571 UITM STUDENTS PLEDGE FOR A SAFE INTERNET THROUGH TIKTOK'S SURF'S UP

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- TikTok, a leading destination for short-form mobile videos, is committed towards creating a safer digital space by instilling literacy at universities across Malaysia through its Surf’s Up: Deputies of Digital Literacy programme.

The company said that as of Nov 18, a total of 571 UiTM students have taken the pledge to #ThinkTwice, committing to champion values within their community and help to shape a more positive and inclusive digital environment.

The event, in collaboration with the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, was held in conjunction with the university's Faculty of Communications and Media Studies' COMMED Festival on Nov 7.

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TikTok's Outreach and Partnership Manager Waskito Jati emphasised that digital literacy is vital towards building a safer online community especially for youth.

"We strive to raise awareness of the Internet's functions, dangers, consequences and opportunities, while also empowering students with tools and skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

"It is encouraging to see the eagerness of UiTM students to learn more about how they can shape a safer internet landscape, and we hope to be able to continue these positive Surf's Up engagements in the future," she said in a statement yesterday.

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Surf's Up aimed to raise the importance of self-regulation and encourage students to take action on these harmful contents and engagements, as well as reflect on their online presence, through open discussions on online safety, she added.

Meanwhile, CMCF's chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood said it is important for everyone, including university students, to understand the impact of their digital footprints.

"Each post, comment, and interaction reflect on who we are and can influence opportunities down the line. By encouraging thoughtful and responsible online behaviour, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to a culture of respect and integrity that benefits everyone," she said.

UiTM's Public Relations lecturer Dewi Seribayu Nordin Selat also stressed that it is important for students to identify resources that can be read and relied upon, besides critical thinking and forming well-researched opinions on a particular subject.

"In today's world, digital literacy can be considered as important as any other academic subject, as it directly shapes how we engage with the world. 

"These are essential skills that students must possess alongside their academia as they build their personal and professional lives, and UiTM is proud to be a part of the Surf's Up event, alongside TikTok Malaysia and CMCF," she said.

TikTok's Surf's Up panel of speakers, consisting of TikTok Awards Malaysia 2024 Education Creator of the Year Nominee and practising lawyer Hafiz Baharudin (@lawyerresponse), Waskito, Mediha and Dewi Seribayu, discussed on the contribution of communities towards a safer internet experience during the event.

They covered key themes such as the internet's relevance in today's world, TikTok's platform features and community guidelines as well as the importance of self-regulation.

UiTM students also experienced exclusive engagement sessions with TikTok educational creator Reina Lum and co-founder of Machino Amy Ta who shared some insights on how they stay vigilant online during the event.

TikTok’s Surf’s Up is the second installation of the series, with the first engagement occurring earlier in July at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA