Google has announced the launch of the Google News Initiative's Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia, supported by the Ministry of Communications. This program aims to empower small and medium-sized news publishers in Malaysia, equipping local newsrooms with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in the evolving media landscape.

The Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia is the latest addition to the Google News Initiative (GNI) programs, working directly with publishers of all sizes to enhance their digital advertising capabilities and foster sustainable business models. The program will provide technical and product training, along with hands-on support for optimizing websites, improving audience engagement, and increasing advertising revenue.

"The Ministry of Communications welcomes and appreciates Google's initiative to improve media sustainability in Malaysia. This collaboration marks a crucial milestone for the Malaysian news industry. By equipping news publishers with essential digital tools and expertise, we believe that their business models can be enhanced, ensuring a diverse, more sustainable, and thriving local news ecosystem," said YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications.

Rafiq Razali, Group Managing Director of Media Prima Berhad, who has assisted the Ministry of Communications on projects related to the news publishing industry, shared, "The launch of the Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia by Google marks a positive development for Malaysian media as it empowers publishers to optimize their digital platforms and strengthen their advertising strategies. This initiative reflects Google's ongoing dedication to innovation and supporting a free and open internet. We are confident that this will pave the way for a vibrant and sustainable future for news and content creators across the country, unlocking new opportunities for the Malaysian media industry and fostering a thriving digital ecosystem that will ultimately benefit content consumers."

Kate Beddoe, Managing Director of News Partnerships for Google Asia Pacific, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, saying, "We're excited to launch the Advertising Revenue Lab to help Malaysian news publishers to adapt, evolve and build more sustainable businesses."

Farhan S. Qureshi, Country Director for Google Malaysia, added, "This new program will help Malaysian news publishers thrive in the digital age by providing them with tools and training and helping to ensure the future of journalism in Malaysia."

The Advertising Revenue Lab Malaysia represents a significant step towards empowering local publishers and ensuring that quality journalism remains accessible to all Malaysians.