Journey of UTAR alumna as Malay Mandarin newscaster

Rasyidah (front row fourth from the left) with UTAR staff and students

In a landmark achievement for multiculturalism in Malaysia, UTAR alumna Ms Rasyidah Abu Johan has become the first Malay news anchor on the Mandarin news programme at TV2, a station under Radio Television Malaysia (RTM). Her appointment is a testament to her linguistic prowess and dedication to bridging cultural gaps in a diverse society.

Mr Tan delivering his opening remarks

Ms Rasyidah recently shared her experiences and insights at a special talk session titled “The Journey of a Newscaster” on 31 July 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event, organised by the Department of Mass Communication (DMC), kicked off with a brief introduction by Faculty of Creative Industries (FCI) academic Mr Tan Yang Sheng. His remarks highlighted Ms Rasyidah’s significant accomplishments and her role as a pioneer in Malaysian broadcasting.

Ms Rasyidah sharing her experience in newscasting

Ms Rasyidah’s career was adorned with significant achievements. With over nine years of hosting experience and four years in newscasting, she has hosted various events, including official protocols, gala dinners, and multicultural ceremonies​​. Her accolades include awards such as the Majlis Penghargaan Media dan Malam Warisan MOTAC 2024 and recognition as one of Malaysia’s Top 100 Influential Educators in 2023.

Participants listening to Ms Rasyidah’s sharing

During the talk, Ms Rasyidah shared insights into the evolving nature of journalism, highlighting how the industry has transformed over the past decade. Ten years ago, journalists relied heavily on notepads and traditional cameras to gather and report news, with strict protocols for verification before broadcasting. Today, the landscape has shifted to a more digital realm, where journalists use smartphones to record and report news instantly. This change emphasises the need for speed, accuracy, and the ability to adapt to social media platforms to distribute news widely​​.

Ms Rasyidah also discussed the essential characteristics that modern journalists must possess. “Courage, innovation, curiosity, independence, alertness, intelligence, and competitiveness are crucial traits,” she said. These qualities enable journalists to navigate the fast-paced, ever-changing media environment and respond effectively to challenges​​.

According to her, her role at TV2 has not been without challenges. As a trailblazer in a predominantly Chinese-speaking field, she has faced criticism, but the overwhelming support from viewers across ethnic lines has been her driving force.

Ms Rasyidah’s appointment has sparked discussions about cultural integration and representation in the media. Her ability to switch seamlessly between languages allows her to connect with a broad audience, delivering news with clarity and precision. Her story inspires many young Malaysians to pursue their dreams regardless of cultural or linguistic barriers.

Ms Rasyidah’s life as a news anchor involves more than just reading from a teleprompter. The role demands quick thinking, adaptability, and a keen sense of current events. “Journalism today requires speed, accuracy, and the ability to produce content for social media and traditional news stations,” she explained​​.

Despite the pressures of irregular hours and multitasking, Ms Rasyidah finds joy in her work. Her passion for journalism is evident in her continuous pursuit of excellence and her desire to inspire others. Her story not only enriches Malaysia’s media landscape but also sets a precedent for future generations to embrace linguistic and cultural diversity in all fields of endeavour.

DMC Head Mr Kenneth Lee Tze Wui (right) presenting a token of appreciation to Ms Rasyidah