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How Digital Technology Shapes Our Modern Lives

How Digital Technology Shapes Our Modern Lives

Technology has become an inseparable part of human life. From the moment we wake up to the time we go to sleep, our days are surrounded by digital devices and online connections. This “digital lifestyle” has transformed how we communicate, learn, and even relax. As technology continues to evolve, it influences not only our habits but also the way humans function and how they interact across the globe.

The story of technology is one of continuous progress. From the invention of the wheel to the rise of the internet, every era has witnessed innovations that changed human life. The late 20th century marked a turning point with the introduction of personal computers and mobile phones, followed by the digital revolution of the 21st century. The emergence of the internet, social media, and artificial intelligence has made information and communication faster and easier than ever before. Today, technology connects people from different parts of the world in seconds, creating what many call a “global village.”

How Technology Shapes Our Lives

In modern society, digital technology affects almost every aspect of daily life. Communication has become instant through messaging apps and video calls. Education has moved beyond the classroom, with online learning platforms offering access to knowledge anytime and anywhere. Work has also changed to remote jobs, and digital collaboration tools allow teams to work together across continents. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic, as explained in Bonnie’s journal “The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Technology,” showed how urgent and necessary technology became during that time. It was not just about new inventions, but about how circumstances forced people to adapt quickly and find digital solutions for work, study, and even the health sector. Its convenience and change could also bring challenges, such as screen addiction, job loss, and reduced face-to-face interactions. Still, technology remains a powerful tool that enhances creativity, productivity, and global connection.

The Future Potential of Digital Technology

The future of digital living holds endless possibilities. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and smart devices are expected to make life even more efficient and personalized. Smart homes will automate daily tasks, self-driving cars will change transportation, and digital health technologies will improve medical care. Yet, as technology advances, ethical questions about data use, job automation, and digital inequality will grow. The future challenge is to ensure that technology serves humanity positively rather than replacing it.

The digital age has transformed the way people live, think, and interact. From its early beginnings to its current state, technology has shaped a new lifestyle centered on connectivity and convenience. While it brings many benefits, it also requires responsibility and balance. As we look toward the future, embracing technology wisely will be key to building a more connected, innovative, and humane world.

References

Bunch, & A. Hellemans. (2013, April 2). A Brief Outline of the History of Technology. 1-13. https://web.engr.oregonstate.edu/~funkk/Courses/TGL/Resources/history_of_tech_v4.pdf

Clipper B. (2020, June 30). The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Technology: Adoption in Health Care. Nurse leader, 18(5), 500-503. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7324321/

Schwab, K. (2016). The Fourth Industrial Revolution. World Economic Forum. Retrieved October 16, 2025, from https://law.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/3385454/Schwab-The_Fourth_Industrial_Revolution_Klaus_S.pdf

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Two IPC Students Win Third Place at the International Business Plan Competition Leading Scientific Fair 2025

Two IPC Students Win Third Place at the International Business Plan Competition Leading Scientific Fair 2025

Two IPC UII students won third place in the Leading Scientific Fair 2025 International Business Plan Competition. The competition, held on 11–12 October 2025 at the K.H.A Wahid Hasyim Building, UII, Nabila Aulia Zahra and Gadis Kurnia Khamba emerged as winners.

In the competition, the IPC UII team presented BridgeSkill, a web-based mentoring platform that connects retirees as mentors with UMKM owners. According to Nabila Aulia Zahra, this idea was inspired by her mother. This year, her mother retired, but her capacity allows her to facilitate UMKM players.

“I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, and my mother, because of this BridgeSkill idea, since my mother retired this year. I hope that one day this idea can be realised and be helpful, especially for retirees who still want to be productive and UMKMs that want to grow,” she said.

Similar to her teammate, Gadis Kurnia Khamba wanted to step out of her comfort zone and challenge herself by participating in this competition.

“My main motivation for joining this competition was to challenge myself to step out of my comfort zone and learn how to turn an abstract idea into a concrete, realistic business plan,” she said.

