Consolation prize at MMU Press International Article Writing Competition

A team comprising Dr Hooi Chee Mei from the Faculty of Creative Industries and students Chow King Darryl and Kuik Rui Luan was awarded a consolation prize in the Open Category of the MMU Press 3rd International Article Writing Competition 2025. The team received a RM100 cash prize and a certificate of achievement.

Their winning article, titled Enriching Authority and Engagement on Metadiscourse in the Reporting of Media and Latest Matters, was published in the Journal of Communication, Language and Culture (Vol. 5, Issue 2, July 2025) by MMU Press. The article explored the use of metadiscourse, a set of linguistic strategies that enhance the clarity and engagement of texts in the context of COVID-19 news reporting. The study included a classroom-based investigation involving 30 Form 4 students and provided insights into how different forms of metadiscourse affect reader interpretation and interest.

Dr Hooi said, “This recognition is an encouragement for both academics and students to explore the intersection of language and media critically. It also shows how impactful writing can be when both clarity and reader engagement are prioritised.”

The achievement underscores UTAR’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a research culture and collaborative learning among staff and students, while also contributing meaningful insights to the fields of language, media, and communication.