Table of Contents
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 18 Issue 1 Preliminary
About The Journal
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication...
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication...
Supervision across borders: Exploring intercultural communication competence in Malaysian higher education
Nur Atiqah Adzilla Anuar, *Ireena Nasiha Ibnu, Mohd Yusof Zulkefli, Suffian Hadi Ayub, Nur Husna Serip Mohamad, Nadia Anuar
Abstract: Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) is just as important as math, science, and history. ICC stresses how important it is to treat each other with respect, value others, and work together to create effective relationships by overcoming cultural differences. The dynamic pressure of globalisation has produced profound effects on education across the globe, generating a remarkable transformation that is evident in the diversification of university campuses, notably in Malaysia. As things change, ICC forms an important aspect of fostering a welcoming and helpful learning space, especially for international postgraduate students (IPS) working with...
Abstract: Intercultural Communication Competence (ICC) is just as important as math, science, and history. ICC stresses how important it is to treat each other with respect, value others, and work together to create effective relationships by overcoming cultural differences. The dynamic pressure of globalisation has produced profound effects on education across the globe, generating a remarkable transformation that is evident in the diversification of university campuses, notably in Malaysia. As things change, ICC forms an important aspect of fostering a welcoming and helpful learning space, especially for international postgraduate students (IPS) working with...
Safeguarding indigenous storytelling: Community-based heritage initiatives and SDG 11.4 in the Mah Meri community, Malaysia
*Adrian Yuen Beng Lee, Tan Raan Hann
Abstract: This study examines how community-based heritage initiatives can support the sustainability of Indigenous cultural practices within development-oriented policy frameworks. Focusing on the Mah Meri community of Carey Island, Malaysia, the research evaluates the implementation of CITA-HEA: The Mah Meri Storytelling—Giving Voice to the Voiceless, an initiative introduced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) to support storytelling traditions and women’s livelihoods in alignment with SDG 11.4. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach based on document analysis, focus group...
Abstract: This study examines how community-based heritage initiatives can support the sustainability of Indigenous cultural practices within development-oriented policy frameworks. Focusing on the Mah Meri community of Carey Island, Malaysia, the research evaluates the implementation of CITA-HEA: The Mah Meri Storytelling—Giving Voice to the Voiceless, an initiative introduced by the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia on Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) to support storytelling traditions and women’s livelihoods in alignment with SDG 11.4. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach based on document analysis, focus group...
Bridging social capital: The experiences of Orang Asli communities in Malaysia in navigating information disruption
*Endah Triastuti, Husna Sarirah Husin, Kavitha Balakrishnan
Abstract: This study examines how Malaysia’s Orang Asli indigenous communities navigate disinformation in the network society, challenging hegemonic, Western-centric digital literacy frameworks that prioritise individual critical thinking and overlook marginalised lived experiences. Drawing on Sherry Ortner’s anthropology of the good and James Scott’s The Weapons of the Weak, it explores agency, resistance, and resilience through collective practices amid vulnerability, oppression, and the digital divide. Employing qualitative methods, including interviews with government officers and community leaders, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 24...
Abstract: This study examines how Malaysia’s Orang Asli indigenous communities navigate disinformation in the network society, challenging hegemonic, Western-centric digital literacy frameworks that prioritise individual critical thinking and overlook marginalised lived experiences. Drawing on Sherry Ortner’s anthropology of the good and James Scott’s The Weapons of the Weak, it explores agency, resistance, and resilience through collective practices amid vulnerability, oppression, and the digital divide. Employing qualitative methods, including interviews with government officers and community leaders, and four focus group discussions (FGDs) with 24...
The impact of the “X” platform on the formation of the image of political events: A field study on the Jordanian academic elite
*Omar Suleiman Saleh Malkawi
Abstract: This study sought to investigate the role of the X platform (formerly Twitter) in shaping the perceptions of political events among a sample of university professors in Jordan specializing in social sciences. Given the increasing dependence on digital platforms (particularly online social networks) for political information, these tools fulfil a crucial role in shaping the “mental image” of political events among educated and influential audiences. Based on the Media System Dependency Theory, the study explores the cognitive, affective, and behavioural impacts of using the X platform. Based on previous literature, a structured questionnaire was constructed with...
Abstract: This study sought to investigate the role of the X platform (formerly Twitter) in shaping the perceptions of political events among a sample of university professors in Jordan specializing in social sciences. Given the increasing dependence on digital platforms (particularly online social networks) for political information, these tools fulfil a crucial role in shaping the “mental image” of political events among educated and influential audiences. Based on the Media System Dependency Theory, the study explores the cognitive, affective, and behavioural impacts of using the X platform. Based on previous literature, a structured questionnaire was constructed with...
