Introduction

The Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) held in July 1999 called for greater effort in promoting a ‘smart partnership’ nation-building vision among the South nations for solidarity, harmony and mutual prosperity. It also called for a greater flow of news and information between and among developing nations.

Following that call, Malaysia took upon herself to support this vision by establishing the SOUTH-SOUTH INFORMATION GATEWAY (SSIG) – a depository and exchange centre for information, news and broadcast materials for all South nations.

The idea of the information exchange centre was mooted by the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Hon. Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamed, at the 1999 LID and Malaysia undertook to shape the SSIG, its vision, mission and strategies in accordance with the resolution adopted by the 5th Conference of the Ministers of Information of Non-Aligned Countries (COMINAC V) held in Abuja, Nigeria, in 1996.

SSIG was established with the aim of promoting the best interests of South nations. It will harness the exchange of information, news and broadcast materials where the South’s perspective will be emphasized. With the setting up of SSIG, it is hoped that it will strengthen solidarity, harmony and mutual prosperity of South nations while cultivating a new communication order that will promote a freer and more balanced flow of information within its fraternity.

The establishment of SSIG will serve as a one-stop information centre whereby information on South nations will be made available and presented according to South perspective- a worthy initiative to enable all South nations to be heard and to be visible in the world’s mainstream economy. The rapid pace of globalization demands timely information, an important factor for a competitive edge. It is our hope that the SSIG will provide the catalyst to enhance the sharing of experiences, knowledge and skills in facing the increasing challenges off globalisation.