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ACSS Orientation 2026 Encourages New IPC Students to Build Character and Meaningful Connections

ACSS Orientation 2026 Encourages New IPC Students to Build Character and Meaningful Connections

The International Program of Communication (IPC) Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) held the Academic Skills Study (ACSS) Orientation 2026 on Friday, 2 October, at the third-floor Auditorium of the Soekiman Wirjosandjojo Building, UII. Carrying the theme “Led the Way, Thrive Every Day: Building Character and Nurturing Connection in IPC,” the program introduced new students to academic life while encouraging them to develop personal skills, explore opportunities, and build connections within the IPC community.

The orientation was attended by new IPC students and featured speakers from different backgrounds, including Dr. rer. nat. Dian Sari Utami, S.Psi., M.A. from the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology UII, Ida Nuraini Dewi Kodrat Ningsih, S.I.Kom., M.A. from the Department of Communication, Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences UII, and Nandita Faiza, S.I.Kom., an alumna of the UII International Program of Communication.

The event began with remarks from the Head of the Department of Communication, Dr. Zaki Habibi, S.IP., M.Comms. In his opening remarks, Zaki welcomed the new students and highlighted the importance of seeing university not simply as a series of classes and assignments, but as a journey of personal development.

He explained that ACSS was designed to help students understand the bigger picture of their university journey. According to him, students would face lectures, assignments, examinations, and various academic requirements throughout their three- to four-year study period. However, seeing these activities only as repetitive obligations could make the university experience difficult to enjoy.

Instead, students were encouraged to see their undergraduate years as a “forming age,” a period in which they could shape themselves through academic and non-academic experiences.

“The one who can form it is you yourself,” Zaki said during the session. He encouraged students to explore different activities, meet new people, and use their time at university to develop a better version of themselves.

Zaki also introduced the “Studi, Kopi, Hati” concept to the students. Through a simple activity, students were asked to write their vision for the next seven years on a blue card and their biggest worries about their study journey on a yellow card. The activity encouraged students to think about both their aspirations and concerns as they began university life.

He also reminded students about their academic responsibilities, including becoming familiar with the Communication Department’s website, understanding the curriculum, managing course registration, and communicating with their academic advisors. Rather than being overwhelmed by the number of courses and credits, students were encouraged to approach their studies step by step.

Beyond academics, Zaki encouraged students to become more explorative. He used coffee as a symbol of exploration, explaining that students could bring their personal interests into their university experience. For example, hobbies such as comics, photography, traveling, or other interests could become part of students’ academic or creative projects.

For Zaki, exploration could also happen outside the classroom. He shared his own experiences of combining travel, research, and personal interests. His examples showed students that learning could take place through direct experiences, including traveling to new places, studying local issues, meeting people, and observing their surroundings.

The first session then continued with Dr. Dian Sari Utami, who discussed the psychological and personal challenges students may face when entering university. She highlighted several changes that distinguish university life from high school, including greater independence, increased responsibility, academic complexity, social diversity, time and energy management, decision-making, and relationship building.

Dian emphasized that university students need to take responsibility for their own decisions and actions. She also encouraged students to embrace differences in cultural backgrounds, values, languages, beliefs, communication styles, and perspectives.

ACSS Orientation 2026 Encourages New IPC Students to Build Character and Meaningful Connections

ACSS Orientation 2026 Encourages New IPC Students to Build Character and Meaningful Connections

One of the important skills discussed during the session was psychological resilience. Dian compared resilience to a tennis ball. When a tennis ball is thrown, it can bounce back rather than break. Similarly, students need to develop the ability to recover when facing challenges, setbacks, stressful situations, or unexpected changes.

She also discussed the importance of supportive relationships and effective coping strategies. Students were encouraged to identify people and activities that could provide healthy support when they experienced stress. In addition, Dian introduced adaptive thinking, self-regulation, intercultural openness, communication skills, and a global mindset as important abilities for university students.

The second session was delivered by Ida Nuraini Dewi Kodrat Ningsih. She encouraged students to build their university journey around five main ideas: head, heart, habit, human, and hustle smart.

