UUM VALUES THE CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION OF THE MEDIA
UUM ONLINE: The media plays a significant role when promoting a university and with one fell swoop, the visibility of UUM is increased both nationally and internationally.
Deputy Director (Media and Marketing) who is performing the duties of the Director of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Corporate Communication (UCC), Dr Azahar Kasim stated that the media provides a broad platform for the community to share information, knowledge, and the most recent university developments.
The media also assists lecturers and researchers in widely disseminating research results and ideas that are beneficial to society and the nation, which has a positive effect on a university's efforts to build a strong brand.
"We recognise the significance of this relationship, which is why UUM has taken the initiative to meet and honour the media practitioners in the Semanis Kurma UCC with Kedah Media programme at their office.
"In conjunction with this Ramadan, we will continue the tradition of fostering friendly relations with members of the media in order to express our gratitude for the contribution they have made and the dedication they have shown in covering UUM as well as by delivering dates as a gesture of sincere remembrance by the UUM campus community.
In addition, he stated that in recent times tens of thousands of people have been let go of their jobs, and that the media industry has been forced to reduce staff due to the impact that the Covid-19 outbreak has had.
"With the incident that took place, it demonstrates that work in the media industry is very precarious because we don't know how long we can survive. As a result, I invite my friends who work in the media to continue their studies at UUM in the various study programmes that are offered for the sake of the future.
“At the very least, by continuing your education, you will open the door to more opportunities for instance, if there is an opportunity in the academic field or becoming a lecturer because exploring the world of education is a lot of fun," he said.
As a former media practitioner with extensive experience in the world of journalism, Dr Azahar is quite thorough in looking at the current state of the media industry so as to ensure it will remain relevant.
Among the media partners met were TV3, TV9, Berita Harian, Harian Metro, New Straits Times, Astro Awani, Pertubhan Berita Malaysia (Bernama), Utusan Malaysia, Kosmo!, The Star, TV Al-Hijrah, and Radio Television Malaysia ( RTM).
Meanwhile, the Head of the Kedah Bernama Bureau, Mr. Rhoma Ahmad Razali welcomed the ideas and suggestions presented and was pleased with UUM's efforts to prioritize good relations with the media.
He said that a good relationship between the university and the media will bring about positive impact and a win-win situation that brings benefits to both parties.
As a result, it is hoped that the two parties will maintain their working relationship and work together to help others as best they can.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hifzuddin Ikhsan Nek Kamal, Head of the Kedah/Perlis Branch of the Daily News Bureau, described the numerous collaboration opportunities to hold various activities like sports programmes, clubs, and forging collaborations with the Kedah Elite Media Club (KMEK) for media staff studying at the postgraduate level.
"We are eager to collaborate through this visit, which has the potential to re-establish the relationship between UUM and the media," he said.