For both IPC Batch 2023 students, this competition was their first experience. They had no relevant experience whatsoever. However, they met the right mentor. One of the UII Communication Science lecturers, Ibnu Darmawan, S.I.Kom., M.I.Kom., was willing to guide them.

“Initially, I received several potential ideas from friends for mentoring this creative business plan project from Nabila and Gadis. From these many ideas, I began to select several options that seemed realistic and had great potential, considering that the key to a business idea is its feasibility. Especially if there are similar businesses already operating, this can be used as a benchmark to facilitate the preparation of the business flow,” said the UII Communication Science lecturer.

Ibnu Drmawan explained that the advantage of this idea is not only empowering the retiree community, but also helping the UMKM community, which is often constrained by funds to access professional business training or consultants.

After working hard for about a month to draft the proposal, Nabila and Gadis completed it. Their proposal, titled “Bridgeskill: Empowering Micro Small Medium Enterprises Through Expert Retiree Mentorship and Intergenerational Collaboration”, was accepted and placed them as finalists.

A few days later, based on the assessment of the proposal’s content, they advanced to the next stage, which was the idea presentation.

“We continued the mentorship for the presentation preparation. This time, we collaborated with Mrs. Lutviah, considering her expertise in English presentations. Unfortunately, due to various constraints, we could only conduct one rehearsal with very limited time,” added Ibnu Darmawan.

From this international competition experience, the participants gained many insights. In addition to establishing external relationships, they also understood how a business works.

“Of course, the relationships and advice from the judges to improve ourselves for future competitions,” said Nabila Aulia Zahra.

“This experience taught me a lot, even about aspects I had never considered before, like market research and revenue strategy. I gained a better understanding of how to build a business idea from scratch, collect supporting data, and prepare a presentation under tight deadlines. Since it was just me and one teammate, we really had to complement each other, split tasks wisely, and stay in sync even when things got hectic. It was definitely challenging, but it made me more confident and motivated to keep developing new ideas in the business field,” said Gadis Kurnia Khamba.

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The Bittersweet Side of Fast Fashion

Fast Fashion

There is nothing better than the feeling of owning a new outfit every week, but that excitement definitely comes with its own cost. The fast fashion industry produces clothes in massive quantities to meet ever-growing demand. Yet, at the point where its power expands, the harms begin to overlap with its benefits. This is where the bittersweet reality of fast fashion becomes clear. So, let’s dive deeper into both the bitter and sweet sides of this industry.

One of the most overlooked aspects of fast fashion is its severe environmental cost. From production to consumption, every stage of the process leaves a damaging footprint on the planet. The textile industry is the second-largest consumer of water in the world, using around 93 billion cubic meters annually—enough to meet the needs of five million people. The dyeing and treatment of fabrics account for 20% of global wastewater, often releasing toxic chemicals into rivers in countries with weak regulations. Cotton farming alone requires huge amounts of water and pesticides, which devastate local ecosystems. In terms of energy, the industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. 

On the consumer side, the culture of disposability makes the problem worse, with an estimated 85% of textiles ending up in landfills each year, where synthetic fibers release microplastics that pollute oceans and enter the food chain. The reality is that the affordability of fast fashion comes at a hidden cost, where one pays through polluted water, rising emissions, and long-term environmental damage.

Media and Online Influence on The Industry 

Another powerful driver of fast fashion’s growth is the influence of media and digital platforms. The fashion industry and media work hand in hand. While the industry provides a constant flow of new products, the media accelerates their visibility and demand. Social media, advertising, and influencers play a crucial role in setting trends that spread globally within hours, pushing consumers to buy not because of genuine need but because of the pressure to stay “in style.” This constant cycle shortens the lifespan of clothing, as what is fashionable today can quickly become outdated tomorrow. 

The Possibility of Change

Despite these challenges, the future of fashion does not have to remain bitter. Young consumers, especially Gen Z, are showing a growing interest in sustainable choices. Many are turning to thrifting, clothing options, and upcycling as alternatives to constantly buying new clothes. Others are more willing to support brands that are transparent about their production and use eco-friendly materials. 

