Table of Contents
Visual significations of Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child
*Zhen Fang, Noraien Mansor
Abstract: Visual signs can be differentiated into denotative and connotative messages, where denotative messages form the perceptual foundation of an image, and connotative messages engage with a deeper, culturally cognisant layer, imbued with subjective interpretations and aesthetic significations. This study embarks on a qualitative textual analysis with the main aim to elucidate the connotation and denotation of visual significations in two pivotal Chinese animated films, Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child. Guided by Roland Barthes’ Semiotic theory and Chen’s study, the research delves into the connotative and denotative meanings...
Abstract: Visual signs can be differentiated into denotative and connotative messages, where denotative messages form the perceptual foundation of an image, and connotative messages engage with a deeper, culturally cognisant layer, imbued with subjective interpretations and aesthetic significations. This study embarks on a qualitative textual analysis with the main aim to elucidate the connotation and denotation of visual significations in two pivotal Chinese animated films, Monkey King: Hero is Back and Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child. Guided by Roland Barthes’ Semiotic theory and Chen’s study, the research delves into the connotative and denotative meanings...
Unveiling women leadership dynamics in public relations: Insights and influential factors
Yang Yueqin, *Ong Ai Ling
Abstract: The rapid evolution of information technology and the globalisation of markets underscore the paramount importance of competition for highly skilled professionals in the corporate landscape. Within this context, women leaders play a pivotal role in the development of public relations (PR) by virtue of their distinctive leadership styles and artistic approaches This research paper aims to investigate the various elements as well as factors that contribute to the phenomenon of women leadership. Employing a dual methodology of theoretical exploration and quantitative analysis, the paper attempts to establish a nuanced understanding of the correlation between...
Abstract: The rapid evolution of information technology and the globalisation of markets underscore the paramount importance of competition for highly skilled professionals in the corporate landscape. Within this context, women leaders play a pivotal role in the development of public relations (PR) by virtue of their distinctive leadership styles and artistic approaches This research paper aims to investigate the various elements as well as factors that contribute to the phenomenon of women leadership. Employing a dual methodology of theoretical exploration and quantitative analysis, the paper attempts to establish a nuanced understanding of the correlation between...
Public reception on the use of AI influencers in beauty brand campaigns on Instagram
*Dasrun Hidayat, Nabila Damayani Marzaman, Maylanny Christin
Abstract: he use of artificial intelligence (AI) influencers as models in brand campaigns in recent years, particularly in beauty brands, has sparked scepticism and distrust among the public. This study aims to explore the impact of AI influencer usage on message reception within beauty brand campaigns on Instagram according to the audience reception theory. Using a quantitative approach with random sampling techniques, the research covers the entire active Instagram user population in Indonesia, with 100 respondents. The analysis reveals a decline in message reception when AI influencers are employed in beauty brand campaigns on Instagram. Factors...
Abstract: he use of artificial intelligence (AI) influencers as models in brand campaigns in recent years, particularly in beauty brands, has sparked scepticism and distrust among the public. This study aims to explore the impact of AI influencer usage on message reception within beauty brand campaigns on Instagram according to the audience reception theory. Using a quantitative approach with random sampling techniques, the research covers the entire active Instagram user population in Indonesia, with 100 respondents. The analysis reveals a decline in message reception when AI influencers are employed in beauty brand campaigns on Instagram. Factors...
Framing and othering the T20 group in Malaysia: An analysis of news articles from selected mainstream and independent news portals
*Seach Jin Beng
Abstract: Malaysian news portals often feature news related to the B40 group as they are considered the socially disadvantaged group. Conversely, the T20 group in Malaysia refers to 20% of the population earning the highest income which serves as the complete opposite of the B40 group. Primarily deemed as a privileged group, this study examines how the T20 group is unfairly framed and othered in the media by drawing upon Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s concepts of media framing and othering. The study examines the linguistic elements in selected articles that depict the T20 as “unaffected”, “undeserving”, and “unrealistic”. This negative portrayal is used to...
Abstract: Malaysian news portals often feature news related to the B40 group as they are considered the socially disadvantaged group. Conversely, the T20 group in Malaysia refers to 20% of the population earning the highest income which serves as the complete opposite of the B40 group. Primarily deemed as a privileged group, this study examines how the T20 group is unfairly framed and othered in the media by drawing upon Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s concepts of media framing and othering. The study examines the linguistic elements in selected articles that depict the T20 as “unaffected”, “undeserving”, and “unrealistic”. This negative portrayal is used to...
Freedom of expression in films: A qualitative study exploring challenges and opportunitiesin Pakistan
Haseeb Muhammad Bin Qasim Khan, Muhammad Haseeb Shakil, *Nurul Wahidah Binti Mahmud Zuhudi, Sayyed Zaman Haider, Rabika Nadeem
Abstract: The study delves into the complicated prospect of freedom of expression in the film industry, specifically focused on Pakistan. It starts by recognising the historical and worldwide importance of free speech in cinema and its vital role in formulating cultural stories. The study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews and the participants of the study comprised filmmakers and actors. The study aimed to identify challenges and opportunities essential for steering innovative boundaries...
Abstract: The study delves into the complicated prospect of freedom of expression in the film industry, specifically focused on Pakistan. It starts by recognising the historical and worldwide importance of free speech in cinema and its vital role in formulating cultural stories. The study adopted a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews and the participants of the study comprised filmmakers and actors. The study aimed to identify challenges and opportunities essential for steering innovative boundaries...
