SHAH ALAM: The role of digital media and communications in reshaping thoughts and solving corporate challenges was the main focus of the International Conference on Media and Social Science 2021 (iCOMS 2021).

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in a statement today said the media and communication international conference, that was held virtually from Aug 24 until today with the theme, 'Reimagining Communication and Media in the Face of the Digital Age', facilitated in-depth discussions on how digital media was at the forefront in facing day-to-day business challenges and beyond, particularly in COVID-19 pandemic era.

"iCOMS 2021 gathered academicians, researchers, professionals, media personnel, policymakers and students from all over the globe to debate and discuss best practices to be adopted and adapted to the current situation during this unprecedented time," the statement said.

It said a number of strategic partners and collaborators were involved, including Al Jazeera Media Network; Malaysian Press Institute (MPI); Polytechnic University of Philippines; Universitas Andalas, Indonesia; University of Zululand, South Africa and UiTM's own Centre of Strategic Communication and Analytical Laboratory, which have contributed to making the conference, organised by the university's Faculty of Communication and Media Studies (FCMS) a success.

The conference also hosted about seven of the sector's esteemed speakers and offered 14 parallel sessions featuring policymakers, media executives and respected academicians of the field, including Chairman of MPI Datuk Dr Chamil Wariya, Executive Director of Digital Al Jazeera Media Network (Qatar) Dr Yaser Bishr and Adjunct Professor at FCMS John D Chacko.

-- BERNAMA