Transformative Workshop on Teaching and Communication Innovation
Date: 22 November 2025
The Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) successfully hosted a two-part online workshop on 22 November 2025 (Saturday) via Zoom. The event aimed to empower educators and communicators with new strategies to enhance teaching, communication, and engagement with today’s generation of learners.
The workshop featured two distinguished speakers.
Mr. Zachary Roland guided participants through transformative strategies to elevate their mindset, improve communication styles, and reignite their passion for teaching. His session inspired attendees to adapt, innovate, and lead with purpose in an ever-evolving educational environment.
Ms. Aruna Devarajoo provided valuable insights into Gen Z’s learning styles, values, and motivations. She helped participants better understand how to connect authentically and design meaningful learning experiences that resonate with this dynamic generation.
The event drew active participation from educators and communication practitioners across the community, who engaged enthusiastically with both speakers.
CMCR expressed its appreciation to all attendees for making the workshop a meaningful and inspiring learning experience.
Transformative role of AI in the Lives & Learning
Date: 21 November 2025
The Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) successfully hosted an online talk, “AI Talk & The Young Generation,” examining the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the lives and learning of today’s youth.
Held via Zoom at 7:15 PM, the session featured distinguished speakers Dr. Pong Kok Shiong, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Azmir Mohd Nizah, and Dr. Ihediwa Samuel Chibundu, who shared insights on AI’s influence on society and education.
The discussion addressed opportunities and challenges presented by AI, ethical considerations, and the implications for innovation, creativity, and responsible use among the younger generation.
Attendees engaged actively with the speakers, gaining a deeper understanding of how AI shapes education and everyday life.
CMCR expressed gratitude to all participants for joining the session and contributing to a thought-provoking discussion.
UTAR students inspired by perspectives on AI and women's empowerment
Date: 03 September 2025
Writer: DCC UTAR
The Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) and the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CLT) jointly organised a talk titled Value-Based Education in the Age of AI on 3 September 2025. The session, held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, featured distinguished speaker Dr Paulachan KJ from the Naipunnya Institute of Management and Information Technology, Kerala, India.
In his talk, Dr Paulchan shed light on the importance of embedding values into education at a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of teaching and learning.
He began by addressing common misconceptions about AI, emphasising that while AI has the potential to enhance education, it should never be perceived as a replacement for human values, creativity, and empathy.
He then outlined seven guiding principles for the use of AI in education, highlighting its purpose in helping students achieve meaningful educational goals. Dr Paulchan also raised ethical concerns surrounding AI, such as the risks of replicating ineffective practices, privacy issues, and the dangers of algorithmic bias.
He reminded participants that technology must be employed responsibly to avoid undermining trust and fairness in education.
Concluding his talk, he emphasised the importance of upskilling in the age of AI and encouraged students to cultivate adaptability, ethical awareness, and critical thinking.
The engaging session provided participants with new perspectives on balancing technological advancement with value-based learning, ensuring that AI serves as a complement rather than a substitute for human development.
On 4 September 2025, Dr Paulachan delivered a talk titled Women's Empowerment and Language Proficiency. The session highlighted the vital role of education, language proficiency, and empowerment in shaping opportunities for women.
In his talk, Dr Paulachan reflected on women's education in Kerala during the 19th century and shared inspiring words from June Sarpong and Oprah Winfrey, emphasising that empowerment comes from within women themselves, not from external forces. He stressed that women's empowerment is essential for economic growth, social progress, and achieving gender equality.
He further referred to the Annual Status of Education Report 2023, which revealed that girls consistently outperformed boys in English, Mathematics, and Environmental Science, achieving a remarkable 75.54 per cent at the postgraduate level.
He also discussed the impact of language proficiency, noting Kerala's higher female workforce participation and political empowerment, with women holding over 55 per cent of seats in local government bodies.
The talk concluded by highlighting Kerala's Kudumbashree Women's Empowerment Project as a shining example of how education, training, entrepreneurship, and progressive policies can drive inclusive leadership and advance women's empowerment in society.
Imagined Communities and Cultural Identity in Hindi Cinema
Date: 8 August 2025
The Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) hosted an engaging online session titled “Screening the Nation: Imagined Communities and Cultural Identity in Hindi Cinema.”
The session examined how Hindi cinema shapes national identity and collective imagination, highlighting the cultural and social narratives embedded in film.
The talk attracted participants interested in film, media studies, culture, and the broader role of cinema in society.
Attendees engaged in discussions on how cinematic storytelling reflects and constructs cultural identity, providing insights into the intersection of media, imagination, and nation-building.
CMCR thanked all participants for joining the thought-provoking session.
CMCR Virtual Symposium 2025
Date: 26 July 2025
Writer: Ms Julian Khor
Held on 25 July 2025 via Zoom, the CMCR Virtual Symposium 2025 brought together academics from UTAR Malaysia and Indonesia under the theme "Narrating Change: Media and Communication for Transformative Community Engagement."
We are proud to celebrate our very own lecturers, Ms Jullian Khor Gee Khing and Ms Penny Lim Wai Ping, from the Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI), UTAR, who represented the university with excellence!