Ida reminded students not to simply follow the achievements or popularity of other students. Instead, they were encouraged to understand their own goals and ask what they could contribute as IPC students.

She emphasized the importance of asking, “What can I do as an IPC student?” rather than continuously asking what IPC could provide for them. According to Ida, students should take an active role in their university experience by contributing, participating, and creating opportunities for themselves.

The session also encouraged students to understand their personal “why.” After identifying what they want to become, students were asked to consider why they wanted to achieve those goals. Understanding this reason, Ida explained, could help students identify the effort and steps needed to achieve their aspirations.

Building networks was another important point. Students were encouraged to connect with lecturers, seniors, classmates, and members of the wider IPC community. These relationships could become valuable networks for future academic, professional, and personal opportunities.

Finally, Ida introduced the idea of “hustle smart,” which focused on making progress through small but consistent actions rather than expecting an immediate transformation. Students were encouraged to understand their own abilities, build positive relationships, maintain discipline, and gradually develop themselves.

Through ACSS Orientation 2026, new IPC students were introduced not only to academic requirements but also to the broader experience of becoming university students. The sessions encouraged them to develop resilience, independence, communication skills, global awareness, personal vision, and meaningful relationships.

As they begin their journey at UII, the students were reminded that university is more than completing courses and earning a degree. It is also a period of exploration, contribution, and personal formation where students have the opportunity to decide what kind of person they want to become. 

Written by: Muhammad Prima Sakti Fathurrahman

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita

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Ask the Expert: “The Environment Doesn’t Need Humans” An Important Mindset to Understand

Ask the Expert: “The Environment Doesn’t Need Humans” An Important Mindset to Understand

During this valuable opportunity at P2A 2026, we had the chance to conduct an exclusive interview with Billy, a former biologist and scientist at Trang Marine National Park in Thailand. He reminded us of the environmental crisis we are currently facing and highlighted the role of the younger generation, who will shape the future of civilization.

Billy revealed a fundamental misconception: that the Earth does not exist to serve humans. Quite the opposite, in fact.

“The environment doesn’t really need humans, but we need the environment to benefit us. So you need to understand what you’re using and how you’re living,” he said.

From a scientific perspective, the environment does not need humans. The Earth will continue to exist, evolve, and adapt with or without humans. Meanwhile, humans need the environment to survive.

Therefore, humans need to understand the most basic mindset regarding what we use and how we live. The energy generated by the environment through various technologies is a chain of invisible consequences. Have we ever thought about how much emissions we produce?

Billy noted that such awareness is still far off; currently, humans live in an era where society uses everything as single-use items.

“We’ve been in a throwaway society. Everything comes easily with money and then disappears just as easily—but where does it all end up? In the soil, in the water,” he added.

For example, with single-use plastics, everything is produced, consumed, and then forgotten in a very short time. But the critical question is: where does it all go? The answer lies in the soil. In the water. The plastic waste we discard doesn’t just disappear; it breaks down into microplastics—tiny particles invisible to the naked eye but scattered everywhere.

“And then it becomes microplastics or waste. Over time, it will come back to you or the next generation in the form of disease. So not many people actually realize that we’ve had—or now know we have—microplastics in our bodies from water or from soil that we’ve contaminated,” he said.

Sadly, people aren’t aware of this—microplastics are already present in our bodies. They enter through drinking water, food, and soil contaminated by humans themselves. Billy emphasized that this isn’t just a prediction, but a reality we’re currently facing.

So, can the younger generation find a solution or improve this situation? Billy acknowledged that the challenges facing the younger generation are greater than those faced by previous generations.

“The younger generation faces greater health challenges than previous generations. Take what they call the climate shift we’re experiencing now—global warming, unusual rainfall, off-season weather, and so on. There’s a lot happening. So instead of just going out dancing or doing things you shouldn’t, you should be mindful of your surroundings and your interaction with the environment,” he stressed.

So, what can the younger generation do in this digital age?

