Business Daily Media

The Times Real Estate

.

Monash University Malaysia Launches SEADS to Promote Online Safety

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 February 2025 – Monash University Malaysia marked a milestone with the launch of the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Digital Tech and Society (SEADS).

The launch of SEADS was inaugurated by the Honourable YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, in a ceremony committed to promoting a safer digital future.

From left: Professor Duncan McDuie-Ra (Head of the School of Arts & Social Sciences), Associate Professor Emma Baulch (Director of (SEADS) and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Arts and Social Sciences. , YB Hannah Yeoh (Minister of Youth and Sports), Professor Emeritus Dato
From left: Professor Duncan McDuie-Ra (Head of the School of Arts & Social Sciences), Associate Professor Emma Baulch (Director of (SEADS) and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Arts and Social Sciences. , YB Hannah Yeoh (Minister of Youth and Sports), Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman (President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Monash University Malaysia), YB Michelle Ng Mei Sze (ADUN Subang Jaya).

Speaking of the role of SEADS, Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, of Monash University Malaysia emphasized that the center is not just about celebrating digital advancement but ensuring technology works for the people, not against them. She also highlighted SEADS’ commitment to collaborating with corporations, policymakers, and communities to foster ethical and inclusive digital transformation.

One of the event's highlights was a fireside chat between YB Hannah Yeoh and Professor Meera Sivasothy from the School of Arts and Social Sciences. The discussion titled "Creating a Safe Internet for Young Malaysians" explored issues related to the regulation of online spaces in Malaysia and their implications for young people. “Greater coordination and data sharing within government agencies is essential to making better-informed decisions regarding online harm”, emphasized Hannah Yeoh. Prioritizing comprehensive research and leveraging the Southeast Asia Digital Society framework, stakeholders are urged to understand the scope of online harm before enacting policies or regulations.

In response to questions on whether Malaysia should follow Australia's lead in banning social media access for individuals under 16, YB Hannah Yeoh expressed skepticism about its feasibility. She highlighted enforcement challenges, noting, "In Malaysia, people often share phones within households, making such regulations difficult to implement."

Addressing the issue of online trolling in sports, Yeoh underscored the importance of maintaining the principles of sportsmanship. “Online behavior should mirror the values we cherish in sports. Respect, fairness, and integrity must be upheld, whether on the field or online,” she stated.

Yeoh also discussed the often-blurred lines between online and offline spaces, challenging societal perceptions about digital consumption. “We frequently criticize children for spending extensive hours on their phones, but we must also consider adult behaviors—like working in two-hour blocks without breaks—as part of the problem. To secure a better future, we need collective efforts in understanding and addressing these concerns,” she added.

As Malaysia navigates the complexities of digital engagement, fostering an informed, collaborative approach is pivotal to safeguarding all citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

Associate Professor Emma Baulch, Director of SEADS and Deputy Head of School (Research) at Monash University Malaysia’s Schools of Arts and Social Sciences said, “Online spaces are where young people live—relax, socialize, shop, get informed and sell things. Given the rapid pace of change in these environments, more fundamental research is needed to take stock of how changes affect us for better or for worse.” Baulch added,” Universities are a key piece of the puzzle in building an inclusive digital future. At SEADS, we don’t just publish research articles but we co-design them with collaborators in civil society, government, and industry to drive meaningful changes.”

SEADS’ research falls under three themes:

  • Online harm and safety, including online gender-based violence and the harm caused by deepfake imagery;
  • Data justice, including research on digital identities, data centers, and threats to data privacy; and
  • Digital inclusion, including the inequalities of access and affordability that persist as increasing numbers of people come online.
SEADS will partner with industry, policymakers, and civil society to ensure research on these topics informs public conversations, attitudes, and practices, as well as policy development. These research priorities reflect Monash University Malaysia's commitment to address critical societal issues that impact our community. Through initiatives like SEADS, Monash University Malaysia continues to undertake the research necessary to drive impactful change, bridging academics with real-world solutions to address the pressing challenges of our time.


Hashtag: #MonashUniversityMalaysia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SEADS

Southeast Asia Research Centre for Digital Tech and Society (SEADS) undertakes scholarly research that advances understanding of digital technology and societies in Southeast Asia. The centre serves as a platform that conjoins academic research with civil society, governments and corporations in ongoing dialogue, exchanges, and collaborations to explore alternatives, and inform the public. SEADS is based at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, and is funded under the Monash University Malaysia competitive Future Centre scheme.

