ASEAN-China audiovisual cooperation strengthened at 2025 conference in Bangkok

The event emphasised the growing collaboration between ASEAN member states and China in the media and audiovisual sectors.

The event was jointly organised by China’s National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA), the Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, and the Thai Media Fund.

The conference reaffirmed the significant cooperation marked by the signing of multiple agreements across various sectors in the audiovisual industry:

• A letter of exchange on co-hosting the ASEAN-China Media Week between the Secretariat and the Thai Media Fund.
   
• A letter of exchange between the China Intercontinental Communication Centre (CICC) and the Thai Media Fund.
   
• An agreement for co-producing a short online series in Thailand between Guangxi Shanhai Xingchen Culture Media and Thailand’s MY Creation Studio.
   
• A strategic cooperation agreement between Nanyang Bridge Media and Hainan Sansha TV.
   
• A business cooperation framework for the “Hi View” project between Guangxi Yaoxiang Cultural Communication and Thailand’s Medusa International Media.
   
• An agreement to establish a development centre for ASEAN language personnel between Innoed Group Limited and ZTT Language School.
   
• An investment agreement to co-produce a cross-border series, Sawadika – Thai Destiny, between Guangxi Radio and Television and Thai Cool Films International.
   
• A cooperation agreement on tailored audiovisual solutions for the Indonesian public and private sectors between Coocaa Network Technology, Skyworth Group, and Indonesia’s Gantala Institute.
   
• An MOU on AI media innovation training between Guangxi Normal University and the Seed Thailand youth network.

The event also featured the introduction of several ASEAN-China audiovisual investment and cooperation projects, including the AI platform Kling, the Thai version of the drama series The Thirsty Thirty Series, the development of platforms and creative content production, the introduction of short drama platforms and cultural applications abroad, the joint creation of a new era in audiovisual media, international collaboration and innovation, and partnerships for the creative production of local Thai media.

Ratchanok Kojaranont, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Thailand’s Ministry of Culture, highlighted efforts to strengthen ASEAN-China media cooperation and support sustainable media growth. 

She noted government incentives for international film productions and expanding Thai creative content globally, particularly through China’s Belt and Road Initiative. She also emphasised encouraging young talent in the industry and advancing collaboration to celebrate 50 years of Thailand-China diplomatic ties.

Dong Xin, Deputy Director of NRTA, emphasised the successful co-production of popular programmes that promote cultural exchange and friendship between ASEAN and China. He noted innovation, AI integration, and new content formats as essential to sustainable collaboration in the digital era.

Hu Fan, Vice Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, expressed readiness to deepen comprehensive cooperation with ASEAN countries, encouraging mutual development through audiovisual partnerships.

Dr Thanakorn Srisuksai, Manager of the Thai Media Fund, highlighted the importance of international partnerships in film and media as tools for promoting cross-cultural understanding and creative exchange. 

He noted that film is a powerful global medium, and such collaboration can drive economic cooperation, innovation, and long-term growth in the ASEAN-China audiovisual industry.