Gaining Insights on Navigating the Digital Frontier of Emerging Technologies

The School of Marketing and Management (SoMM) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) organised an enlightening guest lecture titled “Keep Calm & Regulate” on 21st June 2024.

Led by Ms Harjinder Kaur (Senior Lecturer, SoMM at APU) the event brought together a total of 90 students and staff from various academic schools at APU.

The event aimed to educate APU students and staff about the impact of emerging technologies and to promote effective regulatory strategies, while aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16).

Ms Eneng Faridah Iskandar Sastrawidjaja, Head of Strategy & Planning at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), who is also a member of APU’s Industry Advisory Panel (IAP), served as the distinguished guest lecturer for the engaging and informative session.

First Segment: Current Regulatory Landscape and Challenges

In the first segment, Ms Eneng emphasised the critical role of a robust regulatory framework in fostering fair competition and safeguarding consumer interests.

She underscored the multifaceted challenges confronting regulatory bodies today, including the relentless pace of technological advancement.

Moreover, she stressed the delicate balance required for encouraging innovation and ensuring robust consumer protection measures are in place.

Her insights in the first segment illuminated the complexities inherent in navigating these dynamics to sustain a regulatory environment that promotes economic growth and public trust.

Second Segment: MCMC’s Strategic Planning

In the second segment, Ms Eneng delved into MCMC’s strategic planning methodologies, offering valuable insights into their proactive approach to policy formulation amidst an ever-evolving digital landscape.

She underscored the significance of forward-thinking policies that anticipate and respond to emerging trends and technological advancements.

Additionally, she explored upcoming regulatory trajectories, illuminating how new technologies are poised to reshape regulatory practices and governance frameworks.

Her discussion in the second segment provided a comprehensive view of MCMC’s adaptive strategies aimed at fostering innovation while ensuring regulatory effectiveness and societal benefit.

Third Segment: Interactive Q&A Session and Future Regulatory Outlook

During the interactive Q&A session in the third segment, participants actively engaged in discussions led by Ms Eneng, gaining valuable insights into strategic planning and policy development.

Her forward-looking perspective on future regulation amidst rapid technological advancements not only fostered dialogue and exchange but also deepened understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape and its broad implications for stakeholders across sectors.

Fourth Segment: Social Media and Connectivity

In the final segment, Ms Eneng highlighted the profound impact of social media on evolving consumer habits and consumption patterns.

She emphasised how the increasing availability of internet access elicited feelings of happiness and gratitude, illustrating the transformative influence of connectivity on individuals and communities alike.

Her insights illuminated the dynamic role of technology in shaping societal behaviours and aspirations in an interconnected world.

Student Perspectives

Dheeraj Singh Gill Manjeet Singh, a student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing, found the event very insightful for gaining a comprehensive understanding of MCMC’s crucial role in effectively regulating online and digital activities.

Davinderjit Kaur Jasbeer Singh, a student from Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management, found the event insightful for gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate balance between regulatory frameworks and fostering innovation within the communication and multimedia sectors.

Abdelrahman Hanny Ibrahim Elsayed Abouzeid, a student from Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics Engineering (Honours), found the event enlightening as it provided a comprehensive overview of MCMC’s operational strategies, insights into the root causes of hacking, and advancements in internet technologies.

Jhenisbek Jhalgas, a student from Foundation in Business, Finance & Psychology, found the event valuable as it provided insights into how emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming consumer experiences and behaviours in the dynamic landscape of the digital age.

Reflections on the Guest Lecture

Ms Harjinder highlighted that the well-structured and impactful session left a lasting impression on APU students and staff, offering invaluable insights into the intricate dynamics of regulation, social media, and evolving consumer behaviours in the contemporary digital landscape, enhancing their understanding of current industry challenges and opportunities.

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In contrast, Assoc Prof Dr Devinder Kaur (Head, SoMM at APU) emphasised the critical importance of engaging with industry experts to expose students to real-world challenges in the multimedia and communication industry.

Additionally, she expressed appreciation for the event, noting how it enriched students’ learning experiences by providing practical insights and inspiring them to integrate theory with industry practice.

“This exposure not only prepares them to navigate current complexities but also equips them with the skills to thrive as future-proof professionals, poised to contribute effectively in an evolving digital landscape.”