Media Association helps media students learn about news production

Miri – 26 March 2012 – The Media Association of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), a club for media students, recently held a practical seminar for about 20 students of the Department of Media, Culture and Communication of the university’s School of Business.

The half-day seminar addressed various aspects of news production such as script-writing, videography, photography and journalism. It was facilitated by club committee members comprising chief editor Siah Shin Ning; head videographer Joanne Ting; print news manager Abel Wong; and head of photography Jonathan Mah.

“Such seminars allow us to learn from each other, learn from our mistakes, and improve our skills and techniques,” said Amy Lim, president of the Media Association.

She added that the seminar also helped new members get familiar with the news production environment.

According to Lim, the committee members put their hearts into giving the participants tips on becoming better media students and the event ended up being a most enjoyable and fulfilling time for everyone.

Vinodh Menon, a member of the club, said the best part of the seminar for the participants was learning about the prospects of using skills acquired from their studies and from the seminar in the field.

The Media Association was established earlier this year to serve as an avenue for newer media students to mingle with senior students, as well as a platform for media students to apply what they learn in the classroom and hone their technical skills.

Members can take up one or more practical lessons in the fields of cinematography, video editing, photography and journalism offered by the club. The committee members in charge of the fields will serve as supervisors to guide newer members in acquiring and developing technical skills in their respective areas.

Curtin Sarawak’s media students have won numerous national awards and prizes for short films and documentaries in film competitions such as the AFP Short Film Awards, Program Karyawan Muda, Detik-detik MH, IGEM Dare to Dream Challenge and MUFORS Road Reels Short Film Competition – a testimony to the high quality of teaching and learning within the Department of Culture, Media and Communication.

Head videographer Joanne Ting (centre) demonstrating the way to handle a video camera.

Head of photography Jonathan Mah giving a tutorial.