GET READY FOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
UUM ONLINE: In the age of borderless technology, media workers must prepare themselves by transitioning to digital communication in order to remain relevant and competitive.
This fact was acknowledged by three Master of Science in Multimedia Journalism graduates, namely Sinar Harian's Chief Digital Video News Producer, Mdm. Noor Liza Abu Hasan; Sinar Harian Deputy News Editor, Mr. Badruldin Zakaria and Corruption Busters Media Relations Officer, Sinar Harian, Mdm. Asmaliza Mansor when met after UUM's 34th Convocation Ceremony.
According to Mdm. Noor Liza, the very rapid and sophisticated development of digital communication has caused the entire human life to be linked to communication via internet networks, including money transactions, public transportation, and business.
"I believe that the future of the media industry will be increasingly difficult, so current media workers must adapt by using digital technology when performing their duties in order to compete with the times.
"As a result, whether we like it or not, we must prepare ourselves to remain relevant to the current rapid changes," he explained.
Mdm. Noor Liza stated that media friends who want to enter the academic field are very welcome because the next generation needs industry people who have experience and are always aware of the changes that are taking place.
"There is no harm in preparing ourselves with knowledge and management to continue our career journey and open up opportunities in the future because the industry is sometimes overwhelmed by the existence of social media, which increases competition," she explained.
According to Mr. Badruldin, the media industry's involvement in a university can ensure an effective relationship and have a positive impact on the university and the industry.
He explained that by continuing his studies at this University, he will be able to accelerate the integration of the media industry and students, making it more meaningful in improving the student's learning experience.
"It has been a lot of fun to be able to share my experience in the media world with the students because they may not be aware of the real situation in the industry, and we get knowledge from the university to apply in the industry.
"It is beneficial to study at UUM because the lecturers always understand our situation and are open to industry perspectives. Throughout the studies, theory and practise coexist, " he said.
Mdm. Asmaliza acknowledged the same thing when she invited all media practitioners to continue their education in order to further improve their knowledge and skills for career advancement.
According to her, the media world today requires individuals to be not only journalists but also photographers and videographers.
Meanwhile, UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, stated that with the graduation of seven media practitioners specifically in the Master of Science in Multimedia Journalism degree, UUM has now become part of the story of the development of the national journalism industry.
"I hope that with everything I have learned here, I'll be able to raise the level of professionalism of our journalists and bring the country's big stories to an international audience," he said.
The three graduates were among seven media practitioners who received the Master of Science in Multimedia Journalism degree from the Pro-Chancellor, His Royal Highness Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Ibni Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin, Raja Muda of Kedah Darul Aman during the second session at Mu'adzam Shah Hall.