Social media, while often fueling overconsumption, can also spread awareness and promote responsible trends when used positively. If more young people choose to value quality over quantity, and reuse rather than discard, they can shift demand and influence brands to adopt more sustainable practices. This shows that the sweet side of fast fashion lies in the possibility of change, led by conscious consumers.

Fast fashion is truly a bittersweet industry. While it offers affordability and easy access to trends, it also leaves behind deep environmental and social damage. Media and online platforms have fueled its rapid growth, but young people today have the power to slow it down and reshape it. The future of fashion depends on whether we choose short-term excitement or long-term sustainability.

References

Bick, R., Halsey, E., & Ekenga, C. C. (2018). The Global Environmental Injustice of Fast Fashion. Environmental Health, 17(1), 1–4. BMC. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12940-018-0433-7

Kontributor proyek Wikimedia. (2025, September 26). Fesyen cepat. Retrieved October 6, 2025, from Wikipedia.org website: https://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fesyen_cepat

Niinimäki, K. (2020, April). The environmental price of fast fashion. Retrieved from ResearchGate website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340635670_The_environmental_price_of_fast_fashion

Ren, X. (2023, February 7). Analysis on the Development of Fast Fashion- Based on the Influence of New Media. Retrieved from ResearchGate website: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368369588_Analysis_on_the_Development_of_Fast_Fashion-_Based_on_the_Influence_of_New_Media

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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ACSS 2025: Workshop Series for IPC Students Batch 2025

ACSS 2025: Workshop Series for IPC Students Batch 2025

ACSS, which stands for Academic and Skills Study, is a welcoming program designed for new IPC students. It is an annual program aimed at preparing them to adapt to the new academic journey from high school to higher education. This year’s Academic Skills Study (ACSS) programme, themed Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication, is an effort to address pressing global issues through communication science.

It was held on September 26, 2025, at the Soekiman Wirosandjojo Auditorium Building, 3rd Floor, UII. This programme had been deliberately prepared in response to global challenges such as natural disasters, climate change, social injustice, armed conflicts, and wars in various countries.

To support this objective, various workshops were held, with the hope that IPC batch 2025 students who participated would be able to understand the role of media and communication in various contexts. Among other things, how media and communication shape narratives and build intercultural understanding to the point of being able to drive positive action through information on various media platforms.

The following are various workshops full of insights for IPC batch 2025 students:

Workshop on Promoting Global Solidarity through Creative Writing

By Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom, M.A

Active as a lecturer and marketing director at UII, the speaker delivered material focusing on how people use social media to fulfil their needs for news, entertainment, connection, and personal validation. To take on this role, students were encouraged to focus on the understanding that social media is a space for daily activities and to actively produce content.

One of the purposes of producing content is to conduct social campaigns. In relation to the ACSS 2025 topic, the speaker mentioned that social media is a space to create movements. The goal is to learn how to create powerful content to achieve a specific objective, such as spreading a social campaign. There are four stages in the process of creating a powerful social media campaign, including understanding the brief, gaining the idea, creating a creative brief, and the idea development process.

‘When a story is relevant, people will listen; when an issue is relevant, people will act; when content is relevant, people engage. Like, comment, share, save,’ she said.

In this workshop, students were divided into three groups to produce social media campaign posters. They had to discuss current political issues that were viral and urgent to resolve. They had to clearly define their objective, goal, or target for the campaign.

Workshop Introduction to Academic Writing

By Iwan Awaludding Yusuf, Ph.D.

The workshop began with a reflective question to the students, ‘Why is academic writing important?’ The speaker explained that written words are considered the best way to convey ideas.

He also mentioned that ‘humans are natural researchers,’ meaning that humans naturally have a tendency or inclination to conduct research, make observations, and seek knowledge and new things. Humans always try to understand the reality around them to find answers in order to survive and adapt.

