Countries of Southeast Asia and BRICS are strengthening their integration cooperation through the TV BRICS International Media Network. In April 2026, Malaysia’s leading broadcasting outlet Astro AWANI formalised its collaboration with the network through a media cooperation agreement signed by TV BRICS CEO Janna Tolstikova and Astro AWANI Acting Editor-in-Chief Zaiful Ariffin. 

The partnership will see both sides combine efforts to develop a comprehensive editorial agenda, enhance the professional growth of newsroom teams, and promote the international development of countries within ASEAN and BRICS. With the support of TV BRICS, Astro AWANI will gain access to verified, first-hand news content from international partners, while expanding the global reach of its own reporting across new markets and audiences. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Janna Tolstikova noted that the network already works with leading media organisations across Southeast Asia, including partners in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, with BERNAMA joining the multilateral content exchange in 2025. She emphasised that ASEAN and BRICS share common aspirations for cooperation, and that TV BRICS aims to provide objective, first-hand information on cultural diversity and economic opportunities while fostering open international dialogue. 

Building on this, Zaiful emphasised that a strong international presence is essential for Malaysia to remain relevant amid intensifying major power competition. He noted that it enables the country to advance Global South perspectives, attract investment and technological partnerships, and reinforce its role as a moderate, multilateral voice.

 “International positioning is no longer optional. From a media standpoint, this interest is reflected in the need to better understand shifting economic power centres, track developments such as de-dollarisation and alternative financial systems, and amplify South South cooperation narratives that are often underreported. Engagement with platforms like TV BRICS allows us to broaden our editorial reach while maintaining balanced, informed, and critical coverage for our audiences.” said Zaiful, underscoring the organisation’s role in projecting Malaysia’s voice with clarity. 

Equally important is the role of international collaboration in strengthening journalistic practice. The exchange of experience with global media counterparts is both essential and transformative, enhancing editorial standards through exposure to best practices in verification, ethics, and investigative reporting, while also deepening narrative perspectives beyond domestic boundaries. 

Astro AWANI, founded in 2007, is part of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad, one of Southeast Asia’s largest media conglomerates in satellite television and digital media. The outlet specialises in socio-political coverage spanning the economy, environment, education, culture, and sports, and operates in both Malay and English.

Today, more than 100 media organisations from over 30 countries are part of the TV BRICS network, with its content reaching audiences in 80 countries worldwide.