Table of Contents
Concerns and behaviours of the Malaysian public regarding the proposed abolition of retirement pensions
Yuliandre Darwis, Ismail Sualman, *Sufian Hadi Ayub
Abstract: The proposed abolition of the retirement pension system in Malaysia has sparked concerns among the public, influencing their perceptions and behaviours. This study explores these concerns through a focus group discussion, analysing the sentiments, expectations, and reactions of Malaysian citizens. The research aims to understand the factors driving public apprehension, including financial security, economic stability, and trust in alternative retirement schemes. Participants expressed uncertainty about their post-retirement well-being, fearing potential financial burdens without a guaranteed pension. The discussion also revealed differences in...
Abstract: The proposed abolition of the retirement pension system in Malaysia has sparked concerns among the public, influencing their perceptions and behaviours. This study explores these concerns through a focus group discussion, analysing the sentiments, expectations, and reactions of Malaysian citizens. The research aims to understand the factors driving public apprehension, including financial security, economic stability, and trust in alternative retirement schemes. Participants expressed uncertainty about their post-retirement well-being, fearing potential financial burdens without a guaranteed pension. The discussion also revealed differences in...
Social media influencers as cultural intermediaries: Negotiating the Korean Wave in Malaysia
*Nurul Akqmie Badrul Hisham, Abdul Latiff Ahmad, Chang Peng Kee
Abstract: This study examines how social media influencers shape and sustain the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in Malaysia, emphasizing the intersection of mediatization and contemporary youth culture. Drawing on qualitative methods including in-depth interviews with influencers and Korean Embassy representatives as well as netnography of open social media accounts, this research investigates how digital platforms facilitate fan engagement, community-building and cultural learning. Findings show that social media serves as a catalyst for fans to construct their own mediated worlds, while influencers act as vital social agents, filtering information,...
Abstract: This study examines how social media influencers shape and sustain the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in Malaysia, emphasizing the intersection of mediatization and contemporary youth culture. Drawing on qualitative methods including in-depth interviews with influencers and Korean Embassy representatives as well as netnography of open social media accounts, this research investigates how digital platforms facilitate fan engagement, community-building and cultural learning. Findings show that social media serves as a catalyst for fans to construct their own mediated worlds, while influencers act as vital social agents, filtering information,...
Political cartoons as a means of setting the social and political agenda in Nigeria
Anthony Chigozie Nwachukwu, *Moniza Waheed, Abdul Mua’ti @ Zamri bin Ahmad, Nurul Ain Mohd Hasan
Abstract: While political cartoons play a significant role in shaping public perception and opinion, they have been underutilized in addressing social and political issues in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to determine the popularity of political cartoons in Nigeria, identify the most prominent frames among the seven generic frames in Nigerian political cartoons and determine the extent to which political cartons shape public attitudes and perceptions. The study employed qualitative content analysis and in-depth interviews that were guided by the agenda-setting and framing theory. The study identified and analysed 100 political cartoons, published in the Guardian...
Abstract: While political cartoons play a significant role in shaping public perception and opinion, they have been underutilized in addressing social and political issues in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aims to determine the popularity of political cartoons in Nigeria, identify the most prominent frames among the seven generic frames in Nigerian political cartoons and determine the extent to which political cartons shape public attitudes and perceptions. The study employed qualitative content analysis and in-depth interviews that were guided by the agenda-setting and framing theory. The study identified and analysed 100 political cartoons, published in the Guardian...
Visual rhetoric in Muslim-friendly tourism: A semiotic analysis of Malaysia’s promotional imagery
*Nurul Wahidah Mahmud Zuhudi, Noor Hanan Mohd Jafar, Azian Muhamad Adzmi
Abstract: The present study aims to systematically examine how advertisers and marketers semiotically construct the meaning and messages of Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) through promotional visuals. Despite a growing interest in MFT, which mostly focuses on service provision and textual communication, there exists a gap pertaining to the exploration of visual communication strategies that shape travellers’ perceptions and interpretations. For a more precise interpretation across categories, this study performed a visual semiotic analysis using a detailed codebook based on Kress and Van Leeuwen’s visual grammar framework. Findings...
Abstract: The present study aims to systematically examine how advertisers and marketers semiotically construct the meaning and messages of Muslim-friendly tourism (MFT) through promotional visuals. Despite a growing interest in MFT, which mostly focuses on service provision and textual communication, there exists a gap pertaining to the exploration of visual communication strategies that shape travellers’ perceptions and interpretations. For a more precise interpretation across categories, this study performed a visual semiotic analysis using a detailed codebook based on Kress and Van Leeuwen’s visual grammar framework. Findings...
Enhancing user engagement in virtual reality in Korea: A diegetic interface approach within the technology acceptance model
Stephen W. Song, *Donghun Chung
Abstract: This study examines the impact of diegetic user interfaces on user experience in virtual reality environments, framing the investigation within the realms of the Technology Acceptance Model and Self-Determination Theory. Employing a 2 x 2 within-subjects experimental design, the research manipulates the presence of diegetic cues and the mode of score display (non-diegetic heads-up display versus diegetic integration) to assess their effects on user enjoyment. A bespoke virtual reality stimulus was created expressly for this experiment. The findings indicate that the inclusion of a diegetic user interface significantly enhances user enjoyment...
Abstract: This study examines the impact of diegetic user interfaces on user experience in virtual reality environments, framing the investigation within the realms of the Technology Acceptance Model and Self-Determination Theory. Employing a 2 x 2 within-subjects experimental design, the research manipulates the presence of diegetic cues and the mode of score display (non-diegetic heads-up display versus diegetic integration) to assess their effects on user enjoyment. A bespoke virtual reality stimulus was created expressly for this experiment. The findings indicate that the inclusion of a diegetic user interface significantly enhances user enjoyment...