Ms Jullian Khor presented “From Campus to Community: Empowering Social Change Through Student-Led Communication Initiatives”, showcasing the impact of experiential learning and youth-led engagement.
Ms Penny Lim shared “Planting Ideas, Cultivating Change: Community Engagement Through Media”, highlighting the powerful role of media in grassroots transformation.
A big thank you to the Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) for hosting this meaningful symposium, and to all presenters who contributed valuable insights to the conversation on community-driven change.
#UTAR #FCI #CMCRSymposium2025 #CommunityEngagement #TransformativeCommunication #StudentLedChange
Inspiring the Next Generation of Environmental Storytellers!
Date: 21 July 2025
Our Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Hons) students had the privilege of joining an online briefing session led by Ms Nor Alya Khairina Binti Mustafa Anuar from Green Growth Asia Foundation. She introduced the National Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) 2025 Long-Form Videography Category, empowering students to use video storytelling to advocate for urgent environmental themes: Climate Change, Pollution, and Biodiversity.
-Organised by: Ms Jullian Khor Gee Khing (Secretary of CMCR cum Lecturer of Department of Mass Communication)
-Supported by: Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR), UTAR
-Participants: UTAR Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Hons) Year 1 students
Let’s nurture voices for a greener tomorrow!
-Date: 21 July 2025 (Monday) at 3pm via Microsoft Teams
#UTAR #FCI #CMCR #YRE2025 #Sustainability #StudentVoices #EnvironmentalCommunication
Corporate Communication Students Earn International Recognition in Environmental Reporting
Date: 01 July 2025
Two of our Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Hons) students, Sew Yun Qian and Tan Jie Ying, have recently won second place in the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) International 2024–2025 Competition under the Long-Form Reporting (Video) category.
Their winning video focused on the important topic of responsible and sustainable medication disposal, and it was selected among entries submitted by youth from around the world.
In light of this meaningful achievement, we would greatly appreciate it if the Division of Corporate Communication and Public Relations could assist in developing a short write-up to highlight their success, the significance of their project, and the impact of student initiatives in promoting environmental and social responsibility.
The award-winning duo, Sew Yun Qian and Tan Jie Ying, from UTAR’s Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Hons) programme, presenting their video project on responsible and sustainable medication disposal, mentored by Ms. Jullian Khor Gee Khing (CMCR Secretary).
World Press Freedom Day Forum 2025
Date: 17 June 2025
Dr. Sharon Wilson, Chairperson of the Centre for Media and Communication Research (CMCR), UTAR, and Ms. Jullian Khor Gee Khing, Secretary of CMCR, UTAR, attended the World Press Freedom Day Forum 2025 held on 17 June 2025 at the Auditorium, Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), Kuala Lumpur.
Organised by The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the United Nations in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), the forum carried the theme “Navigating the Future of Malaysian Media: Press Freedom and AI’s Double-Edged Sword,” addressing critical conversations on the evolving role of artificial intelligence and the challenges it poses to media independence and integrity.
HAWANA 2025
Date: 14 June 2025
Highlights from the HAWANA 2025 Forum held in conjunction with Hari Wartawan Nasional Kuala Lumpur at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on 14 June 2025 (Saturday). The event was officially officiated by YAB Dato' Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, bringing together media professionals, scholars, and industry leaders to celebrate and reflect on the role of journalism in nation-building.
The forums featured thought-provoking discussions on two key topics: “Malaysian Media Council: Regulator or Media Protector?” and “AI and Media: Tool, Threat or Opportunity?”, addressing current challenges and opportunities in the evolving media landscape.
Representing UTAR at this prestigious occasion were Ms Jullian Khor Gee Khing, Secretary of the Centre for Media and Communication, and Dr Saw Teck Chew, representative of the Faculty of Creative Industries.
#HAWANA2025 #UTAR #JournalismMatters #WartawanNegara #AIandMedia #MediaCouncil
CTRL+ALT+RESET
Date: 14 May 2025
In response to the increasing levels of stress and burnout among faculty members juggling teaching, research, service, and self-development, we propose an informal support session titled Ctrl+Alt+Reset. This initiative offers a relaxed, judgment-free space where faculty can gather, decompress, and relate to one another’s experiences.
2. Objective
The goal of Ctrl+Alt+Reset is to foster a sense of community among faculty through open conversation and shared experiences. This activity which will be held monthly aims to:
Normalize discussions around academic stress
Provide mutual emotional support
Spark collaborative thinking for personal and professional growth
Encourage empathy and a culture of care within the institution
UTAR STUDENTS ROLL OUT ANTI-SCAM CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE PUBLIC ON FRAUD
Date: 22 April 2025
A team of final year Media and Creative Studies students from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman had organised an anti-scam awareness campaign named “P@SSK3Y-997” with the goal of promoting awareness of scams and anti-scam techniques, in the ever digitalising world.
With guidance from Ms. Penny Lim Wai Ping and Mr. Zachary Roland, the 13-member organising team curated a day-long program filled with informative and engaging activities. The campaign received RM5,000 in sponsorship and drew an encouraging turnout of about 300 participants.
