The channel, which is likely to go on trial in August, aims to give Southeast Asians a non-Western perspective of world news and current affairs.
As yet unnamed, the new channel will begin without advertising, but is expected to open up for commercial partners if the trial is well received.
It will be broadcast from Indonesia, but there is no news on whether it will be free-to-air or run on a pay-TV platform.
Partha Kabi (pictured), managing director of ZenithOptimedia Indonesia noted: I think it is a great initiative. It's Southeast Asia’s answer to CNN and BBC World News.
However, Margaret Lim, CEO of Carat Malaysia, feels that even though there is a huge demand for news in Malaysia, the fate of the channel will depend on three things: quality of content, reach and ratings.
Regional Malay-language TV channel to launch
KUALA LUMPUR - The governments of Malaysia and Indonesia have announced the launch of a Malay-language regional news channel.
