Emerging Voice in Communication Research: Dr. Josie Ong Ai Ling Appointed YSN–ASM Affiliate

Dr. Josie Ong Ai Ling, Senior Lecturer at the School of Media and Communication, Taylor’s University, has been appointed as an Affiliate of the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM). This prestigious recognition places her among a select group of emerging Malaysian scholars contributing to the nation’s science, technology, and innovation agenda. The appointment reflects her growing influence in communication research and her continued contributions to Malaysia’s academic and research ecosystem. Dr. Ong holds a PhD in Communication, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her research expertise encompasses public relations, strategic communication, corporate communication, intercultural communication, youth studies, and media literacy, with a particular focus on contemporary digital media environments. Her research portfolio demonstrates sustained engagement with contemporary communication issues.

In 2024, she co-authored a SCOPUS-indexed study on women’s leadership in public relations, examining factors influencing leadership development and professional experiences within the field. In 2023, she contributed to a systematic review on communication strategies for managing e-complaints on social media, providing insights into organisational response practices and digital reputation management. Her earlier research on graduate soft skills and employability also informed broader discussions on higher education outcomes and workforce readiness in Malaysia.

Beyond her scholarly publications, Dr. Ong has extended her reach through thought leadership in mainstream media, addressing topics such as the evolution of public relations in the digital era and the role of social media in supporting the wellbeing of senior citizens. These contributions demonstrate her commitment to translating academic research into accessible insights with meaningful societal relevance. In addition, she serves as an Associate Editor of the SCOPUS-indexed SEARCH Journal of Media and Communication Research and actively contributes to several professional bodies, including the Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE), the Public Relations and Communications Association of Malaysia (PRCA Malaysia), and the Global Alliance Malaysia Team.

Dr. Ong’s appointment to YSN–ASM, together with her research achievements, editorial leadership, and professional engagement, underscores her growing standing within the academic community and highlights her continued commitment to advancing communication scholarship, research excellence, and societal impact.