Vientiane, November 25, 2024 – At the 8th ASEAN Media Forum (AMF), Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn, Executive Director of the Mekong Institute (MI), highlighted the substantial advancements made in ASEAN’s connectivity through physical connectivity, institutional and cross border mechanisms, and people-to-people exchanges. Participating in a panel discussion titled “ASEAN Connectivity – Achievements and Prospects,” he emphasized that the Kunming-Singapore Railway serves as a pivotal starting point for this progress, which has taken decades to establish. He noted that the benefits of this connectivity are now evident in the region’s ability to import food and goods, making products like frozen and packaged foods readily available to consumers. 

Mr. Suriyan urged stakeholders to persist in enhancing connectivity across all dimensions, stressing that the topic remains dynamic and requires ongoing attention. Despite notable achievements, he acknowledged that challenges persist at various levels, including differences in implementation across member states. He underscored the importance of translating regional initiatives into effective national and local actions while strengthening existing mechanisms for collaboration. 

Joining the panel were:

• Mr. Lim Chze Cheen, Director of ASEAN Connectivity Division, ASEAN Secretariat
• H.E. Mark Gallagher, Ambassador of the European Union to Lao PDR
• Dr. Mirza Sadaqat Huda, Lead Researcher, Climate Change in Southeast Asia Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute

The session was moderated by Mr. Pichai Chuensuksawadi, a seasoned journalist with over five decades of experience in the media industry and former Editor-in-Chief of Bangkok Post. 

Organised by the ASEAN Secretariat with the support from the German Federal Government through GIZ, the event attracted more than 40 media leaders from across ASEAN, including representatives from Timor Leste. 

Since its inception in 2017 during the AMF in Manila, this annual event has provided a vital platform for media leaders and editors-in-chief from all ASEAN Member States to engage with key policymakers, academics, and private sector representatives. The forum serves as a critical venue for discussing strategies that enhance regional cooperation and address shared challenges.

As ASEAN continues to develop its infrastructure and connectivity frameworks, Mr. Suriyan’s insights reflect a broader commitment to fostering an integrated regional economy. The ongoing dialogue among media leaders and policymakers is essential for ensuring that the benefits of connectivity are widely understood and effectively implemented across the region.