JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 24 – The Virtual Language & Communication Postgraduate International Seminar (VLCPIS 2025) was successfully held on 24 September 2025, bringing together postgraduate students, researchers and experts to explore the transformative role of language in today’s interconnected world. The annual seminar once again proved to be a dynamic platform for academic exchange, intellectual growth and cross-cultural collaboration.

Organised by Language Academy, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), VLCPIS 2025 was led by Dr. Ungku Khairunnisa Ungku Mohd. Nordin, Director of the Seminar and Aizatul Alyaa, Director of the Student Committee. With the theme “The Power of Language: Reimagining Communication in the 21st Century,” the seminar emphasized the critical influence of language not only as a medium of communication but also as a tool for shaping thought, identity and social relations in an era of rapid digital transformation.

The one-day seminar provided postgraduate students with a valuable opportunity to present their ongoing research, exchange constructive feedback and engage in dialogue with peers and established scholars. Through keynote speeches, paper presentations and interactive discussions, participants were encouraged to consider how language continues to evolve and adapt in the face of technological, cultural and societal change.

A highlight of the event was the series of keynote sessions delivered by distinguished scholars. Prof. Dr. Marlia Puteh from UTM shared her insights on “The Role of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Postgraduate Language Research,” examining how AI can be harnessed to support academic writing, research design and innovation. Dr. Zainal Abidin from Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, Indonesia, captivated the audience with his presentation on “Korean Popular Culture and Mental Health: Is it Negative?” offering a cross-cultural lens on media influence. Meanwhile, Dr. Nur’ain Balqis Haladin from UTM addressed pressing contemporary issues in her keynote, “Combatting Stigma: Language’s Role in Addressing Public Health Misinformation & Sensitive Topics.”

VLCPIS 2025 was further enriched by international collaboration, with active participation from Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang and Universitas Islam Malang, Indonesia. The event attracted 47 local and international participants who shared insights on diverse topics, including virtual influencers in political discourse, flipped classroom strategies, eco-literacy in language education and communication strategies employed by YouTube influencers. These sessions underscored the breadth of postgraduate research and its relevance to real-world challenges.

Most significantly, the outcomes of VLCPIS 2025 extended beyond the academic sphere. The exchange of ideas provided valuable perspectives for government in shaping education and communication policies, for universities in advancing impactful postgraduate research, for communities in addressing pressing social issues and for industries navigating digital transformation and global engagement. By connecting these four key sectors, the seminar reaffirmed the importance of language and communication research as a driver of positive change and as a catalyst for building more inclusive and informed societies.

As VLCPIS continues to grow in reach and impact, VLCPIS 2025 stands as a testament to the enduring power of language to connect people, bridge differences and inspire meaningful innovation in the 21st century.