsia 2009.
The signing was witnessed by The Honourable Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abu Bakar Bin Haji Apong, Brunei’s Minister of 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 co-operation 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 Chin Nam.
His Excellency Haji Awang Alaihuddin Bin Pehin Orang Kaya Di-Gadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Utama Haji Awang Mohamad Taha said, “In view of convergence, advancement in technology and the opportunities that it brings, it is timely that the existing co-operation to be extended to the regulator level. We see this as a strategic partnership where both parties can collaborate on a range of activities, from commercial and industrial exchanges and technology partnership, from educational and learning exchanges to the sharing of policy and regulatory information. I am positive that with our combined efforts, the MOU we are about to sign will deliver the benefits it promises and stimulate further collaboration between both countries and its industries.”
Today’s agreement builds upon and complements the existing bilateral media MOU in the field of broadcasting signed by Brunei Darussalam and Singapore on 6 October 1990. The initial MOU generated a steady slate of television and radio co-productions annually including Rapsodi, a variety extravaganza;Minda, Bridging Minds and University Forum, programmes that promotes closer interaction and understanding among students;Pantun, a joint radio production;Malay dramas;and joint technical meetings between broadcasters from both countries.
The closer media ties between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore reinforce firm media co-operation among Association of Southeast Asian Nations (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 Member States’ agreement to a common set of technical specifications for Standard Definition and High Definition digital set-top-boxes, as well as the policy parameters concerning the strategies and schedule for the switch-over to digital broadcasting. Other than Brunei Darussalam, Singapore has also sealed media co-operation MOUs with three other ASEAN countries, namely the Philippines, Indonesia and Thailand.
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Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA)
Formed in 2003, the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) plays a vital role in transforming Singapore into a Trusted Global Capital for New Asia Media. MDA spearheads initiatives that promote industry growth in film, television, radio, publishing, music, games, animation and Interactive Digital Media. At the same time, in ensuring clear and consistent regulatory policies and guidelines, MDA helps to foster a pro-business environment for industry players and increase media choices for consumers. For more information, visit www.mda.gov.sg and www.smf.sg.
About BroadcastAsia
BroadcastAsia –Asia’s most comprehensive digital multimedia and entertainment technology event –will be held at Singapore Expo come 16 –19 June 2009. In its 14th edition, the event will once again act as a one-stop sourcing platform for the broadcast and media industry, offering an effective avenue for exhibitors to promote and achieve visibility for their products and solutions, and at the same time network with their customers from across the Asia Pacific region.
Concurrently held at the exhibition is BroadcastAsia2009 International Conference. The conference offers participants the opportunity to gather with peers to share and identify the directions for the industry. Delegates will be able to learn about how forced reassessment and changes in the industry brought about in the downturn can be beneficial in the long term by bringing more efficient and greener solutions.
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