Kamal Solhaimi Fadzil

Communicating with global modernity: Malay women, Asian soap opera and adult capacity

This article is concerned with how urban and remote Malay women communicate with the images of global modernity mediated through Asian soap operas. Asian soap operas have been identified as a popular platform for Malay women to engage with modernity in contemporary Malaysia. While promoting it at first, as appropriate television programme, this television genre has created some discomfort amongst the Malaysian authorities due to excessive representation of foreign images such as consumer culture and middle-class lifestyle. They believe the excessive of these representations might compromise the cultural values and identity of Malay women. However, we want to argue that Malay women are critical viewers who are able to communicate and negotiate global modernity without necessarily ignoring their identity. Importantly, as an adult and matured audience, they perform specific watching competencies with which to engage the depiction of various issues of modernities in the Asian soap operas.

Connecting Learners: The Role of Biotechnology Programme in Preparing Students for the Industry.

The recent growth of biotechnology requires a wide range of expertise within the industry. Education is the primary platform for students to gain information and knowledge on biotechnology. In Malaysia where biotechnology is relatively new, education programs and courses must be tailored to meet the demands of the industry. A combination of theoretical knowledge as well as practical and industrial training is essential to ensure graduates are prepared for their career in the fields of biotechnology. Results from this study show that university students lack literacy on biotechnology information and access to facilities provided by the universities. This may be a significant contributing factor to the lack of knowledge and information amongst graduates. Furthermore comparative analysis on the biotechnology program in Malaysian universities with that of other countries show the need to restructure the program by offering more specialized courses as well as soft skills and business subjects. This is to meet the demands of the related professionals as well as the various branches that exist in the biotechnology industry.