More than 200 media leaders and professionals from 35 countries gathered in Singapore for the sixth Asian Media Leaders' Summit (AMLS) 2026, examining how artificial intelligence, economic pressures and changing audience behaviour are reshaping the future of journalism.

Held on October 26–27, the two-day summit brought together representatives from 94 media organisations to explore innovative newsroom strategies, emerging technologies and sustainable business models amid growing uncertainty in the global news industry.

Bangladesh was represented by United News of Bangladesh (UNB) Editor-in-Chief Enayetullah Khan and Executive Editor Nahar Khan, who joined international media executives, publishers, editors and technology professionals in discussions on the industry's evolving challenges.

Nahar Khan, also the founder of Solis, moderated a session titled "Is Investigative Journalism Too Difficult and Expensive?", highlighting the growing financial and operational challenges confronting in-depth journalism.

The session featured Yi-Shan Chen, Editor-in-Chief of Taiwan's Commonwealth Magazine, and Karl Malakunas, Head of Philanthropic Partnerships at Agence France-Presse (AFP), Hong Kong.

Participants examined how shrinking newsroom budgets, legal threats and digital disruption are making investigative reporting increasingly difficult, particularly for media organisations struggling to maintain financial sustainability.

The discussion also explored alternative funding mechanisms and ways to preserve investigative journalism's critical role in holding governments, corporations and powerful institutions accountable.

AI reshapes newsroom priorities

Artificial intelligence emerged as a major focus of the summit as media executives examined its growing influence on news production, distribution and audience engagement.

Sessions explored emerging AI tools, technological trends and practical approaches to integrating innovation into newsroom operations while safeguarding editorial integrity and journalistic credibility.

The discussions also addressed ethical dilemmas, conflicts of interest, fact-checking technologies and the risks associated with an increasingly fragmented information environment.

Participants examined how strategic newsroom planning, lessons from media startups and innovative approaches to content delivery could help news organisations remain competitive.

For specialised publications covering aviation, tourism and international connectivity, these developments carry particular relevance as digital platforms increasingly influence how industry news reaches professional and general audiences.

Search for sustainable journalism

Beyond technology, the summit focused on one of the industry's most pressing challenges: building financially sustainable news organisations without compromising independent journalism.

Media leaders discussed emerging advertising trends, alternative revenue models and strategies for delivering journalism that remains both commercially viable and socially valuable.

The discussions highlighted the need to balance technological innovation with credible reporting, sound editorial judgement and public trust.

The event also provided opportunities for media organisations to exchange professional experiences, develop networks and learn from international best practices.

Organised under the framework of the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the Asian Media Leaders' Summit serves as the regional counterpart to its annual World News Media Congress.

The Singapore gathering reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and editorial resilience as news organisations navigate technological disruption, financial uncertainty and changing expectations from audiences worldwide.