Presentation Journal: South East Asia

Intense media censorship is definitely the trend in South East Asia, more specifically Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. In Singapore, corporations own all media outlets and maintain economic ties to the government, allowing governmental influence. The material is also censored to discourage political dissent and protect the multi-national public. Media is often banned if it goes against the government's strict laws. Journalists often leave the country to report elsewhere. In Malaysia, media is controlled and operated by the government, and some private corporations, both working closely together. Any material that threatens the government, or one of the ethnic groups, is banned or censored. The government is also known to block foreign media in the pursuit of becoming a more independent, information technology leader. Vietnam’s media is owned by the government; all are subject to censorship, especially if the material is political and against the government in any way. The Internet is the most regulated, with bloggers and social media closely monitored. Foreign films are often censored. Many argue these nations should focus more on human rights and less on censorship and control.