CYBERJAYA, 15 August 2016 --- Eight research grants totaling RM1.7 million and covering areas such as Smart Communities, Digital Inclusion and Digital and Media Literacy were awarded to seven local universities under the Networked Media Research Collaboration Programme (NMRCP) Cycle 4 by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) at a brief ceremony held in Cyberjaya recently.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi Mara, Sunway University, International Islamic University (UIA) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) received the grants from Toh Swee Hoe, Advisor to the MCMC Academy who represented the MCMC Chairman, Dato’ Sri Dr. Halim Shafie.
NMRCP has been a collaborative initiative between MCMC and universities to enhance and promote knowledge and research in the communications and social science on the use of networked media and its impact on the population. Research undertaken through this programme are expected to provide insights into complex interdisciplinary challenges that can inform regulatory policies in moving towards the national aspiration to be a Smart Digital Nation. The newly awarded research projects under Cycle 4 are built on the body of knowledge generated over three previous cycles to fill the knowledge gaps in this area.
As a whole, the research collaboration seeks to meet the information and knowledge requirements of internal MCMC stakeholders and their collaborators to guide their resources and efforts towards meeting their goals. Research undertaken through this programme are expected to provide insights into complex interdisciplinary challenges that can inform regulatory policies in moving towards national aspirations to be a Smart Digital Nation.
The recipients of the NMRCP Grant 2016 were:-
| University/Lead Researcher |
Project Title |
Brief Overview |
| International Islamic University/ Prof. Datin Dr. Junaidah Hashim |
Internet and Persons with Disabilities:
Implication towards Digital Inclusion Policy |
This research project aims to obtain baseline data pertaining to all 6 major categories of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) as defined by the Department of Social Welfare. This data will be used to illuminate policy considerations and recommendation to industry for targeted services for different PwD groups.
|
| International Islamic University /Assistant Prof. Dr. Aznan Zuhid bin Saidin |
Behaviour in Social Media Use from a Maqasid al-Shari’ah Perspective, Values and Religiosity amongst Muslim students in Malaysia |
The research project studies how the foundational goals of Islamic Law (Maqasid al-Shari’ah) as understood by young Muslim social media users serve as reference point for these users when using social media platforms. It is anticipated that the findings will aide in the development of discourse for Muslim social media usage and the creation of awareness and outreach to promote safe and responsible use.
|
| Universiti Teknologi MARA /Prof. Dr. Kiranjit Kaur |
Digital Inclusion of Marginalised Communities and an audit of Pusat Internet 1Malaysia |
The research project assesses the policy effectiveness of Pusat Internet 1Malaysia (PI1M) deployment of programmes and evaluates the challenges faced by youth, senior citizens and other users to be digitally included.
|
| Sunway University /Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Kian Meng |
Touch it and feel it? Modelling of 3D Haptic Objects to Counter Internet Browsing Limitations for Visually Impaired Persons |
The research project focuses on the needs and aspirations of the visually impaired in navigating the internet. Highlight of the project includes a baseline survey of this target group together with a prototype website with embedded 3D haptic objects to measure whether this technology will have a significant impact in increasing their quality of internet browsing.
|
| Universiti Putra Malaysia/ Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sarjit Singh Darshan Singh Gill |
Developing a Model of ICT Adoption and its Impacts on Cultural Identity amongst the Native People in Sabah |
The research project looks at the impact of technology and how it is adopted by different native communities in Sabah. It is hoped that the data will inform MCMC on its future Smart Digital Community initiatives by forming an understanding of the unique touch-point for respective communities and the possible approaches and services which can best meet the aspirations of different ethnic groups.
|
| Heriot-Watt University Malaysia/ Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ke Guek Nee |
A Framework for Cyber Wellness Centre:
Preventive Interaction Programmes
for Problematic Internet Behaviours |
The research project is an expansion of previous research and focuses on the collection of prevalence data on online gaming and online sex/pornography viewing, its social and psychological impact among adolescents. An important element of the project are recommendations of the required elements necessary to set up an online cyber wellness centre to facilitate expanded coverage of interventions.
|
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman /Assistant Prof. Dr. Siew Pei Hwa |
Are Smart Phones Changing Human Interaction? |
The research project seeks to identify the technological communication patterns of young Malaysians in the digital age. A special focus of this research is the exploration of smartphone usage on family interactions. It is envisaged that the data obtained will help in the formulation of digital parenting guides and advisories to assist in parental mediation.
|
| Universiti Sains Malaysia/ Dr. Normalini Md Kassim |
Impact of MCMC’s Smart Community Initiatives |
This project aims to develop a body of knowledge related to community engagement and participation of Smart Digital Community initiatives. Apart from informing our policy considerations an important outcome of the research is the creation of a Malaysian Smart Community Index to chart the progress across different communities in reaching the aspirations for a Smart Digital Nation. |