“In the digital age, what can the younger generation do? First of all, don’t be ignorant. You need to learn, know, and understand—and then realize that everything has consequences. Every action we take will affect us in some way. That’s my perspective. And how can they help? It’s entirely up to each and every one of you—what you choose will ultimately come back to you. Good way, bad way, or somewhere in between—you know, it could benefit us or harm us. It’s right in the middle, isn’t it?”

Ultimately, the scientist’s message is not one of despair. He isn’t saying it’s already too late. He’s simply reminding us—especially the younger generation—that we’re at a crossroads. Every choice we make, every habit we maintain, every awareness we cultivate, will determine what kind of future we leave behind. The environment doesn’t need us, but we need the environment. And as the scientist concluded with a reflective question: “It’s quite in the middle, isn’t it?”—everything is still in the middle, uncertain, and that is precisely why our choices today are so meaningful.

Meigitaria Sanita
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P2A ICE CREAM 2026: A Three-Nation Reunion Strengthening ASEAN Collaboration

P2A ICE CREAM 2026: A Three-Nation Reunion Strengthening ASEAN Collaboration

P2A ICE CREAM 2026, themed “COCONUT,” has just concluded. From August 7 to 17, delegations from three countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand—collaborated on initiatives focused on communication, creativity, and culinary arts. This session brought together students, faculty, and staff from the Department of Communications at the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), SCIMPA at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), and Suan Dusit University (SDU) Trang Center in Thailand.

This event served as a reunion in 2026, as these three universities have been collaborating with SDU since 2022, while their partnership with SCIMPA at UUM has spanned nearly 8 years. This meeting strengthened the relationships that have been built.

Dr. Tiger, Director of the SDU Trang Center, expressed his appreciation for the continuity of the P2A ICE CREAM program. In his view, the program has consistently run smoothly every year. “This program has actually been running for many years, and I think we’ve been successful every year. We can see that this program is still continuing,” he said.

He also highlighted the program’s values of inclusivity, noting that students, faculty, and staff can collaborate and share experiences together. “Sometimes we focus on different ideas and cultures, and ultimately we come to understand each other’s perspectives in the same way. This is what makes us successful,” he added.

Dr. Mohamad Amir Bin Abu Seman, Co-Director of SCIMPA UUM, who oversees the program in Malaysia, noted that the program—designed to strengthen cross-cultural communication while challenging students to creatively document Malaysia’s landscapes—saw participants successfully produce work with strong visual quality and thematic relevance. “In particular, IPC students demonstrated exceptional visual storytelling. They successfully applied their communication studies background, which was clearly evident in their top scores for creativity, originality, and composition,” he explained.

Furthermore, the connections forged among students across national borders fostered a unique and insightful form of communication. The students made new friends and encountered new cultures. According to Palaswan, Coordinator of the SDU Tran Center, this initiative should be continued. “Moving forward, students can explore many opportunities through this program,” he said.

Meanwhile, Herman Felani, one of the founders of P2A ICE CREAM from IPC UII, emphasized that this program is not merely an academic activity but also a bond that fosters a sense of family. “We have become a family with SDU and UUM, and this connection is now growing stronger and better thanks to our commitment to future collaboration and mobility initiatives,” he explained.

With the enthusiasm and commitment of all three universities, P2A ICE CREAM 2026 will not only serve as a reunion but also lay the foundation for closer ASEAN collaboration in the future.

In Their Own Words:

“This program allows students to understand each other’s cultural differences and ideas. This is what makes us successful.” — Dr. Tiger, Director of SDU Trang Center

“P2A ICE CREAM Coconut is a truly extraordinary program! Students can make new friends and discover new cultures.” — Palasawan, SDU Trang Center

“We’ve become a family. These connections are growing stronger and better with our commitment to future collaboration.” — Herman Felani, Founder of P2A ICE CREAM

“The photography competition successfully strengthened cross-cultural communication and challenged students to be creative.” — Dr. Mohamad Amir Bin Abu Seman, Co-Director of SCIMPA UUM

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P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Exploring Kampung Warna-Warni to a Photography Competition in Kuala Perlis

P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Exploring Kampung Warna-Warni to a Photography Competition in Kuala Perlis

On the fourth day of the P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026 program—specifically on August 11—delegates from three countries visited Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Driven by a spirit of intercultural communication and creative exploration, this activity was designed to build connections, deepen cultural understanding, and hone visual storytelling skills through a photography competition.

