Curtin Malaysia students get insights into newspaper publishing

Miri – 9 October 2017 – Students of the Department of Media, Culture and Communication of Curtin University, Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) went on an industrial visit to Chinese language daily United Daily News at the Piasau Industrial Estate here to gain insights into newspaper publishing recently.

The group comprising 21 students was accompanied by mass communication lecturer Ngu Ik Ying.

According to Ngu, the aim of the visit was to expose the students to real-life journalism and enhance their understanding of how the media industry operates. This included the procedures in editing news and the technology used in printing newspapers.

“It is important to bring the students for such industrials visits, to show them how media companies operate so they can relate media theories learned in class to actual applications in the industry,” said Ngu.

Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by Executive Chief Editor Chai Choi Chin, who later briefed them on the history and operations of the newspaper. He also took them on a tour of United Daily News’ facilities, including its editorial and graphic design departments and pre-press and printing sections.

Foundation in Arts (Media) student Rhyshaune Lee remarked that she was amazed at the huge number of copies of the newspaper printed every day and the amount of work that goes into each edition. She opined that newspapers contribute greatly to society by providing important and timely news to the public.

Fellow student Eric Song, meanwhile, said he learned a lot from the visit, describing it as an eye-opening experience.

“It’s amazing to see how a story is conveyed in words and printed and circulated in thousands of newspapers. I’m inspired to become a journalist in the future as a result,” he said.

United Daily Executive Chief Editor Chai Choi Chin (centre) and Ngu (to his left) with the Curtin Malaysia students.