The Asia-Pacific High-Level Media Forum, a key event in the APEC 'Year of China' series, was held from September 2 to 5 in Guangdong Province, China.
Over 400 journalists, think tank representatives, and officials from more than 40 countries and regions, including UN agencies and international organizations, attended the forum to discuss ways to enhance media cooperation and foster shared prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
From South Korea, Aju Media Group Chairman Kwak Young-gil and Aju Daily Editor-in-Chief Wang Haena were invited to participate in the forum.
During the event, Chairman Kwak participated in a discussion titled 'Why Did APEC Choose Shenzhen?' The panel included Wang Wen, Executive Director of the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University of China; Chen Jiaxing, Chairman of the Malaysia Regional Strategic Institute; and Alexei Ulazov, International Cooperation Director of the Russian National Media Group, who shared in-depth insights on Shenzhen's competitive development and the significance of APEC cooperation.
Throughout the forum, Chairman Kwak conducted interviews with major Chinese media outlets, including China Central Television (CCTV), Guangzhou Daily, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, and Shenzhen TV. He described Shenzhen as a city of reform, openness, and inclusivity, often referred to as China's Silicon Valley and Asia's Silicon Valley. He also shared his thoughts on the development of Shenzhen and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, discussing the changes he experienced firsthand in the region. Additionally, he expressed optimism about the future of Korea-China cooperation and the upcoming APEC summit to be held in Shenzhen.
Editor-in-Chief Wang Haena also engaged in interviews with local media such as Guangzhou TV, Shenzhen TV, and Foshan TV, sharing her views on the development of China's manufacturing sector, Korea-China economic and trade cooperation, and exchanges among APEC economies.
Prior to the forum's opening, attendees visited major cities in Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, and Zhongshan, where they toured local high-tech companies and experienced the dynamic growth showcased by the scientific and technological advancements and urban development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Li Shulei, a member of the Central Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and head of the Central Propaganda Department. Huang Kunming, also a member of the Central Political Bureau and Secretary of the Guangdong Provincial Committee, attended and delivered congratulatory remarks.
The forum included various in-depth discussions featuring key figures from China and the Asia-Pacific region. Business leaders, journalists, and academics exchanged broad opinions on topics ranging from technology sharing and industrial application to joint business and innovation model development, as well as mutual understanding and value exchange.
Co-hosted by the Central Propaganda Department of China, Xinhua News Agency, and the People's Government of Guangdong Province, the forum was part of the APEC 'Year of China' program. During the forum, Aju Media Group and Aju Daily actively participated in various official programs, engaging in high-level discussions, local industry and city tours, and a series of interviews with major Chinese media, fostering extensive exchanges with officials, media representatives, and think tank members from China and the Asia-Pacific region.
This event highlighted the significant influence of the media network and reporting experience that Aju Media Group has built over years of activity in China, connecting Korea, China, and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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