It began with a warm Welcoming Session at SCIMPA UUM, allowing the delegates to get to know one another and become acquainted. They also toured the UUM Guest Pavilion, a historical gallery tracing the university’s founding—an institution that has produced many scholars and leaders in Malaysia.

After visiting UUM, the delegates from IPC UII, SDU, and SCIMPA UUM set off for Kampung Warna-Warni in Kuala Perlis. This is a traditional fishing village that was transformed into a colorful tourist destination in 2020, an initiative launched by the Crown Prince of Perlis. The delegates wandered through narrow alleys lined with murals, engaged in conversations with residents, and experienced community-based tourism firsthand—witnessing how grassroots creativity can tangibly improve the community’s standard of living.

The cultural journey continued to the Al-Hussain Mosque, a magnificent floating mosque on the coast of Kuala Perlis. Its architecture, jutting out into the sea, created a serene and contemplative backdrop, concluding the cultural exploration with a profound impression of harmony and diversity.

The main event of the day was a photography competition, chaired by Dr. Mohamad Amir Bin Abu Seman from SCIMPA UUM, who explained that the competition aimed to strengthen intercultural communication.

“It was to strengthen intercultural communication and to challenge them to bond while creatively documenting Kuala Lumpur’s landscape,” he said.

The results of the photography competition were phenomenal. The students were highly engaged, with several achieving perfect 15-point scores, reflecting strong thematic relevance and visual quality across all categories.

“Specifically, the IPC students demonstrated exceptional visual storytelling. They successfully applied their background in communication studies,” he added.

The winner of the competition was Muhammad Yusuf Singgih from IPC UII, who presented the theme “In Transit.” He said that this experience not only provided direct observation but also honed his visual storytelling skills.

"In Transit" Captured by Muhammad Yusuf Singgih from IPC UII

“In Transit” Captured by Muhammad Yusuf Singgih from IPC UII

“My goal was to explore Kuala Lumpur through visual storytelling while developing creativity and observation skills in communicating the character of a city through photography,” he explained.

“The photography challenge taught me to see Kuala Lumpur beyond its landmarks. Through its green spaces, streets, cultural sites, public transportation, and local food, I learned how photography can capture the identity, diversity, and everyday life of the city. I also learned to be more observant and intentional when taking photos because every composition, angle, subject, and moment can tell a different story about a place,” he emphasized.

This program is more than just a competition or a tour. It is a living laboratory for students to learn about diversity, build empathy, and hone their visual sensitivity. From the alleys of Kampung Warna-Warni to the Al-Hussain Mosque, every corner of the journey holds a lesson on how art, culture, and communication serve as bridges between people. The delegates returned home with stories, friendships, and a new understanding of a world rich in color and meaning.

Meigitaria Sanita
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P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Sustainable CSR by the Younger Generation at Hat Chao Mai

P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Sustainable CSR by the Younger Generation at Hat Chao Mai

This edition of Passage to ASEAN (P2A) is focused on sustainability; one of the programs carried out is a hands-on initiative in the coastal area of Hat Chao Mai National Park, Trang Province, Thailand. The initiative, held on August 15, 2026, brought together dozens of delegates from IPC UII, SCIMPA UUM, and SDU.

Through this beach cleanup CSR initiative, the delegates not only collected coastal trash but were also guided to understand the local ecological reality, where they observed firsthand the challenges posed by marine debris to the sustainability of coastal ecosystems within the national park. Furthermore, the event served as a medium for sustainable learning through concrete activities.

