Umsida visits UTAR to solidify academic exchange

The Department of Mass Communication (DMC) at UTAR Sungai Long Campus warmly welcomed a delegation from the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo (Umsida), Indonesia, on 17 April 2024. The visit, which aimed to foster collaborative partnerships and enhance academic understanding between staff and students of both institutions, reflected both universities’ commitment to broadening international relations and enriching educational experiences.

From right: Mr Kenneth Lee, Dr Totok, Ms Nur Maghfirah, Ms Poppy, Ms Intan, Ms Nabila and Umsida exchange students

The delegation from Umsida was led by Ms Poppy Febriana, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law, and Social Sciences, and included Assoc Prof Dr Totok Wahyu Abadi from the Communication Studies Programme, Ms Nur Maghfirah Aesthetika, Head of the Department of Communication Science, and Umsida staff members Ms Intan Insanni and Ms Nabila Ayu Bakta. Additionally, four exchange students, Fernanda Aurelio Yahya, Delia Putri Rusnanti, Anisa Sahara, and Zara Aprilia Sani, who are integral members of the team, were present as well. They are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Corporate Communication (Honours) programme at UTAR.

Welcoming them were UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) Deputy Dean for Student Development and Industrial Training Ts Dr Ang Kok Yew, FCI Head of Department of Mass Communication Mr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui, staff, and students.

Dr Ang welcoming delegates from Umsida

Dr Ang said, “The synergy between Umsida and UTAR has led to fruitful outcomes ranging from academic exchanges to joint research projects. These collaborations have not only enriched the academic experience of all the students and the faculty, but have also contributed to the advancement of knowledge in our respective fields. It is through such collaborative efforts that we are continuing to break barriers and push the boundaries of innovation to higher education.”

He concluded, “As we gather here today, I am filled with optimism for the future of our partnership. I sincerely hope that it is just the beginning of many, many more collaborative ventures between Umsida and UTAR.  Together,  we can make significant strides in academia, research and beyond.”

Dr Totok (left picture) and Ms Poppy (right picture; left) delivering their talk

The highlighted programme of the visit was a talk titled Social Media & Mainstream Media in the 2024 Indonesian Presidential Election by Dr Totok and Ms Poppy. The session began with an explanation of the various forms of media, from traditional broadcasting and press media to the expanding influence of social media platforms. As the conversation unfolded, the focus shifted towards the significant impact of social media on the electoral landscape, particularly in shaping public opinion and influencing voter sentiment.

As they discussed the widespread misinformation and hoaxes on social media, the speakers pointed out how these platforms are important for getting people involved in politics and ensuring that different voices are heard. Moreover, the discussion turned towards the role of mainstream media, particularly the press and broadcast media, in providing clarity and context.

Overall, the discussion captured the varied aspects of social media, mainstream media, and politics, underscoring the need for critical engagement and safeguarding democratic principles in an increasingly digitised world.

Staff and students of Umsida and UTAR

Mr Kenneth Lee (most left) presented tokens of appreciation to Umsida delegates

Engagement session with Umsida staff and exchange students

Following the insightful talk, Mr Kenneth Lee led an engagement session with Umsida staff and exchange students. This interactive segment featured presentations by UTAR students, including Ho Yong Jun, Chairperson of the UTAR Corporate Communication Society, and Heng Chia Hooi, Chairperson of the UTAR Journalism in Chinese Media Society. Each speaker passionately shared their society’s initiatives, offering the audience a glimpse into the impactful work they are undertaking.

Umsida delegates enjoying themselves at the ‘USSDC & UTAR CARE Showcase Workshop’