‘You can put your interest in academic writing. Write something you really enjoy. Write something that’s been bothering you or on your mind lately,’ he added.

Academic writing is a systematically structured piece of writing that follows a logical flow accepted by the scholarly community, is open to scrutiny, and is subject to testing for its validity.

After presenting the material, students were invited to discuss the use of AI. ‘Can we use AI for writing academic papers?’ Some students argued that using AI would lead to the possibility of plagiarism, while others believed it could be used to enhance the quality of the writing itself. After further discussion, the session ended with an individual writing activity that was instructed for them to review their overall understanding of the workshop material.

Alumni Sharing

By Arsila Khairunnisa, S.I.Kom.

Arsila is an IPC alumnus from the 2020 batch who became the best graduate of 2024 with a GPA of 4.0. She shared her story through a PowerPoint presentation titled ‘If I Could Start Again,’ recounting her struggles until graduation.

Despite being considered successful, she mentioned various decisions she regretted. She shared these regrets during the Alumni Sharing session. She said that before starting class, we must prepare ourselves in advance by reviewing tomorrow’s material for certain subjects. Never be absent from class activities so that we have a maximum understanding of the material. Involvement and effort are also necessary to continue to develop by starting several projects as a portfolio because we will use it to build our future careers.

‘You are always stronger than you think and more capable than you believe,’ said Arsila, offering motivation.

Arsila also provided several tips and tricks to maximise results and achieve perfect scores in studies. She also gave a brief explanation about passion and how to explore our true passion by taking advantage of opportunities and practising consistently, because passion is related to effort, not happiness.

Workshop From High School to Higher Education: Developing Resilience in a Changing World

By Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi, S.PSI, M.A.

This workshop was a session where students met with lecturers who are also psychologists from UII. The transition period from secondary school to university certainly requires adaptation skills. Some of the differences point to five things, namely academic expectations, time differences, high independence and responsibility, perspectives on presence and individual awareness, and being far from home and family.

‘No pain, no gain,’ she said.

‘No matter what challenges you have faced, in the future, have tawakkul in Allah, and trust your life in God’s hands, and no matter what path He has led you on, it will always be a good opportunity.’ She added.

Difficulties are faced with resilience, but that does not mean students should avoid stress; rather, it is about how we adapt. Resilience is important during transition because it protects mental health and well-being.

In this workshop, students were invited to do various activities, such as drawing the natural scenery they wanted. This is related to the growth of mindsets, namely fixed mindset and growth mindset. How students are invited to understand the process rather than the results.

Next, the students were divided into several groups with four people in each group. They discussed fixed mindsets and growth mindsets. ‘We don’t know any other way that can lead us to success.’ ‘I can still grow from my goals and must always be grateful for what has been given.’ ‘Be open to future opportunities.’ Another activity was resilience mapping, where each member shared one major challenge they had faced.

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ACSS 2025: Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication

ACSS

The Academic Skills Study (ACSS) 2025 took the theme of Promoting Global Solidarity through Media and Communication. This agenda was held on September 26, 2025, at the Soekiman Wirosandjojo Auditorium Building, 3rd Floor, UII. This programme was a form of welcome for Students of IPC batch 2025.

Given the current unfavourable global conditions, this theme was chosen due to the ongoing global challenges, including natural disasters, climate change, social injustice, armed conflicts, and wars. These challenges have triggered inequality and division, necessitating global solidarity.

As Communication Science students, IPC students are invited to understand the role of media and communication in several contexts. These contexts include how media and communication shape narratives and build intercultural understanding. Second, promoting unity, inclusion, and empathy. Third, informing, inspiring, and driving positive action at the national and international levels.

The Head of the Communication Science Study Programme at UII, Dr. Zaki Habibi, M.Comms., had the opportunity to welcome new IPC UII students. He advised that this agenda was created to prepare students for their four-year study journey ahead.

“Pop up to your academic transcript, it is quite important for you to get ready with the skills and requirements needed for your future,” he said.