Stylistic analysis of election campaign visuals in the secure and intensely competitive constituencies of the 2021 Sarawak State Election
*Siti Haslina Hussin, Malia Taibi, Ammar Redza Ahmad Rizal
Abstract: This study analysed election campaign visuals in the secure and intensely competitive constituencies of Kuching and Kota Samarahan during the 2021 Sarawak State Election. Using Crystal and Davy’s (1969) framework of stylistic analysis and Benoit’s (2017) functional theory of political campaign communication, 20 posters and 12 banners were analysed to examine their graphetic, typographical and textual features. Findings show that graphetically, the campaign visuals in secure...
Abstract: This study analysed election campaign visuals in the secure and intensely competitive constituencies of Kuching and Kota Samarahan during the 2021 Sarawak State Election. Using Crystal and Davy’s (1969) framework of stylistic analysis and Benoit’s (2017) functional theory of political campaign communication, 20 posters and 12 banners were analysed to examine their graphetic, typographical and textual features. Findings show that graphetically, the campaign visuals in secure...
Navigating misogynistic cyber harassment: Impacts and challenges faced by Pakistani female journalists
Iqra Iqbal, *Sara Chinnasamy, Shifa Binti Faizal
Abstract: This study explores the impacts and challenges of cyber harassment on Pakistani female journalists. Although female journalists persistently experience misogynist online harassment in their jobs, this topic has yet to receive due attention in the journalism landscape. This study is closely aligned with the social feminism theory, which supports equal rights for working female journalists. The study sample comprised seven Pakistani female journalists, selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Adopting a qualitative research...
Abstract: This study explores the impacts and challenges of cyber harassment on Pakistani female journalists. Although female journalists persistently experience misogynist online harassment in their jobs, this topic has yet to receive due attention in the journalism landscape. This study is closely aligned with the social feminism theory, which supports equal rights for working female journalists. The study sample comprised seven Pakistani female journalists, selected using purposive and snowball sampling. Adopting a qualitative research...
Psychosemantics of “us” and “them” in social media warfare
Rus Shafinas Shafie, *Wardatul Hayat Adna, Puspalata C. Suppiah, Yuslinda Mat Yassin
Abstract: The denotation and use of us and them have been used in various political discourses to either assimilate or alienate groups of people. Numerous political leaders have used both pronouns in their online narratives throughout different social media platforms in an effort to gain political mileage. This study aims to explore the notion of positive self-representation of us and the negative representation of them with the focus on the lexicon “kita” and “mereka” that influences public perception. The study is a phenomenological qualitative study that applied van Dijk’s critical discourse analysis method and the theory of ideological...
Abstract: The denotation and use of us and them have been used in various political discourses to either assimilate or alienate groups of people. Numerous political leaders have used both pronouns in their online narratives throughout different social media platforms in an effort to gain political mileage. This study aims to explore the notion of positive self-representation of us and the negative representation of them with the focus on the lexicon “kita” and “mereka” that influences public perception. The study is a phenomenological qualitative study that applied van Dijk’s critical discourse analysis method and the theory of ideological...
Newcomers in politics: A thematic analysis of 2023 Malaysian State Election candidates’ TikTok content
*Mohd Pirdaus Mat Husain, Ali Salman, Mohd Nor Shahizan Ali, Khairunnisa Mohad Khazin
Abstract: In Malaysia, the 2023 State Election was held on August 12, 2023. This election only involved six states, namely Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang. It also had a large number of candidates from different backgrounds. Among them were new candidates nominated by their respective parties. New candidates are also known as a “political newcomers”. These newcomers were of various backgrounds, including artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and academicians. All of them presented distinctive manifestos and viewpoints that was shared on social media. In this context, this research aims to examine the content uploaded by...
Abstract: In Malaysia, the 2023 State Election was held on August 12, 2023. This election only involved six states, namely Selangor, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, and Penang. It also had a large number of candidates from different backgrounds. Among them were new candidates nominated by their respective parties. New candidates are also known as a “political newcomers”. These newcomers were of various backgrounds, including artists, athletes, entrepreneurs, and academicians. All of them presented distinctive manifestos and viewpoints that was shared on social media. In this context, this research aims to examine the content uploaded by...
Muslim women experiencing the production culture of the Malaysian screen industries
*Nur Kareelawati Abd Karim, Siti Maziah Samsudin
Abstract: This article delves into the experiences of Muslim women within the dynamic Malaysian screen industries, focusing on the concept of “production culture” formulated by John T. Caldwell. The study aims to understand how this production culture influences the professional, religious, and gendered identities of female Muslim production workers and to what extent religion serves as a coping mechanism. The research explores the gender disparities and religious ideologies that underpin the Malay community, emphasising the influence of cultural and religious norms. The findings elucidate the challenges Muslim women face in...
Abstract: This article delves into the experiences of Muslim women within the dynamic Malaysian screen industries, focusing on the concept of “production culture” formulated by John T. Caldwell. The study aims to understand how this production culture influences the professional, religious, and gendered identities of female Muslim production workers and to what extent religion serves as a coping mechanism. The research explores the gender disparities and religious ideologies that underpin the Malay community, emphasising the influence of cultural and religious norms. The findings elucidate the challenges Muslim women face in...
