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Dr. Ang Bin Yee: The Unconventional Journey of a "Screen Child"
She loved watching Disney animated films as a child and once worked long "9-to-7" days as a visual effects artist. She is a devoted fan of Hayao Miyazaki and a scholar with a strong voice in film studies. She is Dr. Ang Bin Yee, lecturer at the School of Communication, Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM).Growing up in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Ang Bin Yee earned her PhD in Film Studies from Queen Mary University of London in March 2025. She then joined XMUM as a senior lecturer, teaching film communication, screen studies, and broadcast advertising.To her students, Dr. Ang is "passionate" "fun" and "approachable" - so much so that she doesn't seem like a newcomer. But 15 years ago, the thought of being a beloved lecturer would have seemed impossible to Ang Bin Yee, the visual effects artist. Image Ang Bin Yee grew up as a "screen child." With parents busy at work, films and animations became her primary window to the world. At age seven, while watching the end credits of Disney's Snow White, she discovered behind-the-scenes footage of animation production. Watching pencil sketches come alive on screen, she realized, "This is the path I want to follow in life."However, her ambition was not yet academic. After completing her undergraduate studies, she joined Rhythm & Hues, one of the world's largest visual effects studios. There, she worked on computer-generated animals in films such as Life of Pi and Seventh Son.In 2012, Life of Pi won the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Tragically, Rhythm & Hues closed soon after, prompting Ang Bin Yee to rethink her career.Recalling her love for literature and film, she pursued a Master's degree in Film and Screen Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London - not to plan her career, but to deepen her understanding of film, animation, and their underlying philosophy.After graduation, encouraged by her mother, she entered teaching. She soon discovered immense satisfaction in guiding students. This "learn while teaching" phase led her to Queen Mary University of London, where she worked as a teaching assistant while completing her PhD. She successfully defended her thesis in March 2025.During her PhD, Ang Bin Yee turned her VFX experience into research questions. She asked: If technology can create hyper-realistic digital animals, why do films still use real animals? Does digital technology bring humans closer to nature, or create distance?In search of answers, she engaged with philosophers such as Martin Heidegger and Simone Weil. Weil's idea that "Every separation is a link" helped her see the relationship between technology and nature, virtual and real, as interconnected rather than binary.She does not see digital technology as a cold substitute, but as another way of perceiving. Digital animals may reduce direct human-animal interaction, but they can also provoke reflection on our relationship with the natural world.Her research extends to Taoist philosophy and Japanese animism, exploring non-anthropocentric perspectives. She also interviewed international VFX and animation professionals to understand the creative, ethical, and technical decisions behind digital animals. Her findings have been presented at conferences in the US and the UK, and published in academic papers on transnational cinema, ecological criticism, and animal ethics. Image Ang Bin Yee at Queen Mary University of LondonReturning to Malaysia in 2025, Ang Bin Yee joined XMUM and embraced opportunities as they came. She values students who are friendly, diligent, and earnest.In her classroom, theory meets practice: students watch films, shoot short videos, and read philosophy, exploring the interplay of light, sound, and ideas."I want my classroom to feel like an art gallery: each student is a unique work of art, expressing their inner world freely," she explains. Ang Bin Yee prioritizes creativity and originality over technical perfection. She hopes to help students polish their "raw gems" into authentic expressions of thought and imagination.She describes her colleagues as "people who support each other through change" rather than mere coworkers, emphasizing mutual understanding in a fast-evolving academic environment.Outside work, Ang Bin Yee enjoys watching films and animations, listening to music, drawing, and taking quiet walks at sunset - simple routines that recharge her and deepen her understanding of the world.Personal experiences, like the loss of a beloved pet, have inspired her research on digital animals. In 2015, she delivered her artwork in person to Hayao Miyazaki at Studio Ghibli, a moment she calls life-changing.Today, she continues to integrate these experiences into teaching and research, exploring the relationships between humans, animals, and technology - and, ultimately, the broader natural world.Every creation, observation, and interaction with students is a chance to connect with the world. For her, these connections are life's most precious miracles.(Contributed by Zhang Xincheng)