From the speech given by Dr. Zaki Habibi, several messages of hope for students of IPC batch 2025 included having a strong sense of togetherness and a clear direction in campus life, having a positive commitment to the world, and being able to use communication as a force for good in a global context.

To support all of this, the ACSS 2025 programme was carefully designed. Several workshops were conducted with the active involvement of students. These workshops included Promoting Global Solidarity through Creative Writing with facilitator Nadia Wasta Utami, S.I.Kom., M.A., who has experience in various campaigns, especially for all of UII’s official social media accounts.

Next was the Introduction to Academic Writing workshop by Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, Ph.D. In this session, students were invited to understand something interesting and potentially worthy of academic writing. This was followed by a sharing session with IPC batch 2020 alumna Arsila Khairunnisa, S.I.Kom. She is the top graduate of 2024 with a GPA of 4.00, and she shared her experience in public speaking to inspire others. Finally, there was a motivational and mental preparation session entitled From High School to Higher Education: Developing Resilience in a Changing World by Wanadya Ayu Krishna Dewi, S.Psi., M.A., a lecturer and psychologist from the Faculty of Psychology at UII.

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How Does Social Media Play a Role in Raising the Issue of Solidarity?

How Does Social Media Play a Role in Raising the Issue of Solidarity?

Media has long shaped public opinion and collective behavior, but in the digital era, social media has become one of the most influential platforms in fostering solidarity. Unlike traditional media, social media enables interactive engagement, emotional expression, and a wide spread  of information, all of which contribute to collective awareness. As solidarity is a crucial element in uniting individuals for social causes, it is important to examine how social media facilitates it and where its limitations lie.

The media has always been central in raising social issues, but social media supports this process by allowing direct participation from individuals. It provides spaces for them to share stories, amplify marginalized voices, and create collective identities that support common issues. For example, movements like My Stealthy Freedom in Iran show how online spaces can create imagined solidarity, where people feel connected to a cause even without direct physical interaction. Social media thus serves as both a mirror and a motivator, shaping how solidarity is perceived and practiced.

How Social Media Facilitates Solidarity

Social media fosters solidarity by enabling rapid awareness, emotional connection, and organization of collective efforts. Hashtags, viral posts, and digital campaigns can mobilize support in ways traditional media cannot. Furthermore, global solidarity movements illustrate that social media allows activism to cross borders, creating new transnational advocacy networks. From climate activism to refugee support, digital platforms strengthen grassroots voices, but they also face challenges

Youth, Real-Life Application

Young people, in particular, are at the forefront of using social media for solidarity. In Indonesia, organizations like Indonesia untuk Kemanusiaan (IKa) have used digital campaigns to raise awareness and mobilize resources for gender-based violence issues. These cases highlight how online actions must be connected to offline engagement to sustain solidarity effectively.

As a Communication Science student, I believe it is important to recognize both the strengths and limitations of social media. While it is a powerful tool for mobilization and identity-building, its influence should be approached critically and strategically to avoid poor engagement. Logical and wise usage ensures that online solidarity translates into real, sustainable impact.

In conclusion, social media plays a vital role in raising the issue of solidarity by providing platforms for collective identity, emotional connection, and global mobilization.  To maximize its benefits, users and activists must focus not only on visibility but also on meaningful participation that bridges digital and physical action. 

References

Eni Maryani. (2018). Developing Social Solidarity through Digital Media. Jurnal Komunikasi Ikatan Sarjana Komunikasi Indonesia, 3(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323495449_Developing_Social_Solidarity_through_Digital_Media

The role of social media in shaping solidarity and compassion fade. (2018). New media & society. https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/76614172/1461444818760819.pdf

Schultze, U., & Stewart, M. (2019). Producing solidarity in social media activism: The case of My Stealthy Freedom. ResearchGate, 29(3). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333464651_Producing_solidarity_in_social_media_activism_The_case_of_My_Stealthy_Freedom

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Young Generation’s Impact and Contribution to Solidarity

Global Solidarity

Solidarity today goes beyond simply “standing together”—it represents collective responsibility and shared struggles in addressing global issues. Whether through climate protests led by Greta Thunberg and Fridays for Future, humanitarian relief during disasters, or global awareness campaigns for Palestine, young people have consistently been at the forefront. Their voices, energy, and commitment give solidarity movements both visibility and urgency.

