Business Daily Media

Men's Weekly

.

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

Rhenus 4PL Solutions Brings Digital Logistics Expertise Support To The Circular Economy Initiative Of Looper Textile Co. And REMONDIS

Circular textiles at industrial scale: Looper Textile Co. collects, sorts and processes up to 150 million garments annually for reuse and recycling. Digital coordination by Rhenus...

ISCA and SHICPA Sign MOU to Strengthen Support for Accountancy Professionals and Firms in Shanghai

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 July 2025 - The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Shanghai Institute of Certified Public Accountants (SHICPA) have signed a Memora...

Proscenic Launches Major Prime Day 2025 Sale with Up to 40% Off Best-Selling Vacuums Starting at €89

SHENZHEN, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 July 2025 - Smart home innovator Proscenic is kicking off Prime Day 2025 with one of its biggest sales yet, offering up to 40% off its top-rated vacuu...

Arrow Electronics Launches Engineering Solutions Center to Support Tech Innovation Across India and Southeast Asia

BANGALORE, INDIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Arrow Electronics, a global provider of technology solutions, today announced the launch of its new Engineering Solutions Center(ESC) in ...

XIXILI Introduces Jelly Padded Bras: A Game-Changer in Everyday Comfort

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Renowned for empowering women through inclusivity and thoughtful design, XIXILI announces the arrival of its latest bra collection:...

Jurassic World: The Experience Roars Into Bangkok - 8 August 2025 At Asiatique The Riverfront Destination

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Asset World Corporation (AWC), Thailand's leading integrated lifestyle real estate group, together with NEON and Universal Destinations ...

Health2Sync and Novo Nordisk Pharma Korea, Ltd. Launch Smart Cap Mallya® for FlexTouch® Insulin Pens Integration in South Korea, Enhancing insulin administration via Digital Diabetes Care

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Health2Sync, Asia's leading digital chronic disease management platform, announced the successful integration of Smart Cap Mallya® for ...

E-commerce Platform Wildberries Pilots Its Own Taxi Service

MINSK, BELARUS - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Wildberries, a leading e-commerce platform in Eurasia, has begun testing its own ride-hailing service in Belarus. The company expects the n...

DYXnet Awarded ISO/IEC 42001 AI Management System Certification by SGS

Leading the New Era of AI in Hong Kong's Telecommunications Industry HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - DYXnet, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VNET Group, Inc...

Prince Foundation Extends Support for Children’s Healthcare in Cambodia Through Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation, Reflecting Commitment Guided by Neak Oknha Chen Zhi

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 9 July 2025 - Prince Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Prince Holding Group under the leadership of Neak Oknha Chen Zhi, has reaffirmed its ong...

How to ensure your manufacturing business survives international tariff turmoil

Optimising your operations in FY2026 will help you combat the challenges of a volatile trading environment. Up, down, in out…Since the commence...

Why Apptio is Enhancing Visibility into AI and Hybrid Cloud

AI investments have become a strategic priority for business with the mindset that if you're not using AI, you're falling behind. But according to...

Beyond borders: Building a scalable strategy for international hiring

For many Australian businesses, growth increasingly depends on thinking beyond local borders.  As wage pressures rise, and specialised talent pool...

The Next Generation of Maritime Sustainable Solutions

As organizations globally seek innovative ways to improve sustainability and their impact on Earth, the American Waterways Operators (AWO), a lead...

Demand for Home Batteries surges as Federal Rebate Kicks In

A leading provider of energy solutions VoltX Energy has seen a 400% increase in demand for home batteries in the past three weeks as people put d...

Why Sport Remains the Safest Bet in an Uncertain World

When Rome was in crisis, its leaders did not retreat to the Senate. They went to the circus. To the chariot races. To the gladiators. Sport was no...

Sell by LayBy