Table of Contents
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...
A study of Chinese audience acceptance behaviour : A case study of remake Chinese films from South Korean originals
Li Chongjing, *Wan Norbani Wan Noordin
Abstract: In recent years, Chinese films have been extensively remade from South Korean films, but both reputation and box office collections have been underwhelming. To understand Chinese audiences’ attitudinal behaviour toward this type of film, this study collected textual materials reflecting Chinese audiences’ reception attitudes: Douban long reviews, short reviews, and questionnaires. This study analysed 220,264 words from long and short reviews, plus questionnaires using thematic analysis, and identified four themes: Films, Audience, Reality, and Expression. The study found that the localization strategies employed by Chinese films in cross-cultural...
Abstract: In recent years, Chinese films have been extensively remade from South Korean films, but both reputation and box office collections have been underwhelming. To understand Chinese audiences’ attitudinal behaviour toward this type of film, this study collected textual materials reflecting Chinese audiences’ reception attitudes: Douban long reviews, short reviews, and questionnaires. This study analysed 220,264 words from long and short reviews, plus questionnaires using thematic analysis, and identified four themes: Films, Audience, Reality, and Expression. The study found that the localization strategies employed by Chinese films in cross-cultural...
Challenging female ideal body stereotypes: A qualitative research of positive body image representations on the Red (Xiaohongshu) platform
Chen Zhang, *Juliana Abdul Wahab
Abstract: The ideal female body stereotype is one of the longstanding aesthetic standards in Chinese society and culture, which not only affects individual women’s self-perception and psychological state, but is also constantly reinforced in social media, with increasingly outrageous aesthetic standards causing distress in females. Red (Xiaohongshu), as the most popular social media platform for Chinese women, presents a growing number of users who are aware of the negative effects of this ideal body image and challenge it by posting positive body image posts under the theme “rejecting body anxiety”. Existing studies mostly focus on the analysis of...
Abstract: The ideal female body stereotype is one of the longstanding aesthetic standards in Chinese society and culture, which not only affects individual women’s self-perception and psychological state, but is also constantly reinforced in social media, with increasingly outrageous aesthetic standards causing distress in females. Red (Xiaohongshu), as the most popular social media platform for Chinese women, presents a growing number of users who are aware of the negative effects of this ideal body image and challenge it by posting positive body image posts under the theme “rejecting body anxiety”. Existing studies mostly focus on the analysis of...
Exploring boycott frames: A content analysis of Malaysian online news coverage on the 2023 McDonald’s Malaysia boycott
*Chong Hoc Wei, Wang Changsong
Abstract: This study examines how Malaysian online news organisations framed public calls to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia following heightened sensitivities surrounding the 2023 Israel–Gaza conflict. Although boycotts are widely discussed in consumer behaviour research, limited attention has been given to how news media construct boycott narratives, particularly within geopolitically charged contexts. Using inductive qualitative content analysis, the study analysed 48 news articles published between October 2023 and April 2024 across four major outlets—The Star, Berita Harian, Sin Chew Daily, and Malaysiakini. Through open coding, categorisation, and...
Abstract: This study examines how Malaysian online news organisations framed public calls to boycott McDonald’s Malaysia following heightened sensitivities surrounding the 2023 Israel–Gaza conflict. Although boycotts are widely discussed in consumer behaviour research, limited attention has been given to how news media construct boycott narratives, particularly within geopolitically charged contexts. Using inductive qualitative content analysis, the study analysed 48 news articles published between October 2023 and April 2024 across four major outlets—The Star, Berita Harian, Sin Chew Daily, and Malaysiakini. Through open coding, categorisation, and...
