Maldives Hosts 21st Asia Media Summit to Drive Digital Broadcasting Transformation

The 21st Asia Media Summit concluded in the Maldives after three days of intensive dialogue on the evolution of broadcasting and the integration of new technologies. Held at Villa Nautica from May 11 to 13, the event brought together over 300 delegates, with approximately 80 percent of participants traveling from overseas to attend. Organized jointly by the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) and Public Service Media (PSM), the summit operated under the theme “Maldives 2.0: From Tradition to Tech.” The gathering served as a critical forum for media professionals to navigate the shifting landscape of global communications. The summit featured eight plenary sessions, including a high-level ministerial meeting dedicated to public media policy. Discussions centered on the unique challenges faced by media outlets in small island developing states, the risks and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, and the essential role of youth in shaping the future of the industry. The event culminated in the adoption of the “Maldives 2.0 Declaration” and the publication of a comprehensive outcome report. During the closing ceremonies, South Korea was named as the host for the 2027 Asia Media Summit. Additionally, Public Service Media (PSM) was honored with a Special Award for Media Excellence in recognition of its contributions to regional media development. Beyond the formal sessions, PSM leveraged the summit to establish strategic international partnerships. Managing Director Ahmed Shakeeb and Deputy Managing Director Abdulla Yamin led meetings with representatives from Russia’s RT and the BIMSTEC secretariat. These discussions focused on technical cooperation, content exchange, and capacity building for media staff. Key attendees in these bilateral talks included Boris Gorlov of RT, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indra Mani Pandey, and Sri Lanka’s Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Japatissa. Shakeeb noted that the summit was instrumental in strengthening international partnerships, which will be vital for the future development of broadcasting in the Maldives.