The seventh edition of MCMC’s “Media Matters” features comprehensive research findings that provide critical insights into various aspects of Malaysia’s communications and multimedia landscape. This edition encompasses 18 studies funded under the Digital Society Research Grant (DSRG) 2022 Cycle 2 and 2023 Cycle 1, with research projects focusing on public awareness, technological integration, policy impacts, and emerging trends in the industry.

The study on public awareness of the MCMC label for communication devices underscores the significant impact of consumer knowledge on the effectiveness of the Check Your Label (CYL) campaign and self-regulation behaviours. Key recommendations include promoting QR code verification, engaging university students in campaigns, setting up educational booths, and using targeted advertising strategies for different age groups. Furthermore, the research on public perception of 5G electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions reveals significant health concerns among the public. With 56.6 per cent of respondents expressing worry about potential health risks such as cancer, headaches, and fertility issues, the study recommends clear communication of safety standards, funding independent research to provide scientific evidence on 5G health effects and launching targeted awareness campaigns. Regular safety audits of 5G infrastructure and continuous monitoring of EMF emissions are also suggested to ensure compliance with safety limits and build public trust.

Policy impact is a crucial aspect of MCMC’s work, reflected in studies on the implementation of Pelan Jalinan Digital Negara (JENDELA) and regulatory developments within the postal industry. The JENDELA study highlights a significant lack of awareness about the plan among various groups, including educators, private individuals, and rural communities. Recommendations include enhanced promotional efforts to raise awareness, digital literacy programmes to address resistance to technology adoption, and robust infrastructure investment to ensure reliable coverage, especially in underserved regions. Similarly, the postal industry study reveals substantial negative gaps in service quality dimensions, with top issues including timely notifications, prompt responses to customer requests, and handling lost or damaged parcels. Both studies underscore the importance of improving accessibility and service delivery, whether through better infrastructure or more responsive customer support systems, to address the needs of diverse communities. Additionally, the research on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) adoption in the communications and multimedia industry addresses challenges such as energy consumption, e-waste management, and supply chain complexity. Opportunities identified include adopting energy-efficient technologies, renewable energy, and innovation in green technologies and sustainable practices.

MCMC’s role in promoting technological integration within the local economy requires assessing the relevance of innovations to local industries. The report includes studies on the impact of 5G digitalisation, internal data sharing, and ESG adoption on business productivity and growth across various industries. The findings from the study on internal data sharing indicate that such practices positively influence employee performance and decision-making quality by making work more efficient and effective. Recommendations emphasise promoting frequent data-sharing, implementing best practices for data management, and encouraging data-driven innovation through competitions like the Challenge on Innovation and Problem Solving through Technology Advancement (CHiPTA) conducted by the Malaysian Administrative Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (MAMPU). The research on 5G digitalisation benchmarking for smart industries outlines the adoption of 5G in agriculture, cities, and government. Key recommendations include developing regulatory frameworks and standards for 5G deployment, investing in scalable 5G infrastructure, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and research institutions to create tailored solutions for smart verticals.

The adoption of digital signatures for e-government initiatives is another focal point of the report. The study identifies moderate awareness of digital signatures, with significant gaps in knowledge about the differences between digital and electronic signatures and the costs associated with adoption. Key factors influencing adoption include simplicity, security concerns, and management support. Recommendations include increasing awareness through campaigns and training programmes, simplifying the implementation process by providing guidance on integration with existing systems, and addressing security concerns by emphasising the robustness of digital signatures. Additionally, the study examines the National Digital Identity (NDI) initiatives indicating that the public has limited knowledge about NDI, with significant variations in awareness and acceptance. Younger individuals exhibited higher levels of familiarity with NDI compared to older individuals. Recommendations include developing comprehensive public awareness campaigns, integrating digital literacy programmes into educational curricula, and ensuring NDI platforms are user-friendly with intuitive designs and multilingual support.

The research on Free-to-Air channels explores viewing patterns and motivations in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak. The study finds that key motives for watching Free-to-Air TV include economic benefits, flexibility of use, and the accessibility of content. Popular genres include religious, comedy, health, and entertainment, reflecting local practices and cultures. Recommendations for improving viewer satisfaction include tailored programme scheduling that considers regional viewing patterns and preferences, targeted advertising that aligns with audience cultural values, and the use of engaging advertising formats such as cross-promotion with online marketing. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of addressing barriers to the adoption of digital TV technology, such as technical difficulties and lack of access in remote areas, by implementing educational campaigns and improving technology literacy.

The readiness of higher educational institutions (HEIs) for micro-credentials is critical for fostering skills development and capacity building within the industry.Key challenges identified include infrastructure readiness, management support, quality assurance, and learner centricity. Technological factors such as data privacy, credential fraud, and platform reliability are also critical.Recommendations emphasise enhancing infrastructure readiness, fostering management support and strategic alignment within HEIs, ensuring quality assurance and standardisation of micro-credentials, and promoting learner-centric approaches by providing adequate training for educators. Moreover, the study on the role of micro-credentials in capacity building finds that they enhance employee engagement and support ongoing professional development. Malaysian universities offer diverse micro-credential programmes including programming, security, data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and multimedia. Recommendations include developing future micro-credential courses focusing on network and communications, Internet of Things (IoT),cloud computing, applied multimedia, and security to meet industry needs.Additionally, the study highlights challenges such as securing expertise, gaining recognition, and developing suitable assessment methods. Addressing these challenges is crucial for the successful implementation and sustainability of micro-credential programmes.

The present issue of Media Matters offers targetted insights for identified industry vertical segments. The study on digital healthcare adoption by senior citizens identifies barriers such as lack of trust, financial constraints, limited internet access, and concerns about privacy and data security. The recommendations to tackle the issues have focused on improving digital infrastructure, enhancing digital literacy through tailored training programmes, boosting health literacy with high-quality information, and increasing awareness of digital healthcare services through targeted campaigns. In comparison, the research on digitalisation in the oil palm plantation sector reveals a moderate level of digital adoption, driven by performance expectancy and social influence. Both studies emphasise the need for targeted education, infrastructure improvements, and support to address sector-specific challenges and promote broader adoption of digital technologies, whether in healthcare or agriculture.

The DSRG-funded research projects provide actionable insights that enable MCMC to develop well-informed strategies and policies. By leveraging these findings, MCMC is committed to enhance regulatory frameworks, promote technological advancements, and ensure a digitally inclusive society. Additionally, these research underscores the importance of collaboration between MCMC, the research community, and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and progress in Malaysia’s communications and multimedia landscape.