Developing T-Shaped Media Graduates: Bridging Digital Skills, Ethics and Industry Realities in Malaysia

Md Rozalafri Johori; Nursyamimi Harun; Rahmatunnisah Sailin

Developing T-Shaped Media Graduates: Bridging Digital Skills, Ethics and Industry Realities in Malaysia

Authors

Md Rozalafri Johori Universiti Islam Selangor
Nursyamimi Harun Universiti Islam Selangor
Rahmatunnisah Sailin Universiti Islam Selangor

Keywords:

Curriculum, Communication, Media Studies, Media Industry, Digital Media

Abstract

There is an urgent need to reform the media and communication studies curriculum in Malaysia with greater emphasis on digital skills, ethical literacy, and practical components to produce graduates who are relevant to the demands of the digital-era industry. However, the current curriculum in Malaysian higher education remains overly focused on traditional theories and lacks sufficient attention to the practical competencies and digital literacy required by the rapidly evolving digital media sector. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the necessity for curriculum reform in media and communication education in Malaysia to ensure its alignment with technological advancements and the dynamic needs of the media industry in the digital age. This study employed a qualitative interpretive phenomenological approach, using online semi-structured focus group discussions with six purposively selected academics experienced in the media industry, and analyzed the data through thematic analysis using Atlas.ti software. The findings reveal six key themes representing the dimensions of curriculum transformation in Malaysian media and communication education: (1) industry-aligned curriculum, (2) curriculum adaptation to contemporary realities, (3) hybrid interdisciplinary curriculum, (4) digital media convergence curriculum, (5) cultivation of humanistic (soft) skills, and (6) development of T-shaped graduates. In conclusion, the outdated media and communication curriculum in Malaysia requires comprehensive reform to ensure it remains relevant, innovative, and aligned with current technological and socio-economic changes, enabling universities to pioneer new knowledge frontiers and meet the evolving demands of the digital communication landscape.

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Developing T-Shaped Media Graduates: Bridging Digital Skills, Ethics and Industry Realities in Malaysia