Communication strategies to enhance black rice farming toward agricultural sustainability
*Rahmawati Zulfiningrum, Akbar Nuur Purnama Darma Wahana, Joana Jaya, Suwandi Sumartias, Heni Indrayani, Candra Yudha Satriya, Nadia Itona Siregar
Abstract: The development of black rice farming requires effective communication to strengthen community participation, improve farmers’ welfare, and support sustainable agriculture. However, the expansion of black rice cultivation in Sirampog remains limited because related actors interpret program goals, roles, and priorities differently. This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach to analyse communication processes in the development of black rice farming. The findings show that the main challenges were uneven convergence among actors, communication gaps within the community, and the reluctance of some traditional...
Abstract: The development of black rice farming requires effective communication to strengthen community participation, improve farmers’ welfare, and support sustainable agriculture. However, the expansion of black rice cultivation in Sirampog remains limited because related actors interpret program goals, roles, and priorities differently. This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological approach to analyse communication processes in the development of black rice farming. The findings show that the main challenges were uneven convergence among actors, communication gaps within the community, and the reluctance of some traditional...
SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research (SEARCH) 2025 Volume 18 Issue 1 Full Issue
About The Journal
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication...
Aims & Scope: The aim of the SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research is to promote and enhance research development and debates in the field of media and communication research. It also serves as a forum for researchers and industry players who use research as the frame for social awareness and change. We welcome any submission of manuscripts throughout the year. Authors are invited to submit scholarly works on communication...
Resisting hegemony: Islam and identity in the Mentega Terbang film
*Muhammad Raqib bin Mohd Sofian, Firly Annisa, Frizki Yulianti Nurnisya, Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri, Muhamad Zaki Mustafa, Mohd Yahya Mohd Ariffin
Abstract: This paper examines how the controversial Malaysian film Mentega Terbang constructs alternative representations of Islam and challenges dominant religious discourses within the Malaysian socio-cultural context. In Malaysia, Islam occupies a central position in public life, with state institutions playing an important role in regulating religious interpretation and discourse. Within this environment, Mentega Terbang generated significant public debate due to its engagement with sensitive religious themes. While discussions have largely focused on the controversy surrounding the film, limited scholarly attention has been given to how it constructs meaning through its narrative...
Abstract: This paper examines how the controversial Malaysian film Mentega Terbang constructs alternative representations of Islam and challenges dominant religious discourses within the Malaysian socio-cultural context. In Malaysia, Islam occupies a central position in public life, with state institutions playing an important role in regulating religious interpretation and discourse. Within this environment, Mentega Terbang generated significant public debate due to its engagement with sensitive religious themes. While discussions have largely focused on the controversy surrounding the film, limited scholarly attention has been given to how it constructs meaning through its narrative...
Constructing institutional visibility through university website communication: Evidence from Malaysian research universities
*Muhammad Zaiamri Zainal Abidin, Nursyamira Shaid, Amira Firdaus, Fadli Abdullah
Abstract: University websites operate as strategic communication infrastructures through which higher education institutions construct institutional visibility, communicate identity, and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders. While prior scholarship has examined webometric indicators, usability performance, accessibility, and online ranking visibility, less attention has been given to how institutional visibility is communicatively produced through the interface architecture of university websites. This study examines the official websites of three Malaysian research universities, namely Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) using...
Abstract: University websites operate as strategic communication infrastructures through which higher education institutions construct institutional visibility, communicate identity, and sustain relationships with diverse stakeholders. While prior scholarship has examined webometric indicators, usability performance, accessibility, and online ranking visibility, less attention has been given to how institutional visibility is communicatively produced through the interface architecture of university websites. This study examines the official websites of three Malaysian research universities, namely Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) using...
Flipping the script: Code-switching as a digital advertising tool in Malaysia
Siti Hajar bt Ghazali, *Adlina binti Ariffin
Abstract: This study investigates the communicative functions of code-switching in Malaysian digital advertisements. Ten narrative-type code-switched commercials were selected based on: i) Malaysian product or service, ii) accessible on YouTube platform, and iii) 3-minute duration. Using Malik’s (1994) Ten Communicative Functions of Code-Switching as the framework, textual and discourse analysis were conducted to identify how code-switching fulfils persuasive and communicative purposes in digital marketing. The findings reveal that the most frequent function was to amplify and emphasise a point, followed by lack of facility, habitual expression, lack of registral competence, mood of...
Abstract: This study investigates the communicative functions of code-switching in Malaysian digital advertisements. Ten narrative-type code-switched commercials were selected based on: i) Malaysian product or service, ii) accessible on YouTube platform, and iii) 3-minute duration. Using Malik’s (1994) Ten Communicative Functions of Code-Switching as the framework, textual and discourse analysis were conducted to identify how code-switching fulfils persuasive and communicative purposes in digital marketing. The findings reveal that the most frequent function was to amplify and emphasise a point, followed by lack of facility, habitual expression, lack of registral competence, mood of...
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