Participating in the 5th International Conference on Media Science and Digital Communication (MSDC 2025) in Bangkok, Thailand, on 20–21 November 2025 was one of the most rewarding milestones in my academic journey. The conference brought together researchers, scholars, practitioners, and industry professionals from around the world to exchange ideas and explore the latest developments in media, communication, and digital technologies. It was both an honour and a privilege to represent the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), Sohar, and the Sultanate of Oman at this prestigious international event.
My journey to MSDC 2025 began several months before the conference when I received the exciting news that my abstract had been accepted for an oral presentation following a rigorous double-blind peer-review process conducted by the Scientific Reviewing Committee. Receiving the official acceptance letter was a proud moment, as it confirmed that my research had met the conference’s high academic standards and would be presented alongside the work of scholars from across the globe.
MSDC 2025 was co-hosted by the International Network of Media and Communication (INMC), the School of Communication, Xiamen University Malaysia, and the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Thailand. The conference was organised by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) in collaboration with several internationally recognised universities and academic institutions from South Africa, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This extensive international collaboration created an outstanding platform for scholarly dialogue, interdisciplinary research, and cross-cultural exchange.
During the conference, I presented my research, which explores the relationship between language, media, and cultural identity in the Omani context. Presenting my work before an audience of international academics and communication specialists was both exciting and intellectually stimulating. The questions, comments, and discussions following my presentation provided valuable feedback that will undoubtedly strengthen my future research and inspire new collaborative opportunities. One aspect that impressed me most about MSDC 2025 was the diversity of research presented throughout the conference. The keynote speeches and parallel sessions covered a wide range of contemporary topics, including digital journalism, artificial intelligence in media, strategic communication, digital storytelling, social media, media literacy, and emerging communication technologies. Listening to researchers from different countries discuss their findings broadened my understanding of current global challenges and emerging opportunities within communication studies.
Beyond the academic sessions, the conference provided outstanding networking opportunities. I had the pleasure of meeting scholars from universities and research institutions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. These conversations extended beyond the conference rooms, allowing us to exchange research ideas, discuss potential collaborations, and share experiences about teaching, publishing, and conducting research in our respective countries. Building these professional relationships is one of the greatest benefits of participating in international conferences, and I look forward to maintaining these connections in future academic projects.
Another aspect that deserves special recognition was the exceptional organization of the conference by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). From the moment my paper was accepted until the conclusion of the conference, the organizing team maintained continuous communication with participants, providing timely updates, detailed instructions, and prompt responses whenever needed. Their professionalism and meticulous planning were evident throughout the entire event. To create a consistent and professional visual identity, all presenters were provided with a unified PowerPoint template, ensuring that every presentation followed the same design rather than displaying a variety of different backgrounds and formats. Furthermore, presenters were requested to submit their slides well before the conference, allowing the organizing team to compile and arrange every presentation according to the sequence of each parallel session. As speakers, this meant we simply walked onto the stage, delivered our presentations, and focused entirely on engaging with the audience without worrying about loading files, switching computers, or dealing with technical issues. It was an excellent example of thoughtful conference planning that greatly enhanced both the presenters’ experience and the overall professionalism of the event.
The conference also reinforced the importance of international collaboration in advancing research. As media and communication continue to evolve rapidly in the digital age, researchers increasingly benefit from sharing perspectives across different cultural and geographical contexts. MSDC 2025 successfully created a platform where participants could learn from one another, discuss emerging technologies, and explore how digital media continues to shape society, culture, education, and public communication.
Outside the conference program, Bangkok offered an unforgettable cultural experience. The city’s vibrant atmosphere, rich heritage, welcoming hospitality, and modern infrastructure provided the perfect setting for an international academic gathering. Spending time with fellow participants outside the conference sessions allowed us to continue our discussions in a more informal environment while learning about each other’s cultures and professional experiences.
Reflecting on my participation, I returned home with far more than a conference certificate. I gained new knowledge, valuable professional connections, fresh research ideas, and renewed enthusiasm for contributing to the field of communication studies. The experience has inspired me to continue conducting impactful research, publishing internationally, and seeking collaborative opportunities with scholars from around the world. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers of MSDC 2025, particularly the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) and its academic partners, for delivering such a well-organized and intellectually enriching conference. I am equally grateful to the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) for supporting academic engagement and encouraging faculty members to participate in international scholarly events. Attending MSDC 2025 reminded me that research extends far beyond publishing papers—it is about building knowledge communities, exchanging ideas, and contributing to solutions that address the challenges of our rapidly changing world. I look forward to participating in future international conferences and continuing to represent UTAS and Oman on the global academic stage.
By,
Faisal Al Shihhi
University of Technology and Applied Sciences, Oman
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