Young people bring a unique spirit to solidarity movements, driven by passion to expose injustice and a refusal to remain silent. For instance, the election of the first female prime minister in Nepal through Discord demonstrates how digital activism can rapidly mobilize people. Combined with powerful campaigns, slogans, and visuals that spread globally, this highlights the creativity and innovation that youth contribute. Altogether, it shows that young people recognize that change comes through action and unity, and that they play a vital role in making it happen.

Unique Contributions 

  1. Art, Music, and Campaigns: From street murals in Indonesia featuring the red-and-white flag to TikTok dances carrying solidarity messages, creative expression makes movements relatable.
  2. Volunteering and Community Projects : Whether tutoring underprivileged kids, planting trees, or organizing relief drives, youth ground solidarity in local action.
  3. Global Digital Presence: With hashtags, livestreams, and online presence, young activists transform local struggles into global conversations, proving that solidarity is no longer limited by geography.

Challenges That Need to Be Addressed 

  • Lack of Resources: Many youth groups rely on small donations or personal funds.
  • Being Underestimated: Adults often dismiss youth as “too young to understand,” creating barriers to influence.
  • Limited Institutional Support: Movements led by young people often lack formal backing, making sustainability difficult.

The young generation is not just the “future”—they are active change-makers shaping solidarity now. Their creativity, passion, and digital reach redefine what collective action looks like. However, for solidarity to grow stronger, adults, institutions, and global communities must listen, provide resources, and stand beside youth, rather than leaving them out. Solidarity thrives when every voice counts, and the voices of youth are too powerful to ignore.

References

Communal Sharing as the Foundation of Solidarity Action in Youth Organization. (2024). Indonesia journal of psychology, 51(1), 1-19. https://jurnal.ugm.ac.id/jpsi/article/view/80984/pdf

Julian Natukunda. (2025, April 14). Solidarity in a Fragmented World: The Role of Young people. Global Health Solidarity Project. https://www.globalhealthsolidarity.org/node/108

Solidarity – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved September 19, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solidarity

 

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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P2A ICE CREAM 2025: International Dissemination to Further Strategic Collaboration Plans

P2A ICE CREAM 2025: International Dissemination to Further Strategic Collaboration Plans

The highlight of the P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO 2025 programme is international dissemination at SCIMPA UUM on 28 August 2025. During this session, delegates from IPC UII and SCIMPA UUM presented the results of projects that had been carried out in several countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

The presentation was witnessed by the international academic community, such as the rector of UUM and staff. This opportunity demonstrated the success of P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO 2025 as a means of international mobility that transcends academic experience.

Secretary of IPC UII, Ida Nuraini Dewi Kodrat Ningsih, S.I.Kom., M.A., explained, “P2A is not just ordinary global mobility, but an international short course that can be converted. Because P2A contains many contexts. Not only academic and travel, but also how students adapt and find solutions to emergency situations in the global environment and culture they encounter,” she said.

This statement emphasises that during the P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO 2025 activity, students hone their abilities in dealing with cultural dynamics and practical problems.

During the process of working on the IPC UII delegation project, which resulted in an online magazine, three universities were involved: SCIMPA UUM, Suan Dusit University, and Chiang Mai Rajabhat University in collecting the necessary data.

“The students collaborated with delegates from the three universities. They not only helped collect data, but were also able to present their ideas in front of the UUM rector and international delegates. This is an achievement in international dissemination that is different from previous years,” she added.

Furthermore, she also mentioned that this programme provides significant benefits for lecturers and educational staff. It is an opportunity for capacity building for the academic community involved.

“Even lecturers and staff have greatly benefited from this programme. We observed and learned how universities work, manage, and communicate internationally,” she added.

