Media Literacy Council to spearhead public education on media literacy

SINGAPORE: The Media Literacy Council (MLC) will be formed on August 1, 2012 to spearhead public education on media literacy and cyber wellness.

It will also advise the government on the appropriate policy response to an increasingly complex and borderless world of media, technology, consumer expectations and participation.

The MLC will partner government bodies, private sector organisations, community groups and social media influencers to raise awareness of media literacy issues across all online and offline media platforms, and promote a safe, secure and civil media environment for all.

The MLC will be supported by the resources from the Media Development Authority (MDA) in its role as secretariat to the council.

The MLC will be chaired by Professor Tan Cheng Han, who is from the Faculty of Law of the National University of Singapore. He headed the Law Faculty from May 2001 to December 2011 and was made Senior Counsel in 2004. He also serves as consultant to TSMP Law Corporation.

The Deputy Chairman is Mrs Carmee Lim, currently a mentor principal of MindChamps Holdings Pte Ltd. Mrs Lim, a veteran in the educational sector, was the former principal of Raffles Girls’ School, a position she held for 12 years.

Professor Tan and Mrs Lim will be joined by 19 other members from various segments of the community, comprising representatives from the business sector, educational institutions, community organisations and social media players.

Professor Tan said: "In cyberspace and the real world where people are constantly interacting and sharing information, appropriate social norms and discernment are important.

"The MLC hopes to raise the media literacy level of Singaporeans so that everyone can benefit even more from the Internet, and traditional and new media."

As part of its charter to promote civility and responsibility on the Internet, the MLC will consult key stakeholders like the industry, community and bloggers to gain insights into the issues of importance to them.

It will review approaches such as advocating best practices and shared values to create a more participatory and responsible cyberspace culture.

The 21 members of the MLC will be officially appointed by Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, and they will each serve a two—year term effective August 1.

The Media Development Authority said the diversity of the MLC will reflect the views and concerns of different communities, as well as enhance the outreach efforts of the MLC through the members’ various networks.

— CNA/fa