03:50 PM • Panel Discussion #4
Synthetic media and the currency of trust
As AI-generated content floods the digital landscape, how can publishers maintain credibility and audience trust? This session explores the challenges and opportunities of synthetic media, questioning whether authenticity still holds value in an era where anything can be artificially created
panellists
Azeem Abu Bakar
Azeem Abu Bakar graduated from the London School of Economics (LSE) with a degree in Accounting & Finance. While at university, he co-founded an intelligence-gathering firm in London, serving top government officials, ministries, and the armed forces in Asia.
After completing his studies, he returned to Malaysia to fulfil his scholarship bond with UEM Sunrise Berhad, where he spent eight years, including as special officer to the managing director.
He is now Managing Director of Free Malaysia Today (FMT), a leading bi-lingual news platform with six million monthly readers, renowned for its independent, balanced, and insightful reporting.
Diogo Andrade
Diogo brings over 18 years of experience in digital advertising and media strategy, with a strong track record in driving business growth across the APAC region. As VP of Sales at Teads, he leads strategic partnerships and consults with top-tier brands and agencies to deliver impactful outcomes through innovative, data-driven video advertising solutions. With a deep understanding of the evolving media landscape, Diogo is passionate about shaping the future of premium digital advertising, particularly in the Connected TV and omnichannel space.
Lydia wang
Lydia brings over 30 years of experience across diverse industries, including finance, retail, telecommunications, education, with the last 11 years dedicated to SMG. Recognised for her ability to align business operations with long-term strategic goals, she excels in driving corporate growth, leading business transformation, and integrating sustainability in complex markets.
Notably, Lydia founded the Asia ESG Positive Impact Consortium (AEPIC), the first of its kind in Asia, which brings together media leaders from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines to champion sustainable business practices. Her leadership in this initiative highlights her commitment to creating positive societal impact through media. Lydia also served as Secretary of the Malaysia Digital Association (MDA) since 2020 and has been reelected for the 2024–2026 term. She remains a key advocate for digital transformation, driving innovation and excellence within the industry.
Nik Justin Nik Ariffin
Nik Justin Nik Moh Ariffin, Head of Group Corporate Communications at Karangkraf Group, is a seasoned expert in Malaysia’s media and communications world. With over 20 years in the advertising, event, marketing, creative, digital, music industries and has lead an array of multi-national and key projects throughout his career. Renowned for his no-holds-barred, forward-thinking and distinctively unique approach, he excels in rallying diverse stakeholders and driving transformative projects. Nik Justin is fervently committed to revolutionizing communities through digital innovation and embracing cutting-edge technology for growth, sustainability and connectivity.
Rafiq Razali
Rafiq holds a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Actuarial Science from Pennsylvania State University. He has comprehensive experience in business development and strategic planning. His track record includes establishing and scaling start-up companies related to digital and information technology.
His career began with Maxis Berhad where he held various positions that included responsibilities in the International Business division and the Corporate Strategy division.
In 2011, Rafiq moved on to Groupon Malaysia, an e-commerce company based in the United States connecting customers with local merchants in more than 28 countries including Malaysia. He was promoted as Groupon’s Country General Manager for Malaysia in 2013, following an impressive run of performance by the outfit.
In 2015, Rafiq was part of the team that established KFit (now known as Fave), a Malaysian start-up with operations across the Asia Pacific region. Fave was acquired by a leading fintech company. Rafiq is also currently an Endeavor mentor. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Councillors of the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia.
Within Media Prima, he sits on the Boards of Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad, Synchrosound Studio Sdn Bhd, Big Tree Outdoor Sdn Bhd, Media Prima Digital Sdn Bhd, REV Media Group Sdn Bhd, Media Prima OMNiA Sdn Bhd, Wowshop Sdn Bhd, Print Towers Sdn Bhd and The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad.