Public debate on media, identity and politics
The University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus (UNMC) Centre for the Study of Communications and Culture’s (CSCC) Second Public Intellectual Seminar Series‘Voices: Media, Politics and Identity in Contemporary South East Asia’ commences this Saturday 08/10/11 (2000-2230).
The series explores the emergent trends of independent filmmaking, citizen journalism and new media practices (including social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter) and their contribution to the construction of contemporary Malaysian identity.
Five eminent regional intellectuals and independent media producers/activists will address the roles media reform, social justice, and conceptions of democracy play in social, cultural, and political transformation. Discussion will explore the tensions and conflicts that arise in the construction of identity and belonging.
“We’re interested in the politics of various media forms, and how cultural products are used to articulate and legitimate competing ideologies,” says CSCC Director Professor Zaharom Nain.
Leading Orang Asli expert and anthropologist Professor Alberto Gomes begins the series with a discussion of the conflicts and contradictions arising from the multiple interpretations of Malaysian indigeneity. His research challenges us to reconsider the positioning of indigenous peoples in relation to social inclusion/exclusion, citizen rights and entitlements.
“We hope that the sessions will encourage public discourse and participation with regard to media, freedom, identity and alternative political platforms, especially in highly censored societies” says Series Convener Dr Joanne Lim.
The CSCC is run by the UNMC School of Modern Languages and Cultures (SMLC). “We’re very proud to be able to continue to provide this platform for debate” says SMLC Director of Studies Dr Sean Matthews.
Full Seminar Schedule
08/10/11 – Alberto Gomes – Politics of Indigeneity: Voices from the Margins?
22/10/11 – Anil Netto – Blogging and Citizen Journalism: Challenging the Discourse?
05/11/11 – Chua Beng Huat – Regionalisation of the Media Industry and Pan-Asian Identity Formation?
19/11/11 – Jacqueline Ann Surin – Found in Malaysia: Race and Belonging?
03/12/11 – Wan Zawawi Ibrahim – Contesting Nation: Renegotiating Identity and Multiculturalism in the New Malaysian Cinema and its Mediation by New Media
Contributing discussants:
Writer/independent filmmaker Amir Muhammad
CEO of Malaysiakini Premesh Chandran
BFM host Sharaad Kuttan
Human rights activist Mark Teh
The Director of Pusat KOMAS Anna Har
Contacts:
Dr Sean.Matthews@nottingham.edu.my
+6 03 8924 8190
Dr Joanne.Lim@nottingham.edu.my
+6 03 8924 8197
CSCC Public Intellectuals Seminar Series II: Prof. Alberto Gomes on the Politics of Indigeneity.
Politics of Indigeneity: Voices from the Margins – Professor Alberto Gomes
Series II – Voices: Media, Politics and Identity in Contemporary South East Asia
What does it mean, today, to belong to a nation? What are the implications of media on tensions, conflicts and the sense of identity and belonging? Increasingly, there is a need (particularly in this region) to understand what it means for people to forge identities in rapidly changing national, social and cultural contexts, and to question the role of media in such efforts….
Date: Saturday 8th October
Time: 8pm – 10.30pm
Venue:
Pelita Hati Gallery of Art
1st Floor
8 Jalan Abdullah (off Jalan Bangsar)
Kuala Lumpur 59000
A bus will provide transport from UNMC to Pelita Hati; departure from the UNMC campus will be at 7pm. Please see the contacts section to reserve a seat.
More info…http://www.nottingham.edu.my/Modern-Languages/Eventsrecords/CSCC-Public-Intellectuals-Seminar-Series-II-Prof-Alberto-Gomes-on-the-Politics-of-Indigeneity.aspx