One of the facilitators accompanying the delegates from the three countries was Billy, a former biologist and scientist at the Trang Marine National Park in Thailand. He has researched the region’s marine ecosystems, including reef sharks, dugongs, and seagrass beds, which serve as vital habitats.

P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Sustainable CSR by the Younger Generation at Hat Chao Mai

P2A ICE CREAM COCONUT 2026: Sustainable CSR by the Younger Generation at Hat Chao Mai

Billy shared fundamental insights about nature, humans, and the environment. He noted that nature does not need humans, but humans need nature.

“You need to know that, actually, the environment doesn’t really need humans, but the opposite is true—humans need it to benefit us. So, we need to understand what we’re using and how we’re living. We must understand the costs and consequences, such as microplastics, which can later lead to many diseases for humans,” explained Billy.

This CSR initiative is not merely a social activity but serves as an open-air laboratory for the delegates to observe firsthand. Key points to highlight include the condition of the coastal ecosystem—including plastic waste that threatens marine life—the cycle of land-based waste that ultimately ends up in the ocean, and, finally, the role of humans as part of the solution, not merely as consumers of natural resources.

This beach cleanup serves as a symbol that sustainability doesn’t have to start with grand policies, but rather with simple actions: picking up trash, sorting it, and understanding that every piece of plastic collected is a small step toward maintaining the balance of nature.

Hakimi, one of the delegates from UUM, noted that this CSR initiative is a concrete action that allows him to contribute to sustainability.

“I found the beach cleanup program very beneficial and meaningful. It gave me the opportunity to contribute to protecting our environment while learning the importance of taking responsibility for keeping our surroundings clean. What made the program even more meaningful was that we worked together regardless of our different races and cultures, united by the same responsibility to care for our environment,” said Hakimi.

Meanwhile, Aliya Salsabila, a delegate from IPC UII, shared a deeply personal message. She noted that what we do today shapes the future.

“Participating in the beach cleanup CSR program made me realize that nature isn’t something we can continue to take for granted. Through something as simple as picking up trash, I’ve come to understand that what we do today will become part of the environmental conditions we leave behind for future generations,” she said.

Meanwhile, Billy, who has worked in the field of conservation for many years, noted that programs like this are urgent for young people. They provide a valuable space to meet, discuss, and collaborate—especially regarding the realities of the environment and sustainability, as well as the roles we should play.

“This is the best program I’ve ever heard of, because in this current generation, people are starting to connect online but have forgotten the importance of face-to-face communication and storytelling. And since we’re all part of ASEAN and are neighbors, I think this is a great initiative because it allows us to connect with one another,” he added.

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IPC Student Wins Second Place in the National Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an Competition

IPC Student Wins Second Place in the National Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an Competition

Kelvin Alviana Setiawan, a student on the International Communication Programme (IPC) at the Islamic University of Indonesia (UII), secured second place in the Musabaqah Syarhil Qur’an (MSQ) competition at the Qur’anic Arts Festival organised by UPTQ UNISBA, Bandung, on 1–2 June 2026.

MSQ has been an integral part of Kelvin’s life; he has been dedicated to this field since primary school. He continued to develop his interest in MSQ through regular practice, and by the time he reached secondary school, he had the courage to enter various national-level competitions.

This journey has served as a foundation for him to remain consistent in the art of reciting the Qur’an and understanding its meaning. Upon entering university, he decided to join the TQFI student club under the Directorate of Student Development, which focuses on developing students’ interests and talents in the fields of MTQ and Islamic arts.

Amidst the demands of his academic life on campus, Kelvin also remained active in the organisation to develop his skills. Nevertheless, he learnt a great deal and managed to balance his time effectively, enabling him to take part in competitions.

“I divided my time between lectures, practice sessions and other organisational activities by setting priorities and drawing up a schedule from the outset, so that no activities clashed,” he said.

This competition proved to be a different experience; rather than simply being a participant, he also acted as a mentor and was responsible for organising the event, from which he naturally learnt a great deal.

From this experience, Kelvin gained various insights, ranging from problem-solving skills and risk management to handling administrative matters with the university. This experience has further enriched his personal development outside the lecture hall.

