USM PENANG, 23 February 2024 - The School of Communication (SOC) Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) recently has taken steps to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Solution project entitled ‘Digital Democratic Literacy Education for Young Voters’ from 9 December 2023 to 17 February 2024.

Sponsored by the All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia (AAPGM), the project saw active participation from 15 university students, including representatives from the Student Representative Council (MPP), spanning three higher educational institutions namely USM, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Permatang Pauh, and Politeknik Permatang Pauh.

The initiative, which concluded with a presentation of solutions to address societal issues by project participants, included twelve modules covering eight core digital literacy competencies and four components of political literacy.

The programme was conducted in a hybrid mode at C10 Building Balai Media SOC USM and the closing ceremony was graced by the presence of AAPGM Project Manager, Yoogeswaran Kanis and the SOC USM Dean, Associate Professor Dr. Bahiyah Omar, who is also the project chief consultant.

In his closing remarks, Yoogeswaran expressed the significance of the project and its impact on fostering digital and democratic literacy among young voters.

Meanwhile, Bahiyah Omar in her remarks said that it is believed that the programme serves as a stepping stone for the younger generation to engage actively in society.

“It aims to be a source of valuable knowledge, addressing significant digital issues that profoundly impact the younger generation. The programme not only improves participants' skills but also encourages them to go deeper into the subject matter,” she said.

“This initiative goes beyond a conventional programme, as it is a catalyst for change and a platform for networking and collaboration. Through the involvement with other institutions, the programme fosters connections and mutual understanding, creating a network of individuals committed to positive societal transformation,” she added.

She hoped that the knowledge gained from this programme will serve the participants as a valuable asset, empowering individuals not only to benefit personally, but also to guide and inspire others.

“I would also like to congratulate the co-consultants of the programme, Dr. Rani An Balaraman; Dr. Mahyudin Ahmad; Dr. Nur Atikah A. Rahman; Dr. Sharifah Nadiah Syed Mukhiar, along with other project members namely Mohamed Hamzani Mohamed Izzamudin; Dzulfikar Azmi; Rizawati; Ayraf Hazmi; and Shukor Ismail on the successful implementation of the project,” she added.

This programme is a testament to the importance of collaborative efforts and the need to appreciate initiatives that contribute meaningfully to societal progress.

The SDG Digital Democratic Literacy Module encompasses crucial digital and democratic literacy competencies.

Digital literacy focuses on skills such as finding, evaluating, and verifying information, understanding digital culture, critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, collaboration, online safety, and netiquette.

These competencies are essential in navigating the internet responsibly, discerning truth from falsehood, protecting users from online harms, leaving a positive digital footprint, and embracing lifelong learning.

On the other hand, democratic literacy, or political literacy, is crucial for cultivating rational and politically critical citizens.

It empowers young adults to make informed decisions during elections, fosters a culture of debate and accountability, and enhances their capabilities to be active participants in society.

Components highlighted in the module include an understanding of Malaysian government and laws, the election process, the rights and responsibilities of Malaysian citizens, current political issues, and standing up for citizens' rights.

 

Text: Nur Farrah Ezlin Mohd Suhaimi/Photo: Dzulfikar Azmi Isa (School of Communication, USM)