Vietnam Television opens news bureau in S’pore

SINGAPORE : Vietnam Television (VTV) officially opened its news bureau in Singapore on Wednesday.

Its Singapore bureau is one of its eight bureaus in the world.

VTV also signed a cooperation agreement with Singapore media company MediaCorp.

Both sides will promote the exchange of news and television programmes and provide technical support to each other’s correspondents.

They will also co—produce television shows and documentaries, as well as share expertise and management experiences through working visits.

Tran Binh Minh, president of Vietnam Television, said: "The cooperation agreement between VTV and MediaCorp will bring about more information, more fresh updates, and information for our audience.

"We hope that after signing this agreement, we will actively exchange views and experience."

Debra Soon, managing director of Channel NewsAsia at MediaCorp, said: "As Vietnam TV opens its bureau in Singapore, we would like to congratulate them as this also coincides with our relaunch next week.

"It is interesting and very heartening to note that more Asian broadcasters are getting together, to tell original stories of Asia, which is what we feel is necessary.

"The Vietnam TV cooperation will allow us to have another reference point for viewers in Asia, and allow us to report events as it happens in Asia, from Asia, from people who understand Asia best even better."

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Communications and Information Sim Ann noted that the agreement is a by—product of a memorandum of understanding signed between Singapore and Vietnam in 1998.

She said the setting up of VTV’s bureau is a boost to relations between Singapore and Vietnam, and is the first in a series of initiatives to mark 40 years of bilateral diplomatic relations.

Ms Sim Ann said it is also an affirmation of Singapore’s position as a regional media hub, as well as its attractiveness as a strategic location with excellent infrastructure.

More than 40 media organisations have bureaus in Singapore.

— CNA/ms