After successfully implementing this programme, several strategic plans for next year have been initiated with partners. “So far, the cooperation that has been established will continue to be developed. We discussed the concept of P2A ICE CREAM 2026 with SDU in Trang, which has partnered with SCIMPA UUM. In addition, the Department of Communications at UII has begun to expand its wings to initiate student exchanges, particularly for the MIKOM master’s programme. This idea has been approved by the Deputy Dean of SCIMPA, Dr. Syamsul Hirdi bin Muhid and Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Adzrool Idzwan bin Ismail,” he explained.

In response, the Deputy Dean for Student Affairs and Alumni of SCIMPA UUM, Dr. Syamsul Hirdi bin Muhid, expressed his appreciation, “The Passage to ASEAN International Course on Creative Media (P2A ICE CREAM 2025): CHOCO (Creative Home of One Community of ASEAN) has brought together innovative talents from the School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts, Universiti Utara Malaysia, with the Department of Communication, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), marking an important achievement in international academic and creative exchange. I am immensely proud of the transformative outcomes observed throughout this initiative—building pragmatic skills and intercultural fluency, while broadening our students’ global horizons. This programme has laid a strong foundation for ongoing and synergistic collaboration. SCIMPA, UUM is committed to continuing to enhance ambitious and mutually beneficial partnerships with UII, and we look forward to expanding joint mobility programmes and cross-cultural exchanges that will empower our student communities to excel and innovate on the global stage in the future,” he said.

The commitment of the Department of Communication Studies at UII alongside SCIMPA UUM is expected to open opportunities focused on developing international programmes. The entire P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO 2025 series marks a new chapter in realising the vision of educational integration and exchange within the ASEAN region.

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P2A ICE CREAM 2025: Exploring the Creative City of Chiang Mai in the Creative and Cultural Industries

P2A ICE CREAM 2025: Exploring the Creative City of Chiang Mai in the Creative and Cultural Industries

After completing their agenda in Bangkok, the P2A ICE CREAM 2025 delegates continued their journey to Chiang Mai, Thailand. On 23 August, they arrived at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University (CMRU) to carry out various activities.

This city was chosen because of its rich culture and rapidly growing creative industry. Not only at CMRU, the IPC UII and SCIMPA UUM delegates were invited to visit creative locations around the city. In addition to visiting creative industries, the delegates were also introduced to the creative community in Chiang Mai, from religious centres to local markets as the backbone of the community’s creative economy.

Some of the destinations visited included Ku Taw, a Buddhist temple that is also a centre for the production of traditional arts and crafts in Thailand. It is not only a place of worship, but also a space for artists to produce works of art that are commonly used in several major ceremonies in Thailand. From this visit, the delegates learned how tradition and the creative industry go hand in hand.

After Ku Taw, the next destinations were Ban Kaan Wat and Wu Lai Night Market. These areas are centres for creative communities marketing local handicraft products. There, the delegates witnessed first-hand the creative process, such as painting, knitting, and various workshops conducted by the community.

The next day, the trip continued to Jing Jai Market. This market is unique in its rich creative and cultural value. Here, the delegates carried out their project to document various aspects through videography, photography, and copywriting. They also gathered information through direct interviews with creative practitioners and local and foreign visitors.

Interestingly, the delegates had the opportunity to meet Jeroen G. Schedler, director of P2A and owner of BED Hotel Changkian, where the delegates stayed. He shared interesting insights on building organisations and businesses based on humanity and leadership. “Within my journey along with great people in creating this P2A organisation and this business (BED Hotel), I believe that the sense of giving goodness is much better compared to simply chasing money, power, and position. But I chose to give compassion, equality, equality, equality. A chance for everyone. That’s why there was never a manager in this hotel, because I trust in shared leadership, and that is how they could have this kind of responsibility to grow together,” he said.

One of the participants, Cleodora Faustina Wibowo, a delegate from IPC UII, shared her impressions of the city and the creative exploration experience. “Chiang Mai, I think it’s one of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever visited. The scenery is great, full of nature, and interesting places that are just a sight for sore eyes. Most importantly, it’s rich in culture and filled with creativity,” she said.