Drawing on his experience, Kelvin shared a message with all students: never give up and always nurture your interests and talents.

“My message is: never stop learning and developing the interests and talents within you, particularly in the field of religion. Make the most of every opportunity to gain knowledge, stay enthusiastic, and remain consistent throughout the process. With good intentions and sincere effort, the knowledge we possess will become a valuable asset for both ourselves and others,” he emphasised.

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Joint Book Workshop by the Department of Communications and SCIMPA UUM

Joint Book Workshop by the Department of Communications and SCIMPA UUM

The eight-year collaboration between the Department of Communications at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) and the School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has opened up a wide range of opportunities.

On 8 July 2026, a “Joint Book Workshop” was held at the Department of Communications building at UII. This meeting combined the academic rigour and creative elements of the two institutions from Indonesia and Malaysia. The session featured in-depth discussions exploring the most relevant possibilities, ranging from developing initial concepts through to the final book production plan.

The aim of this workshop was to clearly outline the publication process arising from international mobility activities, with a focus on the intersection between Communication Studies and Performing Arts. Some of the processes highlighted in the discussion included subject development, publication formats, audience engagement, and book production.

The Head of the Department of Communications at UII, Dr Zaki Habibi, emphasised the value of this workshop, describing it as a reflection and a contribution that makes a real impact.

“This workshop is not the final destination; its true value is reflected when participants continue to contribute through research, creative works and impactful publications. We move from workshop to workshop, focusing on conflict and transformation, and creative management. It is not just about learning a skill; it is about contributing to a body of knowledge that transforms conflicts and creates features that matter to the community,” he said in his opening remarks at the workshop.

One of the highlights of this session was the approach to nurturing relationships between institutions, with senior lecturers revealing the strategies behind sustainable collaboration. Starting with the international mobility programme, a strong foundation was found to lie in the consistent maintenance of trust, clear communication, and the integration of dynamic creative perspectives.

UUM senior lecturer Mohammad Amir Bin Abu Seman, who initiated the partnership from the outset, noted that academic mobility is merely the starting point; the real success lies in building meaningful and impactful collaboration. It is hoped that this collaborative book will also reveal the keys to the sustained success of the two institutions.

“Academic mobility is only the starting point. The real success lies in building sustainable collaboration that transcends borders and leads to meaningful publications with lasting impact. We have maintained programmes such as SCIMPA and UII for eight years, not by focusing on the business side of things, but by focusing on the relationship. The secret lies in openly sharing our approach so that others can replicate it, thereby establishing a network that transcends individual institutions,” he added.

The Dean of SCIMPA, Dr Ahmad Hisham Bin Zainal Abidin, also noted that whilst this workshop highlights diversity, the hope is that the resulting book will capture the voices of various stakeholders, ranging from students involved in international mobility, supervising lecturers, and staff from both countries.

“Our experience is not limited to just Indonesia and Malaysia. We must also include international students and staff from other countries to enrich our perspective. This workshop serves as a platform to capture these diverse voices. We aim to produce a more casual, coffee-table-style publication that documents these exchanges, using photos and archives not just for record-keeping, but also as a form of soft promotion for our collaborative spirit,” he concluded.

Following the discussion, workshop participants were divided into four teams, each discussing and deciding on a topic for an article to be developed collaboratively. The discussion concluded with presentations. It is hoped that this book will soon be finalised and published so that it can have an impact on its audience.

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International Seminar: Navigating the (Uncertain) Future ‘How Digital Media Helps Humanity Address Environmental Challenges’

International Seminar: Navigating the (Uncertain) Future: How Digital Media Helps Humanity Address Environmental Challenges

The Department of Communications at Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII) is collaborating with the School of Creative Industry Management and Performing Arts (SCIMPA) at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) to organise an international seminar on the theme “Navigating the (Uncertain) Future: How Digital Media Helps Humanity Address Environmental Challenges” on 9 July 2026 on the 3rd floor of the Soekiman Wirdjosandjojo Building at UII.

