Launching of UTAR International Institute of Media

UTAR marked a significant milestone with the launch of the International Institute of Media (IIM) at its Sungai Campus on 4 December 2024. The event celebrated UTAR’s forward-thinking vision of advancing media education and nurturing globally competent professionals.

From left: Mr Zhao, Mr Jiang, Datuk Ge, Mr Wang, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Prof Goi, Dr David Tneh and Tan Sri Sak

The Institute, a collaborative industry-academia initiative, was jointly established by Mango Media Sdn Bhd and UTAR. It leverages extensive media resources such as Hunan Broadcasting System, iQIYI, Mango TV, and Xiaohongshu. Combined with UTAR’s rigorous academic foundation, it creates a unique “industry-university-research” integration model.

Front row, from left: Dr David Tneh, Prof Goi, Prof Dato’ Ewe, Tan Sri Sak, Mr Zhao, Mr Wang, Datuk Ge, Mr Jiang and Datin Hu

Present at the event were the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Education Counselor Mr Zhao Changtao, Hunan Radio and Television Media Communication Department General Manager and Youth Education Professional Committee of China Television Artists Association Executive Chairman Mr Wang Pingbo, Mango Media Malaysia Chief Executive Officer and IIM Joint Management Committee Co-Chairperson Datuk Ge Yamei, Education Association between Malaysia and China President and IIM International Director Mr Jiang Zhongqi, Famous Chinese Film and Television Actress Datin Hu Jing, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia Attache Mr Tang Jing, Xiao En Group Managing Director Dato’ Frank Choo Chuo Siong, Malaysian Chinese Singer and Actress Ms Mindy Quah, Movie Director Mr Teng Bee, Media Chinese International Limited Group Senior General Manager Mr Vincent Lee, iQIYI International Malaysia Head of Business Development & Partnership Mr Paul Chin and guests.

Welcoming the guests were UTAR Education Foundation (UEF) Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum, Council Member Dato’ Ng Wan Peng, UEF BoT Secretary Mr Ong Whee Tiong, President and Council Member Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice President for Internationalisation and Academic Development and IIM Joint Management Committee Co-Chairperson Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, FCI Dean and IIM Director Dr David Tneh Cheng Eng, deans, directors, heads of departments, staff and students.

Mr Zhao

Mr Zhao celebrated the launch of IIM against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia relations, and said, “Media is a mirror of the times, recording history and shaping the future.” He lauded the partnership between UTAR and Mango Media for enhancing cross-cultural communication and shared hopes for IIM’s contributions to global media. Furthermore, he urged the institute to focus on global talent cultivation, saying, “Media professionals are not just disseminators of information but also drivers of cultural progress.”

Prof Dato’ Ewe

Prof Dato’ Ewe, reflecting on UTAR’s enduring mission to merge tradition with innovation, noted that IIM will play a pivotal role in advancing this vision. He stressed the importance of global partnerships and cultural exchange, saying, “IIM will provide students with a comprehensive international platform, enabling them to gain the skills and perspectives needed in today’s interconnected world.” He also highlighted the institute’s practical approach that offered students mentorship from leading academics and industry professionals, as well as opportunities to collaborate with global media giants.

Mr Wang

Mr Wang highlighted the profound transformation of the media industry, emphasising its relevance to every individual today. He described the IIM’s founding as a response to global changes, and said, “We should be thinkers, lookouts, and communicators, participating in witnessing, innovating, and spreading the developments of human civilisation, international dynamics, and daily life.” He also passionately stated, “Although today’s unveiling is like a small boat setting sail, I am confident in its future to enlighten humanity with its depth, broaden global media’s horizons, and bridge cultural integration.”

Datin Hu sharing her insights

Datin Hu Jing, a renowned Chinese film and television actress, was officially appointed as UTAR’s Visiting Actor Mentor during the event. In her speech, Datin Hu Jing shared her invaluable insights into the media and entertainment industry, emphasising the importance of creativity, adaptability, and perseverance. She encouraged students to embrace challenges and seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving global media landscape.

Performances by UTAR students

The event also showcased the vibrant talents of UTAR students through captivating cultural and artistic performances. These included a lively Lion Dance, a mesmerizing Chinese Orchestra performance, an elegant dance performance, and a soulful music performance. The performances reflected the creativity, diversity and cultural heritage of the University, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity.

IIM is dedicated to equipping students with the expertise required to navigate the ever-evolving media landscape. With an interdisciplinary approach, IIM combines traditional media studies with modern technologies like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This integration ensures students are ready for global industry demands and emerging opportunities.

IIM also offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, where students not only receive academic instruction but also gain practical exposure through internships, real-world projects and professional certifications. The curriculum is designed to foster innovation, critical thinking and adaptability in a fast-changing industry.

IIM is supported by an exceptional faculty comprising renowned academics and leading industry practitioners. Together, they guide students toward professional excellence and provide a platform for collaborations with prominent media organisations. The Institute also features state-of-the-art facilities, including labs and production studios tailored for hands-on learning.

The launch of IIM’s website and promotional video provided an interactive gateway for prospective students, industry partners, and the community to explore the Institute’s mission, programmes, and success stories. These platforms reflect IIM’s tagline, “Synchronize Your Global Future with Us,” underscoring its commitment to global readiness and innovation.