Cleodora described her deep impressions of the two markets she visited, Baan Kang Wat and Jing Jai Market. She said, “Both markets have their own uniqueness, and it’s hard to pick a favourite for that reason. Baan Kang Wat is a market unique in the crafts they sell and offers visitors the fun of crafting. The place is also cheerful with its decoration made out of pieces of ceramics put together, or shattered mirrors that are just so well put onto the walls, but my favourite is still the cute statues of animals like the cartoonish tiger or the little monkey right out front like it’s greeting you,” she added.

Regarding Jinjai Market, Cleodora added, “I would say Jing Jai would be a better place to discover flavour through the local food palate. They still sell some cute little handmade pieces just like in Baan Kang Wat, but the farmer’s market is what piqued my interest. My favourite would be this stall that sells a bunch of Thai food in small dishes made out of leaves so customers won’t miss out on tasting every single one in a controlled portion,” she said.

The P2A ICE CREAM 2025 event in Chiang Mai showcased the rich collaboration between education, creative communities, and cultural aspects that thrive in a creative city in Southeast Asia. This exploration became a valuable lesson for participants on how creativity and culture play a major role in driving the local economy while strengthening a city’s identity.

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P2A ICE CREAM 2025: ‘Thailand Creative’ Workshop at Suan Dusit University from the Context of Bangkok City of Design

P2A ICE CREAM 2025: ‘Thailand Creative’

The journey from Alor Setar, Malaysia, continued to Thailand via an 18-hour train ride. On 21 August 2025, delegates from IPC UII and SCIMPA UUM arrived at Suan Dusit University (SDU) in Bangkok. The next agenda of P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO was a workshop entitled “Thailand Creative”.

This workshop focused on understanding how the creative community in Bangkok has developed and contributed socially and economically at the local and national levels. Two expert lecturers from SDU were present, namely Asst. Prof. Dr. Aunkrisa Sangchumnong, fondly known as Dr. Risa, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Worakamon Vongstapanalert. Both collaborated as workshop facilitators and complemented each other in terms of theory and practice in Bangkok’s creative community.

In her presentation, Dr. Risa focused more on the concept of creative communities in the context of urban and economic development. From her presentation, it was clear that creative communities are not just a group of people who create works of art, but a fundamental part of community development.

P2A ICE CREAM 2025: ‘Thailand Creative’ Workshop at Suan Dusit University from the Context of Bangkok City of Design

P2A ICE CREAM 2025: ‘Thailand Creative’ Workshop at Suan Dusit University from the Context of Bangkok City of Design

The existence of creative hubs and spaces that grew from the grassroots level has developed into an industry that has a significant impact on the economy. This is not only for artists and creative practitioners, but also for the country.

Creative Community is a part of the process through grassroots community within the society, such as creative hub and space when it keeps developing into something greater and prospects into industries that give economic advantage for the artist and the sustainability of the community. All these processes are intended to create creative cities that enable opportunity for artists and communities to create and explore,’ said Dr. Risa.

This workshop was not only attended by students from the three countries, but also lecturers and staff. They gained new insights into how creative communities with systematic work can have a positive and sustainable impact. Not only that, but sustainable empowerment is the key to success.

Next, Asst. Prof. Dr. Worakamon Vongstapanalert introduced Thai culture through traditional dance. Together with her students, she introduced the basics of the movements. The dance is commonly performed at cultural events.

This practice provided an exciting experience, with students, lecturers, and staff from different countries learning the values of how to preserve their country’s cultural heritage. Through the management of arts and culture, participants gained a broader understanding of how creative communities not only boost the economy but also symbolise the nation.

The workshop at SDU is tangible evidence of strong collaboration between universities in the P2A ICE CREAM CHOCO 2025 series. It is hoped that participants will return home with useful insights and inspiration to develop creative communities in their respective countries.