Asia Media Summit Pre-Workshops Tackle AI and Climate Change in Maldives

A series of specialized pre-summit workshops has concluded in the Maldives, setting the stage for the 21st Asia Media Summit (AMS). Organized jointly by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development and Public Service Media (PSM), the event brings together media professionals under the theme “Maldives 2.0: From Tradition to Tech.” Hosted across Villa Nautica, Hulhule’ Island Hotel, and Manhattan Business Hotel, the workshops focused on the rapidly evolving intersection of technology and journalism. Key sessions addressed social media engagement, audience growth, and the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in news production and visual storytelling. Experts led discussions on the critical need for building trust in digital media, specifically highlighting the risks posed by AI and the spread of misinformation. The workshops also emphasized the importance of editorial independence in an era of digital disruption. Given the Maldives' vulnerability to environmental shifts, specialized training in climate change and disaster journalism was a central component of the program, focusing on responsible reporting during ecological crises. Practical training sessions provided delegates with hands-on experience in using AI tools for scriptwriting, fact-checking, and graphic creation. Other technical segments explored AI automation, cloud production, and the implementation of modern broadcasting infrastructure to enhance media delivery. The event has drawn significant international interest, with over 300 delegates attending the summit. Approximately 80 percent of these participants have traveled from across the Asia-Pacific region, underscoring the Maldives' role as a hub for regional media discourse. The Asia Media Summit officially opens on 12 May, with core sessions running through 13 May. To conclude the event on 14 May, delegates will participate in a coral-planting initiative in Kudagiri, bridging the summit's focus on technology with a commitment to environmental preservation.