Officially opening the Digital Broadcasting Symposium today in Malaysia, Deputy Communications Minister Jailani Johari told delegates that “attending this symposium has become a must for broadcasters in the region.”

The deputy minister said the event is a “good platform for broadcasters to discuss and learn about the latest digital trends and issues.”

“Moving from analog to digital offers not just improvements in technology, but also benefits for audiences,” he said.

Malaysia “does not want to lag behind,” and the Communications Ministry’s aim is to encourage broadcasters to be able to go digital and offer more choices and value added services to audiences.

After opening the symposium the minister visited the exhibition stalls. He is pictured below at the World DMB display.

Opening the symposium ABU Secretary General Javad  Mottagui said the main task for broadcasters is to deliver content and to reach the public. To do so, spectrum is of vital importance.

“Free to air broadcasters need spectrum,” he said. He reminded governments and regulators to pay attention to reserving digital spectrum for broadcasters. “An inability to deliver on different platforms could result in a lost opportunity for broadcasters,” said Mottagui (pictured below under the Asia Radio Today logo).