TIKTOK'S SURF'S UP ENCOURAGES UTEM GRADUATES TO GO "ONLINE WITH A PURPOSE"

MELAKA, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- TikTok, the leading destination for mobile video, extends its safety outreach programme outside of Klang Valley, Surf’s Up: Deputies of Digital Literacy, to Technical University of Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) graduates, on the importance of being a responsible online citizen.

In a statement today, TikTok said that as social media platforms become deeply embedded in the lives of graduating students, many new workforce entrants are often unaware of the full, permanent impact of their digital footprints, and what’s shared online today has the power to shape their professional reputations and career opportunities for years to come.

“Recognising this, TikTok, together with UTeM and the Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), delivered actionable guidance to ensure graduates possess the digital maturity and accountability required to leverage their online presence for professional credibility and contribute ethically to Malaysia's digital-first economy,” the statement read.

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It said TikTok Malaysia's fourth Surf's Up university tour instalment, held during UTeM's Convo Fest on Nov 1, highlighted digital literacy as foundational to both personal safety and professional growth.

Themed “Online With A Purpose,” the engagement equipped future technical graduates on how to cultivate positive and credible digital footprints.

The event featured an interactive panel discussion with TikTok Malaysia public policy manager Aliff Zakaria, CMCF chief executive officer Mediha Mahmood, UTeM Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security Faculty deputy dean Ts Dr Muhammad Noorazlan Shah, and Aiszzy Electronics founder and creator Ts ’Aqilah Zainuddin.

Their discussions,  moderated by Hazeman Huzir, explored the intersection of education, technology, and online safety.

“Coming from policy, academia, and content creation backgrounds, they unanimously stressed that a student’s digital presence is no longer separate from their professional life, making digital mindfulness a critical life skill for graduates entering the workforce,” the statement noted.

Muhammad Noorazlan, for example, provided the academic perspective, linking online behaviour directly to employment prospects.

“Digital literacy should be seen as a life skill, not just a classroom topic. We emphasise to our students that visibility comes with responsibility. Employers today routinely check social media profiles as part of their hiring decisions, and every post leaves a permanent digital trace.

“We encourage our students to use platforms to build meaningful, skill-based content that reflects their capabilities, rather than risking their professional impression with mindless sharing,” he was quoted as saying.

The discussion also highlighted the collaborative efforts required from platforms, regulators, and users to foster a secure and trustworthy online environment. TikTok reaffirmed its long-term commitment to proactive safety education through campaigns like #ThinkTwice.

According to Aliff, online safety is a shared responsibility by the community, regulators, and platforms, and it is important for users, especially for graduates today, to recognise the need to #ThinkTwice, to pause, question the veracity and necessity of content before engaging.

“We want our community to feel safe in expressing themselves online, protected by our Community Guidelines, and encouraged to practice positive online behaviours by using our safety tools like Family Pairing, Manage Topics, Creator Care Mode and many more,” he said.

Meanwhile, reinforcing the importance of self-regulation and community standards, Mediha provided insights into the civic duty all citizens carry online.

“The foundation of digital safety and credibility lies in personal accountability. As users, we need to take ownership of what we share online. The internet doesn’t erase our responsibility; in fact, it amplifies it.

“Our collaboration on the Surf’s Up series is an important step toward nurturing a self-regulating digital culture, where informed choices are second nature and content, whether from creators or viewers, is kind, safe, ethical, and trustworthy,” she said.

The statement said the programme included a Tik-Talk creator segment showcasing a positive example of translating technical knowledge into digital education to inspire UTeM graduates.

For this, Aqilah demonstrated how she successfully uses the platform to share about her work, expertise and experiences - from what it's like to code and develop prototypes for her projects, to the behind-the-scenes of how she has collaborated with the local fashion industry to create moving clothing pieces for celebrity performances.

“I started as an introvert, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes. But I soon realised that my engineering skills could inspire and educate others, especially those curious about technology.

“My focus shifted from personal preference to providing verifiable value. Whether I'm teaching coding or building a prototype, I make sure the information is accurate, well-researched, and clearly communicated. Authenticity built on accountability is what drives lasting positive impact online,” she was quoted as saying.

The statement said that the UTeM session concluded with the commitment of over 300 graduates and undergraduate students to be responsible digital citizens, having pledged to TikTok's #ThinkTwice safety campaign.

This participation is a powerful signal that our leaders of tomorrow are dedicated to self-regulation and mindful posting. By taking this step, the attendees are translating their skills into positive social action, actively working to build a truly safe, valued, and empowered digital environment for all Malaysians.

Surf’s Up at UTeM is part of TikTok Malaysia’s ongoing campus series to promote responsible digital citizenship, with previous engagements at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), University of Nottingham Malaysia and the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), amounting to over 1,000 pledges in total.

-- BERNAMA