A strong advocate and collaborator of The University of the South Pacific’s (USP) Journalism programme, the Honourable Timothy Masiu, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Information and Communications Technology, has received major recognition from a prominent Asia-Pacific media organisation for his exceptional contributions in media and communications.
In a statement, the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) highlighted that Masiu has been instrumental in strengthening ties across the Asia-Pacific region in media and ICT development.
AIBD, a prestigious intergovernmental organisation established in 1977 under the auspices of UNESCO, is a leading international hub for media training and policy dialogue, with a mission to foster sustainable broadcasting development across Asia and the Pacific.
AIBD stated that it has long advocated for closer integration with the Pacific, a vision significantly advanced in 2023 through the tireless efforts of Minister Masiu, the AIBD’s Pacific Envoy.
“His dynamic leadership and connections have facilitated unprecedented partnerships and exchanges between AIBD and the Pacific in a remarkably short span,” said the AIBD.
One notable achievement was the AIBD’s historic mission to PNG in December 2023. It strengthened relationships with PNG’s leading media organisations to foster sustainable media development, enhance content exchange, and promote cross-border collaboration.
Minister Masiu has consistently championed deeper engagement across the Asia-Pacific.
Speaking at the 2024 Asia Media Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he emphasised the importance of collective action to address emerging regional threats such as fake news and cyberbullying.
“Collaboration enhances our capacity to tackle challenges like cybersecurity and digital public infrastructure, equipping us to meet our digitalisation commitments,” he remarked.
His advocacy has also brought significant Pacific representation to AIBD events, including the 2024 Asia Media Summit. Highlights included the historic participation of the USP Journalism Programme and the re-engagement of Vanuatu Broadcasting and Television Corporation.
A former leading journalist himself, Minister Masiu has remained a steadfast advocate of the vital role media plays in preserving and promoting Pacific identities. His close association with the USP Journalism Programme has been instrumental in fostering stronger regional media ties.
In his address at USP’s 2024 Pacific International Media Conference in Suva he called on Pacific media outlets to play a leading role in protecting and promoting the region’s unique cultural heritage.
“Our media objectives and practices should reflect all levels of our unique Pacific way of life,” he said.
“We must focus on issues such as climate change, environmental preservation, and the protection of our fast-fading languages, traditions, and political values. We must not let our authentic ways be lost or overshadowed by outside influences or agendas.”
Minister Masiu was the Chief Guest at the 2023 USP Journalism Awards, where he addressed aspiring journalists and industry professionals alike on the importance of ethical, community-based journalism in the Pacific.
AIBD acknowledged that Minister Masiu’s tenure as one marked by transformative progress in digital governance, regional partnerships, and ICT infrastructure, which also align with USP’s mission of fostering inclusive, innovative, and globally engaged education and development across the Pacific.
