The Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) from the Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to advancing higher education in Malaysia. This commitment was beautifully showcased through the seamless organization of the 3rd International Conference on Media and Social Sciences (iCOMS) 2023. The grand event unfolded with much fervor at the esteemed Grand Swiss-Belhotel in Melaka, from September 14 to 15, 2023.
iCOMS 2023, themed “Metaverse and The Future of Communication,” was not merely an event; it was a voyage into uncharted territories of interdisciplinary realms. Breaking free from traditional academic boundaries, iCOMS served as a bridge connecting local and international scholars. Moreover, it fostered collaboration between academia and industry to explore the transformative power of research. The conference underscored the potential of research as a driving force that could influence policymaking, societal benefits, and national development both locally and internationally.
The conference drew a diverse audience comprising local and international researchers, academicians, celebrated international speakers, media professionals, and inquisitive students from various tertiary institutions. Their active participation not only enriched the event but also provided a platform for the practical sharing of industry knowledge and research expertise. Dr. Wardatul Hayat Adnan, the Conference Director, remarked, “We anticipated close to 100 participants presenting their academic and research works, fostering international relations between Malaysia and countries worldwide.”
The opening ceremony saw the captivating keynote address, “Robots, Riots, and Reason,” delivered by Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Syed Arabi Idid Syed Abdullah. This set the tone for the subsequent parallel sessions, designed to encourage engaging discussions. The sessions covered a wide spectrum of crucial themes including Communication, Digitization for the Next Generation, Media Politics, Social Media and Digital Collaboration, and Social Science, Humanities, and Cultural Studies. Their objective was to engage participants and researchers in stimulating discourse, promoting ongoing discussions and collaborations.
The two-day conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, including influential figures like Nazri Noran, CEO of Media Prima, Sridhar Sunkad, Regional Director of Porter Technologies ASIA Ltd Singapore, and Prof Gedala Naidoo from the University of Zululand South Africa. The plenary session was skillfully moderated by Professor Dr. Kiranjit Kaur from the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University Technology MARA (UiTM).
iCOMS 2023’s exploration of “Metaverse and The Future of Communication” marked a transformative journey within the academic realm. By fostering collaboration among international academicians, the conference envisioned a significant future for tertiary education systems in Malaysia and beyond. It left an indelible mark on the academic landscape, further establishing FCMS UiTM as a pioneering force in shaping the future of communication and media studies.