Strategic communication and the role of food bank organisations in civic activism through social media during the COVID-19 pandemic
Sylvia Tan Huey Wen, *Muhammad Zaiamri bin Zainal Abidin, Md Azalanshah bin Md Syed, Rosya Izyanie binti Shamshudeen
Abstract: This study investigates the evolving roles of food bank organisations in civic activism during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated through social media. Using a qualitative approach, it analysed 309 social media posts and 15 in-depth interviews with key members of Food Bank Malaysia and Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia. Thematic analysis identified four critical roles food banks played during the pandemic: (1) building bridges among stakeholders, (2) supporting grassroots initiatives, (3) providing innovative CSR solutions, and (4) advocating for civic activism. These roles positioned food banks as central hubs, connecting underprivileged communities,...
Abstract: This study investigates the evolving roles of food bank organisations in civic activism during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated through social media. Using a qualitative approach, it analysed 309 social media posts and 15 in-depth interviews with key members of Food Bank Malaysia and Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia. Thematic analysis identified four critical roles food banks played during the pandemic: (1) building bridges among stakeholders, (2) supporting grassroots initiatives, (3) providing innovative CSR solutions, and (4) advocating for civic activism. These roles positioned food banks as central hubs, connecting underprivileged communities,...
Communication strategies in mitigating radicalisation on campus: A case study of Indonesian student organisations
*Dzikri Abdillah Adzimat Sukmayadi, Vidi Sukmayadi, Sarah Annisa Fadhila
Abstract: While religious radicalisation can occur at any age, youths seeking a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity may very well be highly vulnerable to radicalisation. While the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the spread of the “radicalism virus” remains a pressing concern, particularly in the wake of accelerated online interactions. Much of the existing research focuses on top-down, state-led countermeasures, leaving a significant gap in understanding the role of grassroots, youth-led initiatives. This study addresses this gap by analysing the factors contributing to students’ radicalisation and exploring counter-radicalisation...
Abstract: While religious radicalisation can occur at any age, youths seeking a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity may very well be highly vulnerable to radicalisation. While the digital landscape continues to evolve rapidly, the spread of the “radicalism virus” remains a pressing concern, particularly in the wake of accelerated online interactions. Much of the existing research focuses on top-down, state-led countermeasures, leaving a significant gap in understanding the role of grassroots, youth-led initiatives. This study addresses this gap by analysing the factors contributing to students’ radicalisation and exploring counter-radicalisation...
Making sense of relational communication among Malaysian secondary school students: Framing of self and other
*Norhafezah Yusof, Minah Harun, Nursafwah Tugiman, Che Su Mustaffa, Marini Kasim
Abstract: The central focus of this paper is on students’ meaning-making of relations with others in daily encounters. Making sense of how school students frame themselves and others requires understanding their well-being given that these students are considered academically competent and some of their peers are facing the risk of dropping out. Thus, drawing from the relational communication perspective, we argue that the way these students view themselves in daily relationships with others might affect or impact their attitudes towards schooling. This paper seeks to understand how school students who are considered achievers construct images of...
Abstract: The central focus of this paper is on students’ meaning-making of relations with others in daily encounters. Making sense of how school students frame themselves and others requires understanding their well-being given that these students are considered academically competent and some of their peers are facing the risk of dropping out. Thus, drawing from the relational communication perspective, we argue that the way these students view themselves in daily relationships with others might affect or impact their attitudes towards schooling. This paper seeks to understand how school students who are considered achievers construct images of...
Idealization of knowledge communication ecosystem among AI development stakeholders: A project adaptation of shared mental model theory
*Faudyan Eka Satria, Dzikri Abdillah Adzimat Sukmayadi, Albertus Fani Prasetyawan, Rahayu
Abstract: A knowledge communication ecosystem is essential to resolving paradigm differences between AI development stakeholders and unifying their project orientations. For this purpose, this study aims to answer the question of how to build a knowledge communication ecosystem between stakeholders/AI developers in order to develop the AI products interdisciplinary. This question is the basis for our next analysis objective, namely to compare the steps taken by the government of Republic of Indonesian as well as the European Union in building the AI development communication ecosystem. To answer the initial question question, we applied...
Abstract: A knowledge communication ecosystem is essential to resolving paradigm differences between AI development stakeholders and unifying their project orientations. For this purpose, this study aims to answer the question of how to build a knowledge communication ecosystem between stakeholders/AI developers in order to develop the AI products interdisciplinary. This question is the basis for our next analysis objective, namely to compare the steps taken by the government of Republic of Indonesian as well as the European Union in building the AI development communication ecosystem. To answer the initial question question, we applied...
AI-assisted media: Revolutionising storytelling in animation pre-production
*Mohamad Razeef Shah Mohmad Rafik, Safwan Anwar Azizan, Ahmad Md Redzuan, Naquefarhan Zainal Abidin
Abstract: The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed several production methods in the global creative industries, including Malaysia. The application of AI-assisted media is seen to be utilised as the initial tool in developing the early pre-production development from the conceptual process of developing an idea to the final script for the creative industry, specifically towards animation pre-production. Each component in the pre-production phase is seen to incorporate AI-driven technology as the primary catalyst for initial development. This transformative role is evident and can be specifically applied in conceptualising and realising...
Abstract: The widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly transformed several production methods in the global creative industries, including Malaysia. The application of AI-assisted media is seen to be utilised as the initial tool in developing the early pre-production development from the conceptual process of developing an idea to the final script for the creative industry, specifically towards animation pre-production. Each component in the pre-production phase is seen to incorporate AI-driven technology as the primary catalyst for initial development. This transformative role is evident and can be specifically applied in conceptualising and realising...
