Public Service Media (PSM), the state broadcaster of the Maldives, has been elected Vice Chair of the General Conference and appointed as a member of the Executive Board of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD), following a vote among member states during the organisation’s 23rd General Conference, held in Phuket, Thailand.
The Maldives was nominated for the position of vice chair of the AIBD general conference by Sri Lanka, with the nomination seconded by Thailand, which currently holds the presidency of the general conference for the forthcoming two-year term.
The appointment secures PSM a two-year tenure in a senior governance role within the AIBD, marking its second term in this capacity after previously serving as vice chair in 2018. The outcome reflects the broadcaster’s sustained engagement in regional media development and its institutional credibility among Asia-Pacific peers.
Comprising ten member countries, the AIBD executive board is tasked with oversight of the organisation’s financial stewardship, human resource strategy, and administrative coordination. PSM’s inclusion in this governing body positions the Maldives within the core decision-making framework of the institute.
Founded in 1977, the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development operates as a multilateral platform for public broadcasters across the region. Its mandate centres on advancing media capacity and fostering professional development through structured programmes, including technical training, editorial workshops, and collaborative initiatives.
The 23rd General Conference, held from 19 to 21 October, convened representatives from across the Asia-Pacific to deliberate on the evolving challenges confronting regional broadcasters. Discussions focused on strategic responses to industry shifts, with delegates exchanging operational insights and reaffirming commitments to institutional cooperation.
Beyond its role within the AIBD, PSM continues to represent the Maldives in prominent international media bodies, including the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) and the Commonwealth Broadcasters Association (CBA). Through its active participation, the broadcaster contributes to aligning the Maldivian media sector with globally recognised standards and advancing its presence within the international broadcasting community.