ABU News & UOW Malaysia explore new frontiers in journalism education

ABU News recently met with the University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia’s School of Communication and Creative Arts to understand how the institution prepares its students for the industry.

A growing challenge persists where traditional academic frameworks struggle to keep pace with the rapid, practical demands of modern newsrooms. This gap is evidenced by an emerging trend of students withdrawing from their degrees early after securing employment before graduation.

Loo Chong Hang, Head of School, and lecturer Dr. Muhammad Naim Muhamad Ali discussed these industry shifts with the ABU News team during the visit. School Administrator Siti Fatiha Mohamad Ghazali also participated in the meeting to explain how the university’s internal structures support student readiness.

The university provides real-world platforms through Voice Lah!, a student-run newsroom where participants have previously collaborated with local media organisations such as Astro and Malaysiakini.

To maintain student engagement, the university is now considering “micro-credential programs” that allow learners to select specific courses rather than following a rigid, preset curriculum. UOW Malaysia is also adopting a “top-down” pedagogical approach where lecturers prioritise listening to student needs over traditional rote-learning and exam-based methods.

Academic and industry leaders must continue to evolve these flexible pathways to ensure young creatives are given the practical tools and formal support they need to succeed. Refining these educational models helps maintain a vital connection between university training and the professional newsroom.

Written by: Nerina Rosli