In partnership with JanganKenaScam and the institution’s own Center of Media and Communications Research, the one-day event features multiple different activities for attendees to engage in which includes:
1) A talk co-organised by P@SSK3Y-997 and JanganKenaScam that is open to the public. The talk focuses on real skills, case studies and the expert opinion given by a representative from Public Bank that specialises in dealing with scams.
2) A self-produced documentary that goes over the experiences of victims that have been scammed, their advice and the advice of an expert researcher on scams.
3) A Poster Design Competition based in UTAR that encourages students to submit designs which feature the National Scam Hotline (997) to encourage and inform people to report scams for their own benefit and to keep authorities informed.
4) An exhibition featuring information and interactive booths that provide audiences an interactive and educational experience which keeps them aware of scams and scam-prevention methods.
The event was also graced by the attendance of Kajang Municipal Council Councillor, Dickson Tan Tee Guan, police representatives from the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation and representatives from Public Bank Berhad.
“‘997’ is actually the hotline you should call if you find yourself being scammed or suspect something suspicious.” clarified project chairperson, Chiew Sin Ran in her speech today.
She further added, “We hope, through this campaign, you will not only learn how to spot scams, but also remember this important number — 997 — and take action if needed.”
Project advising lecturer, Miss Lim Wai Ping Penny urged that “If it sounds too good to be true, think-pause-verify.”
“Never shop when you are too tired.”, she added.
Co-project advising lecturer, Mr Zachary Roland a/l A.F. Anthony mentioned, “If I do the right thing, it can start the stop we are looking for.
Call the number.”, when referring to the 997 hotline.
“If we believe in a cause, let us push to make it happen.
We can, we will, we must do it. Besides, knowledge and understanding creates the power to change the way we look and change things. It is our business to stop the scamming shame. Let us do it now.” he added.
Rakan Muda Turun Kampus
Date: 08 April 2025
The Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh, attended the launch of the Rakan Muda Turun Kampus 2025 Programme held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, which served as the first stop of the programme's nationwide tour. She delivered an impactful sharing session titled Youth in Malaysia: Challenges and Opportunities.
This event was a collaboration with the Faculty of Creative Industries and the Centre for Media and Communications Research (CMCR).
The program serves as a platform for higher education students (IPT) to voice their views, ideas, and aspirations related to youth and sports development directly to the ministry's top leadership.
Implementing this program plays a crucial role in strengthening youth's direct involvement with government policies and initiatives. This program aims to convey the latest information about the policies, initiatives, and actions currently being carried out by the government in the fields of youth and sports,” it said in a statement today.
Strengthening Global Ties: UTAR Welcomes Prof. Maria Zenaida Sarabia-Panol
Writer: Assistant Professor Dr Thanaseelen a/l K.P. Rajasakran
Date: 03 March 2025
The Department of Mass Communication (DMC) and the Center for Media and Communication Research (CMCR) at UTAR’s Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) were thrilled to host International Collaborative Partner (ICP), Prof. Dr. Maria Zenaida "Zeny" Sarabia-Panol, Associate Dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, Middle Tennessee State University, on 3-4 March 2025 at its Sungai Long Campus.
A distinguished expert in Public Relations, Prof. Zeny delivered two insightful guest lectures to students from Corporate Communication, Journalism in Chinese Media, and Media and Creative Studies, sparking engaging discussions and fresh perspectives.
A special "meet and greet" session further fueled academic exchange and potential research collaborations.
Expressing their gratitude, Mr. Kenneth Lee Tze Wui (Head of DMC) together with Dr. Sharon Wilson (CMCR Chairperson) lauded Prof. Zeny’s inspiring visit, while Dr. David Tneh, Dean of FCI, emphasized how this ICP engagement lays the groundwork for future collaborations, reinforcing UTAR’s commitment to international academic partnerships.
Prof. Zeny’s time at Sungai Long Campus was part of her five-day official visit to UTAR, which also included exciting engagements at the Kampar Campus.
Indeed this visit marks another milestone in UTAR’s global outreach, fostering meaningful cross-border connections that drive academic excellence and innovation.
Public Relation in Malaysia During Pandemic and Post-Pandemic: The Way Forward
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chang Peng Kee
Young
consumers and their favorite shops: A research teaching nexus
Prof. Kara Chan, Hong Kong Baptist University
Abstract
An exploratory study was conducted by students taking a course titled “Children as consumers: Marketing to the youth” to investigate the common attributes of brick-and-mortar retail shops liked by young adults using the 7Ps of the marketing mix as a study framework. A convenience sample of 24 young adults aged 20 to 22 was asked to take photos showing the exterior and interior of their favorite shop in Hong Kong. Interviewees explained why they like these shops. Results indicated that the favorite shops of young adults are clothing retailers and stores for snacks. Attributes of favorite shops include stylish product design, cozy physical environment, and technology-assisted/channel-integrated shopping process. Young adults seek taste and artistic presentation in consumption. Self-expression and social communication of consumption plays a major role in retail selection. The study was an example of research teaching nexus that the speaker had been practicing.