Joining the discourse: Taylor’s University Pro Vice-Chancellor of External Engagement Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming, Fahmi, Prema and Prof Croucher (from second left) with guests and participants at the event celebrating the global community’s contribution to media research and innovation.
IN response to the evolving media and communication landscape, Taylor’s University School of Media and Communication recently hosted its eighth International South-East Asia Research Centre for Communication and Humanities (SEARCH) Conference 2024.
Themed “Media Evolution: Navigating Sustainability and Disruption in a Dynamic World”, the event emphasised how technological advancements are reshaping the industry and its future.
The two-day conference gathered over 150 academic thought leaders, industry experts and media professionals from eight countries in Asia.
It explored crucial sub-themes, including Media and Technological Disruptions, Sustainable Practices in Media and Culture, Media Literacy and Resilience in a Disruptive Era, and Ethics and Relations Management in Disruptive Media.
These discussions were highlighted in a keynote speech from renowned scholar Prof Dr Stephen Croucher, who is the president of the World Communication Association.
Additionally, over 70 scholarly papers were presented, involving 106 researchers who delved into a wide range of topics in media and communication.
Industry Borak sessions further elevated the discussions, featuring leaders from top global media organisations who shared insights on topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism and the media’s evolving role in society, governance and global culture.
Notable panellists included Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union news director Deborah Steele, Omnicom Media Group chief strategy officer Kiron Kesav and Bernama News Agency audio visual head Syed Iylia Hariz Al-Qadri Syed Izman.
Officiated by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil, the conference marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration between academia and the media industry.
SEARCH Conference chairperson and Taylor’s University School of Media and Communication head Prema Ponnudurai emphasised that the conference provided a platform for collective contributions and insights that not only enrich the knowledge of participants but also foster a global dialogue in addressing contemporary challenges.
Now in its eighth edition, the International SEARCH Conference remains a prominent platform for media and communication scholars and industry experts to exchange ideas, present research findings and discuss emerging industry trends, according to a press release from Taylor’s University.
The conference also provided networking opportunities, allowing participants to build collaborations that extend beyond the event.
The success of the conference reinforces Taylor’s University’s commitment to advancing the media and communication sector.
The ideas and discussions generated are expected to drive innovation and shape the future of the media industry for years to come, the press release read.
Taylor’s University is the No. 1 private university in South-East Asia, ranked 251st in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This ranking places the university among the top 1% of global universities.
Additionally, the university ranks 36th in Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings 2025 exercise.
The university also has five-star ratings in seven categories of the QS Stars Rating, including Teaching, Internationalisation, Employability, Inclusiveness, Facilities, Subject Ranking and Online Learning.
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024, the institution maintains its Top 20 position in the world for Hospitality and Leisure Management for the sixth consecutive year.
Additionally, Taylor’s is also the No. 1 private university in Malaysia for Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences and Management, Communication and Media Studies, and Sociology.
