Conference Commitee

Conference Committee at The Media Science Conference 2026

The Media Science and Digital Communication Conference (MSDC 2026) is a global stage for innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership in media and communication. At the center of this effort is the Conference Committee, a team of distinguished scholars and industry experts who shape the vision and direction of the event.

This Conference committee does far more than an advisory group. It defines the intellectual backbone of this Media Science Conference 2026, ensuring every session reflects rigorous research, diverse cultural perspectives, and practical strategies tied to our theme: “Reclaiming Narratives: Indigenous Wisdom and Sustainable Media Futures.”

From curating thematic tracks to guiding program development, the committee creates an environment where ideas move beyond theory and into action. By bringing together leaders in media studies, digital communication, cultural theory, and emerging technologies, the committee ensures that the Digital Communication Conference 2026 is not just informative but also transformative.

Their work sparks dialogue that matters, influences media policy, and strengthens global networks, all with one shared goal: building inclusive, ethical, and sustainable media futures while honoring cultural diversity.

CONFERENCE CO - CHAIRS

Professor Dr. Wang Changsong is the Dean of the School of Communication at Xiamen University Malaysia. Additionally, he serves as the Director of the Centre for ASEAN and Chinese Screen Studies (CACSS) at the university.

His accomplishments include serving as a jury for several international film festivals held in China and Malaysia. In addition, he holds the title of Programmer and sits on the Selection Committee for the Malaysia International Film Festival and Golden Global Awards. At present, he is the Vice President of the International Network on Media and Communication (INMC), and expert fellow for Asian & Chinese-language Cinema Research Center, Beijing Normal University, China.

Besides being the author of Genre Analysis: Chinese Youth on Screen (2020), Chinese Youth Cinema: Youth Film as A Genre (2015), and News Coverage of Fujian Soft Power by Chinese News Outlets in Singapore and Malaysia (2024). He is the editor for the book Global Development of Asian Cinema in the Film Industry (2025). Dr. Wang also authored and co-authored more than 60 journal articles and book chapters in both English and Chinese. He also worked for several international journals as an editorial board member.

Professor Kenneth Kim is a faculty member in the Department of Culture content College of Languages and Cultures, Hanyang University ERICA, South Korea, where he has served since 2014. He holds a BS in Business Management from the University of Mary Washington (1994) and an MBA in General Management from the University of Virginia’s Darden Business School (2005).

Before entering academia, Professor Kim built a distinguished career in industry, holding leadership roles at Samsung Everland, Samsung Securities, and CJ E&M, where he served as Team Leader in the Global Business and Global Sales teams. His professional background across strategic planning, investment banking, and global media provides a strong foundation for his academic work.

Professor Kim’s research centers on Cultural Content Studies, with a particular focus on the content industry, global broadcasting and OTT platforms, and the Korean Wave and music. He actively contributes to academic and cultural organizations, serving as a regular member and leadership figure within the Humanities Contents Society and the Digital Policy Society, and as an outside director of the Ansan Cultural Foundation.

Steering Committee Members

Jairo Lugo-Ocando is a Professor of Media and Communication at the University of Sharjah, where he specialises in journalism, media development, and communication research with a strong focus on poverty, inequality, and socio-economic development issues in Latin America and beyond. His scholarly work explores the intersections of media practices, public policy, and social change, contributing to both theoretical debates and practical insights in the fields of journalism studies and development communication. Lugo-Ocando’s publications have been widely cited, reflecting his influence across disciplines that engage with media’s role in shaping public understanding of poverty and structural inequalities. His research integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse media systems, communication strategies, and their implications for democratic engagement and social inclusion.

Dr. Zulhamri Abdullah is an established scholar in the fields of corporate communication, public relations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR), with a strong focus on organizational reputation, culture, and stakeholder engagement. His research extensively explores the role of CSR in shaping corporate legitimacy and public trust, particularly within emerging and Asian contexts. He has contributed to a growing body of literature on strategic communication, sustainability practices, and corporate governance, with publications indexed in leading academic databases. Dr. Abdullah’s work reflects a commitment to bridging theory and practice, offering valuable insights for both academia and industry. Through his research, teaching, and scholarly contributions, he continues to advance discussions on ethical communication and responsible business practices in a globalized environment.

