KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Masscomm Alumni has disagreed with UiTM’s move in merging other faculties namely Faculty Computer Science and Mathematics with the Faculty of Comunication and Media Studies as announced by the university recently.
With the merger the new entity will be known as Computer, Informatic and Media College.
The restructuring, part of austerity measure was announced by UiTM’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Datuk Dr. Roziah Mohd. Janor in her speech at the communication and media studies faculty’s 50th anniversary celebration recently.
The Alumni President, Basree Rakijan said, the move could be perceived as to weaken the basic mass communication education that is to impart information effectively to the people.
“The communication students should be trained with the skills that are being practised in various media such as the newspaper, magazine, radio, television, film, social media and internet.
“Theses platforms require thinking and analytical skills, creativity and expertise in content creation. The subjects should be emphasized are those related to social sciences and humanities among others,” he said in a statement.
Basree added, the university should hold a dialogue session with the alumni before deciding on the merger.
“The dialogue would have given a deeper understanding on the importance of maintaining the image and the faculty’s brand that has been built for more than five decades.
“The graduates have proven their competencies as industry leaders in printing, broadcasting, advertisement, public relations, filming and social media. In a widespread misinformation environment, it is important for students to be trained as good communicators,” he said.
Basree added, even though computer science is very important but to the communication students it is only a technical subject that serves as a tool in content creation. Moreover currently the media practitioners have been using the device.
He said, the alumni plans to have meetings on this issue with the university, stakeholders and representatives of various organisations in the industry.- Malaysia World News
