Malaysia’s academic landscape witnessed a groundbreaking convergence of research excellence and creative innovation as Multimedia University (MMU) hosted its inaugural Nexus Symposium (NexSymp 2025) alongside the “Unlock Reverberate” postgraduate exhibition. This dual celebration of scholarly achievement and artistic vision brought together minds from across disciplines to shape the future of education and industry collaboration.
NexSymp 2025 Launches as Premier Platform for Multidisciplinary Research Excellence
The two-day academic symposium, held from 11 to 12 September 2025 at MMU’s Cyberjaya campus, marked a significant milestone for the university’s research ecosystem. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud, President of MMU, officiated the event that united researchers, academics, students, and international collaborators in an ambitious knowledge-sharing initiative.
Jointly organised by MMU Press and the IEEE MMU Student Branch, the symposium demonstrated remarkable scope and participation. Moreover, the event garnered support from eight academic journals while spanning diverse domains including Arts & Humanities, Science & Technology, Social Sciences, Information Technology, Creative Multimedia, and Interdisciplinary studies.
Global Participation Drives Research Innovation Forward
The inaugural symposium attracted an impressive 248 paper submissions from researchers worldwide, with approximately 100 participants attending the hybrid event. Furthermore, the international dimension was strengthened by global partners from India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom, alongside representatives from local universities.
In his keynote address, Prof. Mazliham underlined the symposium’s strategic importance, reaffirming MMU’s commitment to fostering industry-driven research that brings meaningful impact to society. This vision aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals of advancing research and development initiatives across higher education institutions.
Student Societies Showcase Campus Vibrancy
Adding dynamism to the academic proceedings, undergraduate student societies established exhibition booths at the Digital Theatre. The participating organizations included:
- IEEE Student Branch
- Cyberjaya Accounting Club (CAC)
- IT Society MMU Cyberjaya
- Communication Society (COMSOC)
These displays highlighted student-led initiatives while fostering networking opportunities between emerging researchers and established academics.
Creative Excellence Takes Center Stage with “Unlock Reverberate”
Coinciding with the research symposium, the Faculty of Creative Multimedia (FCM) launched its prestigious postgraduate exhibition, “Unlock Reverberate,” at the FCM e-Gallery. Unlike traditional academic showcases, this three-week event combined inspiring talks, hands-on workshops, and film screenings to create an immersive creative experience.
The exhibition launch welcomed distinguished guests including Mr. Mohd Nizam Razak, Adjunct Professor of FCM, and Ms. Nadia Mahmud, FCM Dean, alongside faculty members and students. The showcase provided a platform for students to present their final year projects while demonstrating their creativity, innovation, and professional dedication.
Honoring Legacy While Building Future Leaders
During the ceremony, Prof. Mazliham paid tribute to the late Prof. Datuk Ts. Dr. Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq, former MMU President, acknowledging his immense contribution in establishing MMU as a centre of excellence. On the flip side, he emphasized how Prof. Rafi’s legacy continues to inspire current FCM students in their creative pursuits.
“FCM’s role in shaping the creative industry has produced outstanding alumni who have become key players locally and globally,” noted Prof. Mazliham during his address.
The celebration concluded with recognition of graduates’ achievements and their potential to drive Malaysia’s creative industry forward as MMU’s Permata Dunia (World’s Gems).
Sustainable Impact Through Industry-Responsive Research
The symposium’s vision extends beyond a single event, positioning itself as an ongoing platform to drive research that remains relevant, impactful, and responsive to evolving industry needs. This approach reflects broader trends in sustainable higher education practices that prioritize real-world applications and societal benefits.
Participants can access additional information about future NexSymp initiatives and research opportunities through the symposium’s dedicated online platform, ensuring continued collaboration beyond the inaugural event.
Setting New Standards for Academic Excellence
The successful launch of NexSymp 2025 establishes a new benchmark for interdisciplinary collaboration in Malaysian higher education. By combining rigorous academic research with creative innovation, MMU has created a unique ecosystem that nurtures both analytical thinking and artistic expression. As universities worldwide seek to enhance their research impact and industry relevance, this dual-platform approach offers valuable insights for fostering comprehensive educational excellence that serves both scholarly advancement and creative industry development.
