After five decades of pioneering the field of communications and media, the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is set to celebrate its golden jubilee this year. Affectionally known as MassComm, FCMS is optimistic to remain on top with its market driven curricular, research and development as well as industry network in this fast-paced world of information sharing, digital media and the looming Industrial Revolution 5.0. Parallel to the University’s objective in building resilience among its academic members and students alike, FCMS has been a respected and resourceful centre for strategic communications and humanities studies.

In conjunction with its 50th celebration, FCMS will be hosting a media marathon to commemorate the golden jubilee through ‘50 Years, 50 Hours of Mediathon’. This unique event is a collaborative effort between students, alumni, industry players and media partners. The programme is to celebrate FCMS’ establishment after 50 years for being the first and most prolific school of communication and media in Malaysia. Aside from media marathon, interesting activities has been arranged for the next six months which include, DNA MassComm, MasterClass, Alumni of the Week, CSR programme and an online marathon, among others prior to the highlights of its gala dinner.

To date, the world has benefitted from 20,000 FCMS graduates spanning over five decades of educational, vocational, and technological revolution. Through leaps and bounds, FCMS has been visible in championing best practices in the industry and the peering Universities, offering hours of consultations, hosting media initiatives and academic conferences. At community level, FCMS has been quick in responding proactively with corporate social responsibility efforts to those in needs. With strong alumni network and relationship with Captains of the Industry, FCMS have been able to keep abreast with changes affecting the industries’ ecosystem to ensure its students’ employability.

Present at the soft launch for the golden jubilee celebration, YBhg. Prof. Emeritus Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Ibrahim Abu Shah stated that MassComm has produced wholesome graduates who would later be exemplary members of the society with outstanding contribution globally. This was due to an industry-based curricular laced with teaching and learning techniques from its teaching members. Also present was the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Associate Prof. Dr. Massila Hamzah where she pointed that after half a century, FCMS has been going through from strength to strength, surpassing many hurdles and overcoming challenges along the way into relevance, with a renewed sense of purpose.

For FCMS, the testament of excellence for any education institution is to create graduates who are balanced, empathetic and dynamic prior to serving the community and ultimately, the country. With ever changing industry’s landscapes, comes with it greater challenges to solve and learn. Thus, fair, and intuitive writing, immersive content creation and quality work should be assets best put forward for any MassComm graduates as they step foot into the industry.