YANGON: Singaporeans in Myanmar rely heavily on Channel NewsAsia for updates on news back home and around Southeast Asia.
Available across Myanmar, Channel NewsAsia is one of the few international television news channels that are focused on regional coverage.
As the channel prepares to open its Myanmar bureau, many feel it is a timely move.
Born to a Myanmar father and a Singaporean mother, nine-year-old Seann has never been to Singapore.
But he has seen Singapore through Channel NewsAsia.
The channel is equally important to his mother, who has not returned to the republic for almost 10 years.
Veronica Aw said: "We always want to know what's going on (in) Singapore. Nine years ago, when I went to Singapore, I know how to take the MRT. But I think nine years later, if I go to Singapore now, I don't even know how to take an MRT but because of Channel NewsAsia, it taught me that MRT should be taken this way, that way. It's knowledge too for me and a connection for me. I still have relatives in Singapore and I like to see food, Singaporean people, buildings, what's going on.
"As a Singaporean, one of the greatest things that Channel NewsAsia has done is they always update the latest stuff on Singapore. In terms of financial sector, properties, schools, medical… and so on, it kind of makes me feel closer to Singapore. I think this is one of the biggest reasons why I love Channel NewsAsia."
One of the latest news that captured the attention of many Singaporeans based in Myanmar was the riot at Little India in December.
The anti-government demonstrations in Thailand also kept many in Myanmar glued to Channel NewsAsia's coverage.
Argus Ang, president of Singapore Association of Myanmar, said: "It's an international news and global news network with a very strong influence, which means that at the end of the day, the analysis comes from a perspective of Asian coverage, not only understanding the culture but also understanding what's going on in Asia...
"The coverage of ASEAN, especially the neighbouring countries for us, is very important and it's very extensive. We'll know what's going on in Thailand, what's going on in Cambodia, what's going on in Vietnam, as well as Malaysia and Singapore. So that to us is very important, the connection back home."
Mr Ang knows of many Myanmar citizens who also enjoy watching Channel NewsAsia for its content, style and format of news coverage.
Myanmar is home to about 200 Singaporeans living and working in the country.
Many turn to Channel NewsAsia as their source of information for the latest policies as well as decisions affecting Singapore and the region.
They also feel that Channel NewsAsia is in a position to bring the latest stories and developments in the country to the rest of the world, in order to clear any misperceptions that people may have about Myanmar.
http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/channel-newsasia-is-main-source-of-news-for-sporeans-in-myanmar/
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