Table of Contents

Strategic communication in promoting the organisation and academic services of research universities in Malaysia
*Muhammad Zaiamri Zainal Abidin, Nursyamira Shaid, Nur Haniz Mohd Nor, Md Azalanshah Md Syed
Abstract: The development of an education-based economy, the internationalisation of institutions, and the growth of a global higher education hub has brought numerous changes to the field of higher education in the 21st century. This development encourages competition between universities to promote and market their organisation and academic services as an effort to dominate the higher education market. To understand better their efforts, this study explores the implementation of strategic communication by research universities in Malaysia to promote their organisation and academic services. The study specifically focuses on the efforts...
The hidden message of unethical advertising: A comprehensive framework from Malaysian television commercials
*Noor Hanan Mohd Jafar, Zainuddin Ibrahim
Abstract: The article examines the underlying features of visual language used by advertisers to manipulate audiences, as well as the absence of a comprehensive framework for characterising the hidden message employed in unethical advertising. The study aims to improve the comprehension of advertisers’ persuasive strategies and the influence of visual communication on audience perception, ultimately advocating for responsible and ethical advertising practices. The study used a qualitative technique to analyse the visual features of two commercials: Pucuk Harumnita Juice and Shopee Blackpink. It applied the semiotic theory to assess the micro- and...
Exploring X usage andengagement strategies in higher education: A comparative study of Pakistani and Malaysian universities
*Fareeha Aazam, *Pei Soo Ang, *Noor Aqsa Nabila Mat Isa
Abstract: This study explores the effectiveness of social media strategies, specifically on X (formerly Twitter), as utilised by universities in Pakistan and Malaysia to engage with their student bodies. By employing content analysis via NVivo 14 for social media managers’ interview data and Python for analysing university student questionnaire responses, the research offers a dual perspective on university social media usage. It reveals a general consensus on the effectiveness of visual elements and the platform’s role in university marketing, but points to a gap in content engagement and authentic campus culture representation. The comparative analysis between...
Unlocking untapped potential in free-to-air TV advertising for East Coast SMEs in Malaysia
Wan Norshira Wan Mohd Ghazali, *Hasnah Ab Kadir, Shafizan Mohamed, Nor Hafizah Abdullah, Siti Zanariah Yusoff, Nur Shakira Mohd Nasir
Abstract: Advertising contributes to the revenues of the broadcasting industry, paving the way for a sustainable broadcast and media ecosystem. However, due to the popularity of streaming services, advertising has been siphoned from broadcasters, leaving them struggling to survive. This paper explores freeto-air (FTA) television (TV) advertising opportunities in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. The East Coast region was an ideal location for this study due to its strong sense of community, cultural pride, and attractive identity that would offer a unique perspective on FTA TV viewing. Surveys were conducted with 403 respondents, selected using a multi-stage...
Visual rhetoric and media representation: Crafting inclusive narratives in culturally sensitive environments
*Iylia Syazana Azman, Lina Munirah Kamarudin, Fitra bin Mohd Ali, Azian Muhamad Adzmi
Abstract: As Muslim-friendly spas rise in prominence within the wellness industry, aligning this sector with Islamic values and addressing customers’ cultural and spiritual needs is essential. This study explores how these spas utilise visual rhetoric and media representation to develop Muslim-friendly environments that resonate with Muslim customers. The study provides a comprehensive view of their approaches through qualitative research methods, including face-to-face interviews with spa...
Cultivating conservation connections: A look at virtual influencers in promoting environmental awareness on social media
*Tran Minh Tung, Duong Hoai Lan
Abstract: This research explores how virtual influencers use visual aesthetics and storytelling to promote environmental awareness and encourage pro-environmental behaviour, focusing on Leya as a case study. Findings reveal that Leya uses captivating nature visuals and human-animal connections to promote environmental harmony and sustainability. Through a personal, conversational storytelling style, Leya humanises animals and engages her audience emotionally. She positions herself as a companion rather than an authority, focusing on hope and the beauty of nature rather than the negative aspects of environmental degradation. The study also...
Organisational harmony: Exploring the effectiveness and correlation between nonverbal communication and conflict resolution among employees at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM)
*Nurul Amirah Farisha Abd Rahman, Norhayati Rafida Abd Rahim
Abstract: This study delves into the realm of organisational conflict resolution, focusing specifically on the role and effectiveness of nonverbal communication among employees. The research is grounded in the recognition of nonverbal communication as a pivotal factor in addressing conflicts within an organisation. The primary objectives of the study are threefold: (1) to identify the effectiveness level of nonverbal communication among employees in the workplace, (2) to recognise the level of conflict resolution among employees in the workplace, and (3) to explore the correlation between nonverbal communication and conflict resolution in the...
Politicians’ perspectives and media preferences regarding carbon neutrality policies: A comparative study in Malaysia and China
*Husam Alustwani, Kai Quan and Awan Ismail
Abstract: Media coverage of the climate crisis plays a key role in driving climate action. While most surveys related to climate change and its ramifications primarily assess public opinion at a collective level, this study targets politicians as the most influential segment of a population. The study examined politicians’ perspectives on two aspects: (a) which policies are likely to be prioritised in their respective countries to achieve carbon neutrality, and (b) which media is the most preferred for promoting these policies. The scope is narrowed to two countries: Malaysia, a leading developing country, and China, a leading industrial country. Through an online survey targeting...
Media framing on Bernama’s Twitter coverage during Malaysia’s GE15: An exploratory factor analysis
Shafezah Abdul Wahab, *Muhammad Hakimi Tew Abdullah
Abstract: Integrating social media platforms like Twitter into election coverage has transformed information dissemination, making it important for political discourse. This study examines how Bernama, a government-linked news agency in Malaysia, used Twitter during Malaysia’s 15th General Election (GE15), focusing on the role of media framing. Media framing is the intentional presentation of information aimed at influencing audience perceptions, significantly shaping voter attitudes, and constructing political narratives. A total of 1,103 tweets from Bernama were analysed through quantitative content analysis, and an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was...
An evaluation of virtual role-playing activities using ENGAGEVR among pre-service teachers at a private higher learning institution in Malaysia
*Thivilojana S. Perinpasingam, Tan Shin Yen, Charles Sharma Naidu a/l Achu Naidu, Faisal Athar bin Mohd Fadzil
Abstract: This study examines the use of Virtual Reality (VR), a transformative technology as a new pedagogical tool to enhance pre-service teachers’ learning, progression and success, particularly for classroom simulation related activities. It explores how pre-service teachers experience the usage of VR-integrated teaching methods, specifically focusing on enhancing classroom management skills through virtual role-playing activities on the ENGAGEVR platform. A development research method was selected based on ADDIE’s Instructional Design Model. This paper focuses on the final phase of the ADDIE’s model which is the evaluation of pre-service teachers’...