119 Students Recognised at School of Communication Dean's List Ceremony
On 26 February 2026, the School of Communication held its Dean’s List Award Presentation Ceremony to honour students for their exceptional academic achievements. A total of 119 students were recognised for their outstanding performance during the academic year.Among the awardees, 74 students were from the Advertising programme, 28 from Communication, and 17 from Journalism. The ceremony highlighted the School's continued commitment to academic excellence and the cultivation of high-achieving scholars across its programmes.The Dean of the School of Communication, Professor Dr. Wang Changsong, presented certificates to each recipient. In his address, he encouraged students to regard this recognition not as a destination, but as a foundation for greater intellectual pursuit. He further urged the awardees to remain curious, courageous in inquiry, and committed to contributing meaningfully to the communication field and society at large.The event concluded with a group photo session, marking a proud milestone for the awardees and reaffirming the School’s strong academic culture. Image
SCDS Students Win Five Gold Awards at MJIC 2026 Virtual Innovation
The School of Computing and Data Science (SCDS) at Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) is proud to announce that five of its student-led teams have won Gold Awards at the 7th Malaysia-Japan International Conference on Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, and Nanoengineering 2026 (MJIC 2026) Virtual Innovation. The event was held from 23 to 25 January 2026 and was organized by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). MJIC 2026 is an international platform that brings together leading scientists, researchers, academicians, and industry professionals from around the world, with the aim of fostering meaningful scientific exchange and collaboration at the forefront of nanoscale science and technology.HealTrack Smart Bandage, developed by Li Jiayin (IBU2209396), Liu Zehang (CST230959), and Goh Zhi Rong (CST2309673), provides a non-invasive solution for real-time chronic wound monitoring. It integrates carbon-nanotube nanosensors, embedded data analysis, and wireless alerts to track pH and temperature without removing dressings. The system improves diagnostic accuracy while reducing infection risk and caregiver workload.Sheah Jinny (SWE2302062) developed an AI-assisted system for diagnosing skin pigmentation conditions. Using deep learning and enhanced image processing, it improves classification accuracy and efficiency. Nanoengineering concepts and superresolution models help reveal subtle pigmentation details.Lu Qi (SWE2309528) and Kang Yujing (SWE2309517) designed a Smart Senior-Friendly Bathtub to enhance safety and comfort for elderly users. It features anti-slip structures, built-in seating, and AI-powered monitoring. Nanomaterials improve hygiene, durability, and overall user protection..The fourth project, Nanoscience-Enabled Smart Streetlights: Solar and Wind Energy Integration, by Wang Wenjing (DMT2309240), Lu Yuhao (CST2309162), and Cheng Fan (CST2309141), integrates solar and wind energy to achieve energy autonomy. By combining a small horizontal-axis wind turbine with dual adjustable solar panels, the system The system ensures stable performance under varying weather conditions. Nanotechnology enhances the efficiency of solar cells and turbine components for reliable lighting.Zhao Zheng (CST2209182) introduced the FlexiMed Real-Time Desk System, an AI-driven healthcare monitoring solution. It automates X-ray analysis and report generation using deep learning and NLP. The system reduces diagnostic delays and improves access to timely care.These projects were guided by advisors and mentors Dr. Zamratul Asyikin Bini Amran, Dr. Teh Jia Yew, Dr. Mohammed N. M. Ali, and Dr. Burra Venkata Durga Kumar, who provided expert supervision and guidance throughout the development process. Image
Education Roadshow March 2026
Stop waiting. Start achieving. 🚀 XMUM March Roadshow is HERE! See you this March 2026🫶🏻 Image
Singapore Management University Postgraduate Information Session
Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) will host an exclusive Postgraduate Information Session by Singapore Management University (SMU) on 11 March 2026 (Wednesday) at 10:30 AM at A4#105. This session marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between XMUM and SMU, offering students a direct pathway to world-class postgraduate education in Singapore.SMU, established in 2000, is internationally recognised for its world-class research, distinguished teaching, and strong industry connections. Located in the heart of downtown Singapore, SMU's city campus provides students with unparalleled access to business, government, and the wider community. The university excels in business, management, economics, and computing disciplines, with its programmes consistently ranked among the top in Asia by publications such as QS and the Financial Times. The Information Session will feature:Programme Introduction: An overview of SMU's diverse postgraduate offerings across the School of Accountancy, Lee Kong Chian School of Business, School of Economics, and School of Computing and Information Systems.Admissions Insights: Detailed guidance on entry requirements, application deadlines, and scholarship opportunities.Alumni Sharing: Hear first-hand experiences from XMUM alumni who are now pursuing their careers or further studies in Singapore.Networking Opportunity: Engage directly with SMU representatives and get your questions answered. Image Through this collaboration, XMUM students enjoy exclusive benefits, including:$4,000 Tuition Fee DiscountScholarships AvailableAdmissions Test Fee WaiverApplication Fee WaiverCourse Exemption DiscountsEnglish Language Proficiency Test Waiver (for graduates from English-medium undergraduate programmes)Specific benefits may vary by school. To ensure you don't miss out on the special benefits reserved for XMUM students, please follow this simple two-step process:Before You Apply Online: Send an email with your personal details to globalep@xmu.edu.my.In Your Email, Please Include: - Full Name and XMUM Student ID - Your current status of study at XMUM (Your programme, the year of study, etc.) - Intended SMU Programme and Intake (e.g., Master of Professional Accounting, August 2026)This allows the Global Engagement and Partnerships Office to register your interest and pre-validate your eligibility for the exclusive benefits. Interested students are encouraged to:Explore SMU's postgraduate programmes.Brochures of popular Master’s programmes can be found here.Bring your questions and transcripts for personalised advice! Don't miss this incredible opportunity to advance your studies at one of Singapore's leading universities. For more information on other partnership programmes, visit the XMUM Global Engagement websiteFor enquiries, please contact the Global Engagement and Partnerships Office at globalep@xmu.edu.my.
China-ASEAN Conference on Translation, Interpreting and Communication (First Announcement)
The world is undergoing profound transformations unseen in a century, where regional cooperation and mutual learning among civilizations have become defining themes. With digital technology profoundly empowering cultural exchange, translation, interpreting, and communication studies are emerging as an increasingly important collaborative research sphere. In this era of new opportunities and challenges, this interdisciplinary domain needs to be reconceptualized as a bridge for languages, a medium for cultures, and a catalyst enabled by technology, to advance cross-disciplinary innovation, strengthen China-ASEAN collaboration, and foster talent cultivation.Xiamen University, a key advocate for China-ASEAN cultural exchange, will proudly host the China-ASEAN Conference on Translation, Interpreting and Communication at Xiamen University Malaysia from April 17 to 20, 2026. The conference will convene academic institutions and industry stakeholders across the region to explore disciplinary development, career pathways, talent cultivation, and pedagogical research—laying a robust foundation for a shared future. Conference detailsTheme: Translation, Interpreting and Communication for the FutureSub-themes include:1.Interdisciplinarity and New Paradigms in Translation, Interpreting and Communication Studies2.Regional Synergy and Transnational Interpreting and Communication Communities3.Civilizational Dialogue and Local-Global Development4.Quality Evaluation and Reception Studies in Translation/Interpreting5.AI-Driven Innovations in Translator/Interpreter Training6.Practices, Pedagogy, and Markets in Translation/InterpretingLocation: Xiamen University Malaysia (Selangor, Malaysia)Dates: 17 to 20 April, 2026April 17: Registration & ArrivalApril 18-19: Conference SessionsApril 20: DepartureThe conference is open for auditing. Colleagues and scholars who wish to attend as observers are kindly requested to complete the registration form as soon as possible at the following link: https://forms.gle/YCZvHwqv3DyHgd5f8. As capacity is limited, places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Organizing Committee of the China-ASEAN Conference on Translation, Interpreting and Communicationcaatic2026@126.comJanuary 2026