This seminar serves as a forum bringing together academics and students to explore how digital media can foster environmental awareness, inspire collective action, and respond to the complex challenges of the global climate crisis.

This event also marks the eighth year of the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Communications at UII and SCIMPA at UUM. It is hoped that, in addition to academic exchange, this collaboration will also strengthen research, student mobility, and international engagement for both parties.

The two speakers in this session were Iwan Awaluddin Yusuf, Ph.D, from the Department of Communications at UII, who presented a paper entitled “Navigating an Uncertain Future, From Information to Collective Action: Digital Media Activism for Environmental Sustainability in Indonesia”. In his presentation, he explained that environmental issues are not merely ecological challenges but also communication challenges. Using case studies from the Pandawara Group and Mongabay Indonesia, he demonstrated how digital media can transform information into collective action by combining narrative, public participation, and data journalism. He emphasised that public awareness, coupled with sustained collaboration, is key to achieving meaningful environmental change.

The second presentation was delivered by Dr Syamsul Hirdi Bin Muhid from SCIMPA UUM, entitled “The Dynamics of Creative Destruction: Navigating Environmental Crises in the Malaysian Entertainment Industry from an Economic Perspective”. His study examined the environmental implications of the transition in the entertainment industry (from physical media to digital streaming platforms). Although digitalisation reduces reliance on physical materials, it turns out that digital streaming actually increases energy consumption through data centres and digital infrastructure. He urged relevant policymakers, industry practitioners, and academics to develop innovations that integrate technology and renewable energy.

The international seminar was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences at UII, Irawan Jati, Ph.D., who emphasised that the seminar’s theme addresses one of the most pressing issues in today’s global context.

“This topic is highly relevant to today’s global challenges. Climate change reminds us that we are all vulnerable, and digital media has become an important platform for transforming environmental knowledge into collective action,” he said.

He also noted that the collaboration between the two institutions would strengthen their commitment and create opportunities for broader interdisciplinary cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Department of Communications at UII stated that, in the eighth year of this collaboration, the hope is to combine research strengths and disseminate information to the public in order to tackle contemporary issues.

“This year marks our eighth year of collaboration with Universiti Utara Malaysia. Although new global challenges continue to emerge, our objective remains the same: to combine our strengths in research and public dissemination to address contemporary issues,” he explained.

He also highlighted the importance of equipping the younger generation to cope with global uncertainty.

“Anxiety has become one of the defining challenges for Generation Z. Political uncertainty, global conflicts and climate change continue to shape their lives. Rather than asking who created these problems, we should focus on becoming part of the solution,” he added.

A representative of the Dean of SCIMPA at UUM, Dr Ahmad Hisham Bin Zainal Abidin, expressed his appreciation for the ongoing partnership. “We highly value the friendship that has grown through this partnership. Beyond student mobility, our collaboration continues to strengthen research, academic exchange and international engagement between our institutions,” he said.

He added that the seminar illustrates how international partnerships can generate meaningful academic impact.

“Today’s seminar demonstrates how international partnerships create meaningful opportunities for our institutions. By working together, we can move towards the future with greater confidence,” he emphasised.

The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion on the role of communication, digital media, and international collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. Building on seven years of partnership, UII and UUM reaffirmed their commitment to expanding collaborative initiatives in education, research, and academic mobility, whilst preparing students to contribute to sustainable development in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Inspiring Story of Nadhirah, an IPC Student Who Won Second Place in the National English Debate Competition

Inspiring Story of Nadhirah, an IPC Student Who Won Second Place in the National English Debate Competition

Anyone can experience failure, but fighting back may require effort and strong conviction. Nadhirah Parsa Wijaya, a student of the International Programme in Communication (IPC) at the Universitas Islam Indonesia, has successfully proven this. The IPC student from the 2025 cohort successfully secured second place in the national English debate competition on 15 May 2026 at UIN Sunan Gunung Djati.

