To make it more meaningful this year’s awards will be held on the eve of World Press Freedom Day, which was first proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO’s General Conference. It is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence and importantly pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

“World Press Freedom Day is an opportunity to stop and take stock of where we are and where we want to be, to understand how the broader media industry can move towards a positive and sustainable future that contributes to the development of society.  In that light, the Malaysia Global Business Forum will continue to support the government and stakeholders to improve the media’s capacity to report fairly in the cultural and technological context of Malaysia,” stated Nordin Abdullah who is the Founding Chairman of the Malaysia Global Business Forum.

When most people consider press freedom they seldom consider the importance of media’s ability to report freely and fairly on business activities in the country. “Freedom comes at a price, the media first need to be empowered with the right tools, that includes tools to monitor social media and other data driven solutions to access the vast sea of information that is now available, these require resources and expertise. We should not have a press that is on the wrong side of a technological divide in case they are easily manipulated.”

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The Malaysia Global Business Forum would also like to see more international collaboration between Malaysia and other countries to increase the capacity of journalists “Diplomatic missions and international businesses established in the country should look at programs which empower local journalists and increase linkages with other countries.”

The continual improvement of the media is serious business but the awards evening is a chance for the media to let down their hair and relax. “While the media and in particular business media is a serious matter, the event will be held at fun place, the Muito Bom! Brazilian BBQ with a live band. The Muito Bom! Brazilian BBQ in Nexus Bangsar South is a great venue with great food and an excellent concept which allows everyone to have a good time. We want the media to have a chance to relax,” stated Nordin Abdullah who is also an EXCO member of the Malaysia Australia Business Council.

The categories that will be recognised this year will be as follows: Most Influential Commentary Award; Emerging Reporter of the Year Award; Best International Business Reporting Award; Best Local Business Marketing Award; Best Sports Industry Development Award; Best International Bureau Coverage Award; Best Integrated Media Award; Best SME & Local Business Coverage; Most Innovative News Distribution; Most Innovative Data Driven Journalism; Best Property Industry Reporting; Best CSR Reporting; Emerging Data Analytics Firm; Best Social Media Video Development and the Best Report on Women in Business.

The Malaysia Global Business Forum was established to assist stakeholders at the intersection of international business and Malaysian business through advisory, advocacy, research, networking and business matching. The awards night will recognise the important role that the media plays in that dynamic.

Invited guests include the President of the National Press Club, Dato’ Ahirudin Attan @ Rocky Bru, the event is also supported by the Crisis Management Centre and media consulting firm Bendahara Solutions.

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For more information please visit www.MalaysiaGlobalBusinessForum.com