By Muhammad Hisyamuddin Sazali, Student & Alumni Affairs

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) took the lead in strengthening student media and digital communication at the JIWA SISWA Podcast Management Workshop, held from January 15–17, 2026, at Scout Inn Resort. As the main academic and strategic anchor, UMT facilitated this collaborative initiative with the Malaysian University Debating Council (MADUM) and Yayasan Perkasa Siswa (YPS) to establish a national brand for student-led podcasts across Higher Education Institutions (IPT).

The workshop, supported by sponsorship from YPS and MADUM, aimed to boost students’ digital competence and storytelling abilities. Through UMT’s guidance, participants gained practical skills in podcast production, moderation, and technical operations while learning how to communicate ethically and effectively. Plans are also underway to integrate the Job On Campus (JOC) Scheme, ensuring student teams are professionally recognized and compensated for their contributions.

Professor Dr. Mohd Izani Mohd Zain, UMT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni), who is also Chairman of MADUM, highlighted the university’s role in shaping the next generation of student communicators during the closing ceremony. He encouraged participants to continuously apply the skills acquired at their campuses and emphasized that effective podcasts must deliver messages that are “padat, jelas dan memberi impak positif” (compact, clear, and carry a positive impact), reflecting the spirit of “Jiwa Siswa, Jiwa Merdeka.”

Students like Nuramiraasha Rashdan from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) shared how UMT’s support and the workshop environment inspired them to take on the role of campus communication agents. They gained confidence to create content that bridges communities while remaining authentic and impactful.

By leading this initiative, UMT not only strengthens student media literacy but also sets the stage for sustainable, professional, and ethically responsible podcast production nationwide. The university’s involvement ensures that the JIWA SISWA brand will continue to empower students, enabling them to lead meaningful digital conversations and amplify Malaysian youth voices on both national and community platforms.