The challenges faced by media practitioners and sportswriters in Asia will be the main agenda during the 19th AIPS Asia Congress which begins this afternoon.
Malaysia were chosen to host the congress by AIPS Asia delegates during its annual congress in Manama, Bahrain, last year and the 19th edition is the first gathering of member countries after the election of the new office bearers.
“The congress is the platform to discuss the challenges faced by media practitioners when carrying out their duties as they look to give a more comprehensive coverage,” said AIPS Asia vice president Ahmad Khawari Md Isa at the Press Conference this afternoon.
“We want to assist media partners, especially those in Asia, to have a good working relationship to broadcast their news. We also want the standard and quality of the sports journalism in Asia to attract global attention,” said Ahmad Khawari, who is also the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president.
Representatives of sportswriters’ associations from 31 member countries are aatending the congress which was officiated by Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) President Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar today.
“The role of media in promoting sports is commendable and highly appreciated. As a former athlete myself to being a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), I have seen how sports and sports journalism have evolved over the years.
“News of athletes and the stories of their blood, sweat and tears – have made headlines and reported and broadcasted in different media platforms with sheer pride, devotion and commitment in Malaysia, Asia and all around the world,” said Tunku Imran in his speech.
Also present at the opening ceremony was AIPS President Giani Merlo and AIPS Asia President Mohammad Qassim.
