AMIC’s 29th Annual Conference held in Bandung, Indonesia

The 29th Annual Conference of the Asian Media Information and Communication Centre, Inc. (AMIC) convened under the theme “Talk ASAP: The Africa-Asia Pacific Dialogue on Communication Issues,” was held in Bandung, Indonesia, from September 28 to 30, 2023.

The University of Padjadjaran in Bandung and the Far Eastern University in Manila, Philippines, co-hosted it with AMIC.

This is a first for AMIC and is inspired by the conference participants' desire to continue the dialogue and collaboration on communication issues beyond Bandung, where the historic 1955 Asian-African Heads of States meeting was held and aimed to foster dialogue, knowledge-sharing, partnership, collaboration, and cooperation between these two vibrant continents.

Over 280 participants from 22 countries came together to discuss contemporary education and communication issues, with 167 papers presented.

The declaration that a committee drafted stated the following:

Embracing Digital Technology and Knowledge Brokering and Sharing

Participants emphasized the importance of tacit knowledge brokering and sharing, particularly the exchange of best practices, to address common communication media issues. Special attention was given to the implications of digital technology disruptions and the advent of Super Smart Society 5.0, driven by machine-learning-based artificial intelligence.

Media, Information & Digital Literacy and Communication Education for All

The continuous onslaught of disinformation in the global and local media ecosystem demands integration of media, information and digital literacy (MIDL), which empowers individuals to be critical and discerning media users and consumers as well as responsible and ethical content creators using various formats and platforms.

A critical priority highlighted during the conference was the need to enhance society’s competencies in digital literacy through “Communication Education for All” curricula. These curricula should be integrated into formal, non-formal, and informal education at all levels and across all fields.

Towards Consensus, Facilitating Cohesion on Global Communication Issues

The conference also advocated for more extensive efforts to explore the feasibility of adopting a mechanism for inter-continental consultation, aiming to build consensus, and promote tolerance and societal cohesion on current and emerging global communication issues.

Promoting Networking and Collaboration

Recognizing the need for more venues for networking and collaboration, the conference called for increased cooperation among Asian and African communication professionals, practitioners, and institutions. This includes collaborative programs and activities in such areas as research, publications, capacity building, and faculty/students exchanges.

In conclusion, the AMIC’s 29th Annual Conference served as a bridge, connecting the past achievements of the 1955 Bandung Asia-Africa Summit Conference with the contemporary challenges and opportunities in the realms of communication and information. It reaffirmed the commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and shared learning between Africa and Asia to closer friendship and partnership, paving the way for a brighter, more interconnected future. - Madonna T. Virola