The Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries (FCCI) Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) recently organised its fifth annual symposium themed “Digital Media, Social Network and Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Global Perspective”.
Held on Feb 20 and 21, the symposium saw the participation of FCCI institutional partners, namely, University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), Xavier University (Philippines), Walailak University (Thailand) and Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (Indonesia), as well as budding researchers from among TAR UMT educators and students.
FCCI deputy dean and symposium committee chairperson Assoc Prof Dr Tang Mui Joo said the two-day event, covering the fields of advertising, broadcasting, journalism, media studies and public relations, served as a platform to highlight the roles and effects of communication and social media on education, industry and society.
This, he said, benefited students and allowed participants to share knowledge, practices and ideas that they could bring into their careers after graduation.
TAR UMT Bachelor of Public Relations student Yap Yin Zi, who presented her research paper, described the symposium as an opportunity for young researchers to showcase their work and to improve their presentation skills.
During the launch ceremony, varsity president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei commended the FCCI lecturers for “The Network on Platform and Cultural Production in Asia” initiative, which brought together academics across disciplines and from various countries to collaborate on research activities crucial in the digital age.
During a roundtable session, National Union of Journalists Malaysia chairperson Farah Marshita Abdul Patah said education, legislation and mindset are key aspects that require attention when introducing AI as a tool to enhance the digital media landscape.
“Social media users must recognise that they hold power and have the ability to shape the direction and content displayed on social media,” said the senior journalist and TAR UMT alumna.