Dr. Mooki Lobelo is a Senior Lecturer and Subject Leader in Communication Studies at the University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela. He holds a PhD in Communication from North West University, where he spent over two decades as a lecturer and deputy director, leading academic programmes in corporate communication, reputation management, and development communication.

Dr. Lobelo’s research focuses on digital transformation, ICT adoption, and rural development in South Africa. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and contributed book chapters on topics ranging from AI-powered digital inclusion to good governance. An active presence on the international academic circuit, he has presented at conferences in Thailand, Indonesia, and Nigeria. He is committed to leveraging communication and technology to advance community participation and service delivery in underserved communities.

Rowena Capulong Reyes, Ph.D. is Vice President for Corporate Affairs and a senior faculty member in the Department of Communication at Far Eastern University, Philippines. Her work spans public relations, strategic communication, soft power, institutional communication, crisis communication, and communication education, with a focus on how communication shapes reputation, public trust, cultural visibility, and social influence. She is Lead Convener of the FRAMEwork Asia Pacific Communication Conference and Editor in Chief of the FRAMEwork Asia Pacific Communication Journal, platforms that advance scholarly and practice-based conversations in communication across the region.

An accredited public relations counselor, Dr. Reyes bridges academic scholarships, institutional leadership, and professional practice. She is partner and managing director of 5 BC Integrated Marketing Communication and currently serves as Secretary of the International Public Relations Association Philippine Chapter. She is also country representative for Luzon of the Asia Media Information and Communication Center, executive committee member of the Asia Pacific Communication Alliance, and Ex-Officio of the Philippine Association of Communication Educators, where she served two terms as president.

Her scholarship and professional work examine how public relations and strategic communication shape reputation, legitimacy, cultural attraction, and institutional trust in Asian and Philippine contexts. Her published work covers spatial governance, associational life, social media, and communication studies in Scopus-indexed and peer-reviewed journals. She is also a contributing columnist of PR Matters in Business Mirror and an Executive Committee member of the annual Metro Manila Film Festival, where she chairs the Education Committee.

Dr Ananya Mehta is a highly accomplished professional with nearly 22 years of combined academic and industry experience in communication strategies. Holding a PhD in Communication Strategies, Dr Mehta’s extensive career includes significant contributions to leading universities in India and internationally, in academics and leadership positions.

He is currently associated with RMIT University, Hanoi Campus, Vietnam as Associate Program Manager – Professional Communication.

His expertise spans Public Relations, Strategic and Corporate Communication, and Events Management. Dr Mehta is the author of “Research Methodology: Ins and Outs,” a key text on qualitative research, and has numerous publications under his name. He has often been invited to chair sessions or deliver keynote lectures at conferences, and is actively involved in the TIIKMs MSDC and MEDCOM conferences.

Dr. Mehta has a proven track record of guiding students on academic and industry-focused projects.

He has also successfully headed the Departments, Placement, Internship, and Training Cells and orchestrated numerous national and international events. He is known in the academic circle for building institutions.

Dr. Mehta is well-connected with the Industry and is currently serving in a senior leadership role as the Zonal Head – West for the Public Relations Council of India. His significant contributions to the Public Relations field have been recognized with the prestigious “Chanakya” National Award twice for his impact on Public Relations Education in India 2019, and the Public Relations Council of India named him the Best Communication Trainer of the Year 2024.

Conference Convener

Isanka P. Gamage is a Global South Knowledge Diplomat, global collaborator, and entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder and Managing Director of The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM).

Through TIIKM, he has been at the forefront of elevating Global South voices onto global academic and policy platforms, fostering meaningful collaboration between the Global South and the Global North. His leadership spans education, knowledge management, research and development, and international conference management.

Isanka has convened over 375 international conferences, founded three international journals, and built global knowledge platforms supporting sustainable development and interdisciplinary research. His work has connected Nobel Laureates, ministries, diplomats, industry leaders, and an academic network of over 450 universities and 2,000 scholars worldwide.

He serves on the Board of Studies of the Institute of Management Sri Lanka, is a certified NLP practitioner, and delivers mindfulness-based leadership and wellbeing programs internationally.

Currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Kelaniya, his mission is clear:
to transform conferences into platforms for lifelong collaboration and real global impact—especially for the Global South.