Speakers

 A. Prof. Hongbing Chen

Beijing Foreign Studies University, School of Continuing Education, China

Title: The Contribution of Continuing Education In Foreign Languages to telling China’s stories well

Abstract:

1. We must tell the stories of the CPC well, and train forerunners of the Party and the country in foreign exchanges

2. We must tell the story of Chinese modernization well, and train job-holders who are in charge of deepening opening-up and exchanges.

3. We must tell a good story about China's international education exchange and cultivate globally competent personnel.

4. We must tell a good story about China's participation in global governance and cultivate global leadership talents.

 A. Prof. Pengyang Zhang

Capital Medical University, China

Title: Reflection and Practice on Building a New Ecological Environment for External Propaganda in Higher Medical Colleges——Taking China Capital Medical University as an example

Abstract: We need to improve the dissemination, guidance, influence, and credibility of news public opinion, firmly grasp the correct direction of public opinion, strengthen positive energy, and expand and strengthen mainstream ideological and public opinion. The report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China pointed out that "strengthening the construction of the entire media communication system and shaping a new pattern of mainstream public opinion". External publicity is an important channel for universities to communicate with the outside world, enhance their awareness and reputation. For higher medical colleges that are currently on the rise, how to open up a new pattern and make external publicity an important carrier for disseminating the school's brand image, service concept, and value system is a topic that university propaganda workers should consider. This article will take the external publicity work of Capital Medical University as an example to analyze the external publicity strategies of higher medical colleges.

A. Prof. Sabariah Mohamed Salleh

The National University of Malaysia, Malaysia

Research Area: Ethics, Media & Information Literacy, Young People & Media, Audience Studies

Title: The Culture of Information Sharing and the Proliferation of Misinformation

Abstract: COVID-19 has brought to the forefront the problem of disinformation and misinformation which increases the awareness of how the public needs to be more vigilant and critical when they receive any information via the media. At the same time, the role of journalists, bloggers and writers who responsibly share their opinion, is seen as becoming increasingly significant in curbing the dissemination of false information. This paper aims to discuss how cultural norms influence the act of information sharing and is a contributing factor in the dissemination of misinformation in many Asian countries. In 2014, it was reported that social and cultural factors affect the implementation of Information Literacy Education (Saidatul Akmar, 2014). For instance, in general, most Malaysian do not question people they respect and authoritative figures. This is in line with Hofstede’s findings which indicated that Malaysian are collectivistic and has a high power index score. Thus, the act of questioning about credibility of information and sources is not a norm and at times, not encouraged. The same can be said for other South East Asian countries. Filial piety, makes it quite a challenge to correct the misinformation shared by the elder generation in the family whatsapp group. The need to conform to society’s ideal is also a ‘special’ characteristic. The discussion on cultural influence is timely as it is topic hardly touched by Western scholars. Some possible solutions will also be presented. 

A. Prof.Hadina Habil

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

Research Area: English for Specific Purposes, Language Communication, Business Communication, Discourse Analysis

Title: Knowing you, knowing me, knowing the culture: avoiding Intercultural miscommunication at work

Abstract: In a globalized world, people move from one country to another for education, employment, leisure, or other economic reasons. Countries have become more connected through trade, investment and communication technologies which can lead to the spread of cultural and social norms. Language is the tool that draws people together while culture binds people together. At educational institutions or at the workplace where people come from different parts of the world, culture awareness is crucial. It is because there are words or actions that carry cultural connotations which can contribute to misunderstanding.

In this talk, I will share the findings of a research done on intercultural communication and miscommunication among international students at a university in Malaysia. The study investigated the notion of intercultural communication competence, the challenges faced when communicating interculturally, and the strategies used to overcome intercultural miscommunication. I will end the talk with suggestions on the way forward in intercultural communication research.