Page 14 - 022021 PULSE@FASS e-Bulletin

Issue no. 2 | 2021

International Organization on Migration (IOM)
Media Literacy Workshop for Youth -

Navigating Narratives: Media Representation of
Migrants and Refugees in Digital Spaces

BY AKALILI IZZATI BINTI MOHD ZAIDI AND NORMAN SIM
1ST YEAR B.A. INTERNATIONAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES

The poster of "Navigating Narratives: Media Representation of
Migrants and Refugees in Digital Spaces" Students and staff from three different departments

On the 23rd of April 2021, the Department of response and efforts. The workshop began with
International and Strategic Studies, Department of opening remarks from the Dean of FASS, University of
Media Studies, and Department of South East Asia Malaya, Datuk Professor Dr Danny Wong Tze Ken, and
Studies in collaboration with the International continued with three sessions: “Media, Migration, and
Organization for Migration (IOM) organized a Media Public Perception,” “Solidarity Through Storytelling”
Literacy Workshop for Youth. Approximately 70 and “Shaping the Narrative: Rights-based, Solution
participants including students and academic staff of Driven Approach.”
the three departments participated in this workshop.
The fourth session was a panel discussion with three
This program had three aims. The first was to ensure guest panelists from different sectors. The final two
accurate information about refugees, migrants, and sessions were interactive, where students were divided
other vulnerable populations was disseminated into groups for discussion.
through media platforms and relevant information
channels. Secondly, the program aimed to enhance All groups presented well with their insightful sharing
ethical, balanced reporting, and stigma-free language. and perspectives on the topic. Group 2 won the best
group presentation award and Ruthra Mary
Third, the program aimed to strengthen the “whole Ramachandran from the Department of Southeast
community approach” in reducing prejudice and Asian Studies won the prize of best presenter. The
promoting social cohesion among refugees, migrants, workshop concluded with closing remarks from the
and vulnerable populations as part of the Covid-19 IOM Chief Mission to Malaysia, Kendra Rinas.

14 | Pulse @ FASS