Monash University Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia, established in 1998, is the third-largest campus of Australia's largest university and the first foreign university campus in Malaysia. We are a premier research-intensive Australian university ranked among the top 50 universities globally by the QS World University Rankings 2024 and a member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). Monash University is also ranked 58 in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings. A self-accrediting university, we offer a distinctly international and culturally rich environment with approximately 11,000+ students from 85 countries. Monash University Malaysia, including the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, is wholly owned and operated by Monash University since 2020.

News from Asia

PAObank Shared in World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong

Insights on the Potential of Commercial Data: A Path to Enhanced Financing Efficiency and Financial Inclusion HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 April 2025 - ​The World Internet Conferen...

Consumer goods expo highlights China's growing allure for global brands

HAIKOU, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 15 April 2025 - ​The fifth China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE), held on the tropical island province of Hainan, has reaffirmed the country...

Recognising Purpose-Driven Excellence: ACES Awards 2025 Opens Nominations for the Philippines’ Most Visionary Leaders and Companies

MANILA, PHILIPPINES - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 April 2025 - In a region rich with ambition, the Philippines continues to lead with sustainability and purposeful leadership. The Asia Corporate ...

Hey! Chips Launches Singapore’s First Clean-Label Fruit Bites Snack

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 April 2025 - Singapore’s leading clean snack brand, Hey! Chips, is proud to introduce its latest innovation: Hey! Fruit Bites. A first-of-its-kind freeze-...

Sustainability progress to 2030 delivering value for Hongkong Land

Key achievements include: 33.3% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions against 2019 baseline, making good progress toward 2030 target...

Crayon’s Biennial Future of Operations Study Uncovers What is Driving SMB IT Spend in APAC

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 April 2025 - ​Crayon, a global leader in IT services and innovation, today announced the latest release of its biennial Future of Operations study ...

Shama Hub Metro South Hong Kong Unveils Characteristic Panda-Themed Rooms This Spring

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 April 2025 - Shama Hub Metro South Hong Kong ("Shama Hub Metro South"), a contemporary urban retreat and distinguished member of the ONYX Hospitality...

Zero Fintech Group Limited (Stock Code: 0093.HK) Announces Record-Breaking 2024 Annual Results

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 April 2025 - Zero Fintech Group Limited ("Zero Fintech" or the "Company", stock code: 0093.HK), a leading fintech innovator, is proud to announce its s...

All roles, all levels, all markets: General Assembly launches first-of-its-kind one-stop AI Academy to help companies close their AI skills gap

This is the first in Singapore to offer flexible AI courses geared towards all organisational roles – from business and operational teams to decision-makers – all in one place Unl...

Leong Yik Launches New Website & Enhanced Client Experience to Mark 7 Years in SG

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 16 April 2025 - Leong Yik Engineering & Contractor has launched a newly redesigned website to mark its 7th year of operations in Singapore. The new platfo...

Cutting edge AI technology designed for doctors to reduce patient wait times launched in NZ

New Zealand specialist doctors now have access to Artificial Intelligence technology to help reduce patient wait times and experts say it could be...

Launchd Takes Off: Former AFL Stars Lead Tech-Powered Platform Set to Disrupt Talent and Influencer Marketing

Backed by Institutional Capital, Launchd Combines Five Leading Agencies and Smart Technology to Deliver Measurable Results Influencer marketing i...

Meet the Australian fintech unlocking rewards for small businesses

Small businesses make up 98 per cent of all businesses in Australia, yet they continue to bear the brunt of economic uncertainty. According to Credi...

Teleperformance (TP) Business Insights Report Reveals Key Shifts in Consumer Behaviour

TP’s Business Insights report  into consumer behaviors and preferences, taking in more than 57,000 respondents across 19 sectors, is shedding new li...

HubSpot launches platform-wide AI tools to help businesses close the adoption gap

HubSpot today unveiled more than 200 updates across its customer platform to help businesses grow better. The release introduces smarter tools, new AI...

Why Every Leader Needs a Personal Branding Strategy in 2025

One of the best investments you can make in 2025? Your Personal Brand.In today’s competitive and digitally driven business world, authenticity and...

Sell by LayBy