FISH UNJ Strengthens Global Academic Collaboration at the TMF Journal Conference 2025/2026 in Bangkok

Bangkok, 29 April 2026 — The Faculty of Social Sciences and Law, Universitas Negeri Jakarta (FISH UNJ), took part in the TMF Journal Conference 2025/2026, organized by the Thai Media Fund in collaboration with the Graduate School of Communication Arts and Management Innovation, National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), Thailand. The conference was held on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, at The Berkeley Hotel Pratunam, Bangkok, under the theme “Advancing Knowledge in Creative Media: Research, Innovation, and Collaboration for Responsible Communication.”

The conference marked the 4th National and 1st International TMF Journal Conference, bringing together academics, researchers, media practitioners, professional organizations, and partner institutions from various countries. FISH UNJ participated as one of the partner institutions among 41 co-hosts, alongside institutions from Thailand and international partners from China, Pakistan, South Korea, Indonesia, and India.

This international forum served as an important platform to discuss creative media development, communication innovation, media literacy, journalism, and ethical challenges in the digital and artificial intelligence era. This year, the TMF Journal Conference received 84 research submissions from domestic and international scholars. Following a rigorous selection process, 26 papers from Thailand and 21 papers from China, Pakistan, South Korea, Indonesia, and India were selected for presentation.

The conference opened with a report by Associate Professor Dr. Asawin Nedpogaeo, Dean of the Graduate School of Communication Arts and Management Innovation, NIDA. He emphasized the importance of cross-institutional collaboration in fostering a safe, creative, and responsible media ecosystem. Meanwhile, Dr. Dhanakorn Srisooksai, Chief Executive Officer of the Thai Media Fund, highlighted the role of the Thai Media Fund in supporting media practitioners and the public in navigating the changing communication landscape shaped by digital media and artificial intelligence.

The first keynote speaker, Professor Masato Kajimoto from the School of Future Media, The University of Hong Kong, delivered a presentation titled “Teaching Resilience: Re-imagining Media Education for an Integrity-Driven Information Future.” He underlined the importance of media education in preparing younger generations to think critically, verify information, and navigate today’s complex information environment with integrity.

The second keynote speaker, Steven Gan, Co-founder of Malaysiakini, presented a keynote titled “Innovating for Integrity: How Digital Media is Transforming Investigative Journalism and Press Freedom in Asia.” In his presentation, he emphasized the essential role of journalism in strengthening democracy, justice, and public freedom. He also reflected on the responsibility of journalism to amplify marginalized voices and hold power accountable amid the rapid transformation of digital media.

The conference also featured a special panel discussion titled “Creative and Responsible Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” The panel brought together prominent media figures and scholars, including Ms. Supinya Klangnarong, Co-founder of COFACT Thailand; Mr. Rawee Tawantharong, Committee Member of the Thai Media Fund; and Mr. Chavarong Limpattamapanee, Chairman of the National Press Council of Thailand and Senior Media Scholar. The discussion was moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warat Karuchit from NIDA. The panelists highlighted the continuing importance of journalism in the era of content creators, particularly in maintaining information accuracy, public ethics, and representation for underrepresented communities.

Vice Dean III for Research, Innovation, Information Systems, and Cooperation of FISH UNJ, Dr. E. Nugrahaeni P.S., M.Si., expressed her appreciation for the conference as part of FISH UNJ’s efforts to strengthen its global academic network.

“FISH UNJ appreciates the organization of the TMF Journal Conference 2025/2026, which serves as a strategic platform for higher education institutions to engage in global discussions on creative media, communication innovation, and ethical responsibility amid the development of digital technology and artificial intelligence. FISH UNJ’s presence as part of the network of partner institutions reflects our commitment to continuously expanding international collaboration, strengthening research culture, and delivering academic contributions that are relevant to the global community,” said Dr. E. Nugrahaeni P.S., M.Si.

FISH UNJ’s participation in the conference aligns with the faculty’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 16 on Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals. Through its involvement in international academic forums, FISH UNJ contributes to strengthening media literacy, promoting responsible communication research, and building cross-country academic partnerships.

The presence of FISH UNJ at the TMF Journal Conference 2025/2026 also reinforces the faculty’s role in advancing social sciences, law, and communication studies that respond to global changes. In the midst of rapid developments in digital media and artificial intelligence, FISH UNJ continues to encourage academic contributions that are not only oriented toward innovation, but also grounded in human values, social justice, and public responsibility.

The conference reaffirmed that technological advancement may transform media practices, but it should not weaken the core values of public communication: upholding truth, promoting justice, and ensuring that media remains a safe, creative, inclusive, and responsible space for global society. []