Many leaders of South nations have lamented over the lack or little flow of information between developing countries which put these nations at the mercy of the information ‘super highways’ from the North to the South. When this deficiency was discussed by the leaders at the Langkawi International Dialogue in 1999, Malaysia took up the proposal to see if it could work out a mechanism in which information can flow better between the South nations.

Hence, the South-South Information Gateway (SSIG) was conceived and implemented as an Internet portal (www.ssig.gov.my) for South countries to tell the world about their nations, peoples, cultures, economies and aspirations.

The SSIG is intended as an exchange centre and central depository for information, news and broadcast materials – like documentaries, films, radio and TV programmes – from the South fraternity. These materials are produced by the South nations and offer their own unique perspectives on issues and events in line with the SSIG’s main aim of promoting the best interest of the South countries.

The centre would also be a catalyst to enhance the sharing of experiences, knowledge, expertise and skills, the basis of a smart partnership in facing the increasing challenges of globalisation.

It is hoped that the SSIG would be a major forum for South countries to tell the whole world what is happening within their own national boundaries through their own eyes and perspectives, thus projecting a more accurate and balanced view vis-ˆ-vis the powerful and pervasive transnational media.

We welcome all public broadcasting organisations or public agencies in the South fraternity to join us in this endeavor to promote a greater and smoother flow of information between nations.