Language Academy (LA) at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully hosted the Virtual Language and Communication Postgraduate International Seminar (VLCPIS). This year’s theme, “AI in Language and Communication: Exploring Diversity and Connectivity,” attracted a diverse group of participants, including 12 presenters and 33 attendees from various academic backgrounds.
The seminar featured prominent keynote speakers who shared their insights on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in language education and communication. Associate Professor Dr. James McLellan from Universiti Brunei Darussalam delivered a thought-provoking presentation titled “Translanguaging, In- and Outside the Classroom: A Critical Perspective.” His discussion focused on the implications of translanguaging practices in educational settings.
Associate Professor Dr. Zuwati Hasim from Universiti Malaya (UM) emphasized “The Importance of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) for Academic Writing in the Age of AI.” Her talk highlighted how media literacy is crucial for students navigating the complexities of academic writing in an increasingly digital world.
Additionally, Associate Professor Dr. Hadina Habil from UTM addressed “The Role of AI in Language and Communication: The Implication for ESP and Professional Communication.” Her insights provided valuable perspectives on how AI technologies are reshaping professional communication practices.
The seminar was directed by Hagiladeswari Palani, a PhD student from LA, with guidance from the VLCPIS 2024 advisory board, led by Dr. Aida A. Rahman. Participants expressed their appreciation for the relevance of the themes discussed, noting that the keynote speeches were particularly insightful. Feedback highlighted that the knowledge shared during the event was beneficial for ongoing research and thesis writing.
One participant remarked, “The themes are current, and the keynote speeches are relevant to today’s landscape. It was a very meaningful experience, and I really appreciate the opportunity to participate.” Many attendees emphasized the need for increased awareness of AI among researchers to further enhance academic discourse in this evolving field.
Overall, VLCPIS provided a valuable platform for intellectual discussions among researchers, academicians, and students, fostering collaboration and innovation in understanding the role of AI in language and communication.
Prepared by: Dr. Noor Khairin Nawwarah Khalid & Dr. Aida A. Rahman