Curtin Malaysia Bachelor of Communications students gain valuable industry insights

Miri, Sarawak – 10 May 2024 – 15 Bachelor of Communications students from Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), led by Head of the Department of Media and Communication of Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Humanities and Health Sciences, Dr. Ngu Ik Ying, recently embarked on a journey to Kuching to explore the dynamic world of broadcasting in Sarawak.

The trip, organised by the Department of Media and Communication, provided the students with invaluable insights into the workings of the industry through engagements with Sarawak Media Group (SMG) including TV Sarawak, and Cats FM.

The students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the day-to-day operations of Sarawak Media Group and Cats FM, gaining first-hand experience of various aspects of broadcasting, production, and media management. They engaged in interactive sessions with industry professionals, learning about the latest trends, technologies, and challenges facing the broadcasting industry in Sarawak.

At Sarawak Media Group, the students were received by Sales and Marketing Senior Associate Jerry Chong and Human Resource Executive Dayangku Shahirah. They were given a briefing on internship and career opportunities at the company, followed by a guided tour of the TV studios, which included an opportunity to try out a green screen display, read news from live news teleprompters, and learn more about computer graphic integrated (CGI) technologies in the broadcasting industry.

At Cats FM, the students were welcomed by Digital Broadcast Executive Muhammad Al Nazirul and radio announcers on duty, who shared their experiences as broadcasting professionals and radio personalities. The students later visited Cats FM’s music library, radio studio and photo shooting room, and learn from experienced news announcers who demonstrated how to create engaging news scripts, read the news with proper intonation, and edit the sound.

“The visits to TV Sarawak and Cats FM were an eye-opening experience for our students, allowing them to bridge the gap between theory and practice in the field of communications,” said Dr. Ngu. “By witnessing the inner workings of the two companies, our students have gained valuable insights that will undoubtedly enrich their academic journey and future careers.”

Dr. Ngu said the visit was also beneficial from a course development standpoint. “We greatly value the insights we gain from such visits to consistently enhance our Bachelor of Communications syllabus. We want it to be as relevant and as closely aligned to industry needs as possible.”

“This ensures that our students are job-ready and highly employable when they graduate. In fact, we have had quite a number of graduates being employed in the broadcasting industry in Sarawak, West Malaysia, and abroad, through the years,” she added.

The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to engage directly with industry professionals and gain practical knowledge that will enhance their academic and professional development. Theodora Abena Yeboah, a final-year student majoring in journalism from Ghana, said the visits were fruitful because she had the privilege to learn more about  broadcasting and journalism in Malaysia, including legislation governing the professions, and the many exciting ways to engage with audiences.

Curtin’s three-year Bachelor of Communications offered at Curtin Malaysia helps students develop knowledge and skills in two or more related fields of study at the intersection of media, business, design and new communications technologies. Students can major in Corporate Screen Production and a choice of Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or Web Media, or a combination of Journalism and Public Relations, Marketing or Web Media.

The course offers the contextual study of the history, theory, ethics and criticism of the various practices, institutions and discourses in media, communication and information. Foundation skills and knowledge for work in the corporate media and information field are also provided with a considerable breadth of expertise.

Developed largely in Australia, the course is endorsed by the Australian Marketing Institute,  Australian Institute of Management, Australian Institute of Training and Development Relations Society of Western Australia, Australian Institute of Office Professionals, Public Relations Institute of Australia, and The Communication Council of Australia. In Malaysia, it is recognised by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency. In addition to Curtin Malaysia, the course is also offered at other Curtin campuses in Australia, Dubai, Mauritius, and Singapore. Intakes are in February and July each year.

TV Sarawak or TVS is a Sarawak-based linear digital television channel that provides news and programming for the Sarawak region and other parts of Malaysia. It can be watched nationwide via Astro, Unifi TV, and MYTV on channel 122.

Cats FM is Sarawak’s first private FM radio station, airing in Malay and Iban from Kuching to the whole of Sarawak and Brunei.

Curtin Malaysia is the largest international campus of Curtin University, a global university with campuses in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai and Mauritius. Established in 1999, Curtin Malaysia offers a wide range of pre-university courses, and undergraduate and postgraduate courses in business, engineering, science, technology, humanities, and health sciences. It remains committed to providing its students with holistic learning experiences that prepare them for success in the dynamic and competitive marketplace.

Information on Curtin Malaysia can be found on its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Students observing Cats FM radio news announcer demonstrating how news is read live from the studio

Students posing for a group photo with SMG Sales and Marketing Senior Associate Jerry Chong (in orange) and Dr Ngu (in purple, middle).

Students pose for group photo with Cats FM Digital Broadcast Executive Muhammad Al Nazirul (left) and Dr Ngu (third right)