Taylor's School of Media & Communication and Utusan Singapura, the esteemed publisher of Wake Up Singapore, have embarked on a transformative partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration aimed to cultivate talent and address industry challenges within the news media and content creation sectors in Malaysia and Singapore. It marked a significant milestone in nurturing vital talent for these industries across both countries. Through this collaboration, students will gain access to invaluable insights, skills and experiences, equipping them with the essential tools to thrive in the dynamic world of media.
Wake Up Singapore is a news and media website founded in September 2013. It has been active in shaping the political scene in Singapore. It is made up of a community of young activists looking to bring alternative voices to the major issues locally and around the world. The activists are also advocates for reform and social justice, and often delve into controversial topics the mainstream media is afraid of telling. They feel that there is an air of pervasive cynicism and apathy in Singapore.
"In an era where information knows no borders, it is imperative that our future journalists are equipped to navigate the complexities of a globalized media landscape. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to providing our students with holistic educational experiences that prepare them for the realities of the media industry. Through initiatives like this partnership, we are not only preparing our students to confront these challenges head-on but also empowering them to become responsible, ethical, and impactful storytellers,” said Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media & Communication at Taylor's University.
"We are honoured to partner with the diverse and brilliant faculty and students to add value and colour to ASEAN's media landscape. We look forward to reviving the spirit of Malayan Journalism and working together with Taylor's University to expand our regional efforts," said Mr. Ariffin Sha, Founder of Wake Up Singapore.
Through joint initiatives, workshops, internships and collaborative projects, Taylor's University and Utusan Singapura (Wake Up Singapore) aimed to empower students to become critical thinkers, ethical communicators, and innovative storytellers. By nurturing talent and fostering meaningful collaborations, both organizations are positioned to shape the future of news media in Malaysia and beyond, thereby contributing to the industry's advancement in the ASEAN region.