By Wan Norshira Wan Mohd Ghazali
GOMBAK, 2 September 2022: Representatives from the Department of Communication, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kuliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences (AHAS KIRKHS), IIUM paid a visit to Astro in Bukit Jalil on Thursday (1 September) to elaborate on areas of a collaboration in an effort to enhance its academic programmes and curriculum activities.
Led by Asst. Prof. Dr. Mohd Helmi Yusoh, a lecturer in the Department of Communication, the visit was a first move after the signing of the Letter of Intent between Zayan FM and AHAS KIRKHS on 11 August 2022.
In a briefing session hosted by Zayan FM Content Manager, Mr. Wan Syahrul Amry Bin Wan Mansor, Dr. Helmi noted that the collaboration will benefit both parties, and will open up opportunities to students of the IIUM, particularly those from the Department of Communication.
Dr. Helmi said that the department is ready to share knowledge and expertise in the form of content ideas and consultation needed by Zayan radio as part of the initiatives.
“We will try to accomodate requests from Zayan FM for as long as it is within our capacity. As our first move, we should start with something that we can offer to Zayan,” Dr. Helmi explained.
“We will also involve our students in our future events or meetings so that they will get hands-on training from that,” Dr. Helmi elaborated.
Meanwhile, according to Mr. Wan Syahrul, the collaboration is a blessing as he believed that expert knowledge of IIUM members could contribute to the direction and content for Zayan FM.
He emphasised that the connection established between the industry player and academics should be geared towards a long-term initiative as knowledge and expertise exchange would contribute to win-win outcomes.
Emphasising on Zayan’s aim to strengthen its identity, Mr. Wan Syahrul added that this collaboration is sought after as it would contribute to its positioning as the only radio station that promotes the modern Muslim contemporary concept.
Mr. Wan Syahrul also introduced the Department of Communication members to the Zayan FM team to brainstorm some possible work plans that could be implemented in the near future.
Shortly after the meeting, Mr. Wan Syahrul took the Department members on a tour around Astro and introduced them to several key personnel in Astro Awani and the News Radio Department that could be advantageous for future events involving students’ societies of the Department of Communication. The meeting adjourned around 1.15 pm.***