TikTok
Surf's Up at UiTM!
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 18 NOVEMBER 2024 – TikTok, the leading destination for mobile video, collaborates with Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, for the second edition of TikTok’s Surf’s Up: Deputies of Digital Literacy. Held on 7th November 2024, and in conjunction with the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies' COMMED Festival, the event brought together leading voices from the industry, TikTok creators, and students for a day of learning, dialogue, and commitment to building safer online communities.
As part of its commitment to creating a safer digital space, TikTok strives to instill digital literacy at universities across Malaysia, with the values of online respect and safety, and empowering them as deputies of the digital world. Through open discussions on online safety, Surf's Up strives 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.
Throughout the event, UiTM students were encouraged to pledge to #ThinkTwice, and foster safer online spaces that build supportive internet communities. As of today, a total of 571 UiTM students have taken the pledge to #ThinkTwice, committing to champion values within their community, helping to shape a more positive and inclusive digital environment.
Presenting to UiTM students, TikTok's Surf's Up panel of speakers discussed how communities can contribute to a safer internet experience, covering key themes such as the internet's relevance in today's world, TikTok's platform features and community guidelines, and the importance of self-regulation. The panel consisted of TikTok Awards Malaysia 2024 Education Creator of the Year Nominee and practicing lawyer Hafiz Baharudin (@lawyerresponse), Waskito Jati, Outreach and Partnerships Manager, Trust and Safety at TikTok, Mediha Mahmood, Chief Executive Officer at Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF), and Dewi Seribayu Nordin Selat, Public Relations Lecturer at UiTM, Shah Alam.
“Sharing the importance of digital literacy is vital in building a safer online community - especially with the youths of tomorrow. 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," said Waskito Jati, Outreach and Partnerships Manager at TikTok.
Additionally, students also experienced exclusive engagement sessions with Reina Lum, TikTok educational creator and Amy Tai, co-founder of Machino. Reina shared her content creating processes; how she ensures that her content is factual and timely, particularly as she tackles public and social issues in her content on a regular basis. Entrepreneur Amy spoke about her inspiring journey and how she manages her interactions on platforms like TikTok, communicating with new and existing customers, and how she separates her personal and public life on the internet.
The recently-concluded Surf’s Up event at UiTM was the second installation of the series, with the first engagement occurring earlier in July at University of Nottingham Malaysia.
Partner quotes:
- “In an age where the internet is a huge part of our lives the way we present ourselves and interact on the internet can shape our personal and professional futures. It’s not just about following rules but about understanding the lasting impact of our digital footprints;eEach post, comment, and interaction reflects on who we are and can influence opportunities down the line. By encouraging thoughtful and responsible online behavior, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to a culture of respect and integrity that benefits everyone." - Mediha Mahmood, CEO, Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia.
- “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. With all sorts of information and opinions readily accessed through your fingertips, it's important to know how, where and what resources to read and rely upon, and also how to think critically and form well-researched opinions on a particular subject. 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 Communications and Multimedia Content Forum." - Dewi Seribayu Nordin Selat, Public Relations Lecturer at UiTM