This year’s English Debate Annual Saeed National Competition marked her first experience competing at the national level previously, Nadhirah admitted she had only taken part in school-level competitions. In fact, Nadhirah had some relevant experience, having previously served as an English tutor at her former secondary school.

Armed with that experience, Nadhirah was determined to set a target: “One of my goals during university is to join an English debate competition,” she said.

Unfortunately, things did not go smoothly. She initially faced rejection when applying to join one of the university’s English debate clubs. Undeterred, she employed various strategies. One of these was collaborating with other peers.

“So I invited my friends whom I thought would make suitable debate partners: Naufal Rafi Pratama (Law) and Aisya Nurlaily (Islamic Economics). Alhamdulillah, despite our limited practice time and lack of a coach, we managed to achieve what we’d dreamed of in this debate competition,” she added.

Nadhirah explained that several strategies were key to the team’s success: besides team cohesion and fluent English, critical thinking, debating techniques, and sufficient literacy—particularly regarding the motion—were crucial.

Conflicting lecture timetables also posed a challenge. However, they managed to organise their schedules carefully to make time for joint practice. They even conducted virtual practice sessions.

“Actually, I was very nervous about taking part in this competition because it was my first experience at a national level,” she said again.

“By applying the debating skills I’d learnt and the critical thinking material I’d gained from the bridging programme classes, I felt motivated to give this competition a go. Although I was nervous at first, taking part has broadened my horizons even further,” she concluded.

That is the inspiring story of Nadhirah, an IPC student from the 2025 cohort who succeeded and rose from her failures. Not giving up easily and daring to seize opportunities will lead to success.

Meigitaria Sanita
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How Technology Has Affected Communication

How Technology Has Affected Communication

Communication today happens faster and more often than ever before. People can connect across cities, countries, and continents almost instantly. Devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become part of daily life, changing how we interact, share information, and access services. Moreover, the first mobile networks, called 1G, only allowed basic voice calls. Then 2G introduced digital signals and text messaging, improving coverage and call quality. 3G brought mobile internet and video services, allowing people to send and receive data on the go. 4G increased speed further, supporting high-quality video streaming, online gaming, and other demanding applications. The latest generation, 5G, offers ultra-fast data transfer, very low delays, and the ability to connect millions of devices at once. This includes not only phones but also machines and sensors, forming the Internet of Things (IoT). Each step has allowed communication to become faster, more reliable, and capable of handling larger amounts of data.

Effects on Human Communication

These technological advances have transformed how people interact. First, connectivity has expanded enormously. People can stay in touch anytime and anywhere through messaging apps, video calls, and social media. Distance is no longer a barrier, and collaboration can happen across borders instantly. Second, speed and efficiency have improved. High-speed networks allow real-time communication and data transfer.

Applications like online learning and smart transportation rely on these networks to function effectively. Machines also communicate with each other, collecting and sending information for services like smart cities, healthcare monitoring, and industrial automation. Third, the experience of communication has become more personalized and interactive. Users can access multimedia content, use virtual assistants, and interact with AI-driven applications. Features like instant video, cloud-based data access, and immersive apps make communication not only faster but also richer and more engaging.

Challenges and Considerations

While technology has greatly improved communication, it comes with challenges. Networks need to handle massive amounts of data and connections, which can strain infrastructure. Also, security and privacy are critical as more personal and sensitive information is shared online. There is also the risk of unequal access, as not everyone can afford or reach the latest technologies, which can create a digital divide. Ensuring fair and safe access to these advanced systems is essential.

Technology has reshaped communication in ways that were unimaginable a few decades ago. From simple voice calls to high-speed, real-time connections between people and machines, communication has become faster, more reliable, and richer. At the same time, attention to security, privacy, and equal access remains essential to ensure that everyone can benefit from these advances.

Reference 

Bhushan, B., Sharma, S. K., Kumar, R., & Priyadarshini, I. (2023). 5G and Beyond. In Springer tracts in electrical and electronics engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-3668-7

Written by: Thrya Abdulraheem Motea Al-aqab

Edited by: Meigitaria Sanita