It was a great opportunity for me to become a part of MSDC. I had completed my M.phil and started my PhD studies when my supervisor sent me a link and said that you must participate in this conference. I prepared an abstract and submitted it to MSDC organizing team. A few week later I received the wonderful news that my abstract had been accepted. When I received the acceptance of my research paper, I was excited but also aware of my responsibilities. I know that I would be standing on an international stage surrounded by researchers from many countries and their asked questions about my idea. Participating in the MSDC conference was one of the most rewarding experience of my academic life. As a researcher from Pakistan I have attended academic events before this event not only in Pakistan but abroad too. MSDC platform was different from all. It offered something beyond a traditional conferences. It created an environment where scholars from different countries could exchange ideas, challenges and build professional relationships.
My topic was “political instability and polarization: an analysis of the social media platform “x”.” I was scheduled to present my paper in the first technical session of the ceremony. After the inauguration of the conference, the first session was started. The first session was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Moniza Waheed University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia and Prof. Ulrike Rohn Tallinn University, Estonia. The session was started with a thoughtful research paper of Dr. Ananya Mehta RMIT University, Hanoi, Vietnam. My term was second after Dr Ananya Mehta. When I was walking towards stage, Dr Moniza Waheed was introducing me to the audiences. At the moment, I could feel my heartbeat becoming faster with every step due to audience pressure. I realize that the audiences were not the common personalities but they were intellectuals and distinguished academics, researchers and professionals from universities and they know much more about research. I knew that they would critically evaluate every aspect of my presentation. Although I felt nervous but I reminded myself that this was an opportunity to represent my country and share my research with an international academic community.
There were about fifteen slides and about fifteen minutes in which I have to present my research ideas. Audience listen carefully and silently. After the presentation I received clapping and two thoughtful question. I still remember when Dr. Rohn Tallinn asked a question that from where you will get the data of your research? My research was based on the Twitter’s “ tweets” so the answer of the question was not difficult.
The most valuable aspects of the MSDC were the opportunity to meet researchers from many countries. The debates with scholars during tea breaks. The exchange of ideas with other professors and researchers and informal discussions where just as meaningful as the formal presentations. In technical sessions listening to scholars working on different issues. The social development broadened my understanding of how similar challenges are experienced across different societies.
This conference also give me the lesson that research is not only abut publishing papers. It is about building connections and learning from other. The organization of MSDC was very cooperative and impressive. The conference was well coordinated and all sessions were professionally well managed. The organization committee support made it easy to focus on learning, presenting and interacting with fellow researchers. My experience make my confidence more strong as an international researcher. It was a great experience to presenting my work to a global audience who encouraged me to think more positively. It taught me to communicate more effectively and continue pursuing research that addresses current social and media issues. This experience also motivate me to explore future international collaborations and research opportunities. The researchers who wish to participate in MSDC I will advise them that get advantage of all those opportunities which this platform offers. During conference tenure, engage actively with other participants, ask questions, share your ideas with them and be open to learning from different point of views of researchers. Ask the question to them and dig out something special. The other thing is that this conference was much more than an academic event. It was a platform for intellectual growth. It provide opportunity to meet up with professionals and sharing cultural exchange. I am grateful to the organizing committee for creating such a meaningful experience and for their continued efforts to bring toghether researchers from around the world. I look forward to participating in future MSDC conferences and continuing the conversations and collaborations that began during this remarkable event.
At the end I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the conference convener, Mr. Isanka P Gamage, co-founder and managing director of “ the international institute of knowledge management (TIIKM) Sri Lanka, and the entire organizing committee for arranging this beautiful conference. Their dedication professionalism and hospitality created an excellent platform for researchers from around the world to connect and contribute to the advancement of knowledge.
Looking back, MSDC was much more than conference for me. It strengthened my confidence as a researcher. It expanded my academic network and motivated me to continue contributing to international research. I will always cherish this experience and look forward to participating in future MSDC conferences.
By,
Iftikhar Ahmad
PhD Media Studies.
University of Lahore Pakistan
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