The Information Services Department (ISD) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation (MOU) with the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) to strengthen media collaboration and showcase Hong Kong’s achievements globally.

The Director of Information Services John Tse, and ABU Secretary-General Ahmed Nadeem signed the agreement. This marks the first MOU that the ISD has signed with a regional broadcasting union.

Under the agreement, both parties will seek to establish a dedicated communication mechanism to exchange views on media co-operation and collaborate on hosting joint events in Hong Kong. The partnership will leverage ABU platforms to present compelling stories of Hong Kong and facilitate visits by media professionals from ABU member organisations to promote reciprocal dialogue and mutual understanding.

Mr Tse said the ABU’s expansive global footprint aligns closely with the ISD’s objective of engaging international media. He noted that the ISD can support ABU members by sharing Hong Kong’s accurate, up-to-date news stories to build a long-term partnership.

The ISD will initiate discussions to invite senior and mid-level editorial staff from ABU member organisations to visit Hong Kong at the end of this year. The department will also support the ABU in hosting media events in Hong Kong next year.

“As we prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region next year, we will also make good use of the ABU's international network and platforms to share information on Hong Kong's celebratory activities and achievements over the past three decades with wide audiences around the world.

“It will also help global audiences to keep abreast of the latest developments in Hong Kong, and learn about the emerging opportunities in areas ranging from business and investment, to education, arts, culture and much more,” Mr Tse added.

Established in 1964, the ABU is a not-for-profit, non-governmental professional association dedicated to advancing broadcasting and regional media co-operation. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the ABU is the world’s largest broadcasting union, spanning over 220 member organisations across 66 countries and serving more than half the world's population.