Monash University Malaysia marked a milestone with the launch of the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Digital Tech and Society (SEADS). The launch of SEADS was inaugurated by Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, in a ceremony committed to promoting a safer digital future.
Speaking of the role of SEADS, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor, of Monash University Malaysia emphasized that the center is not just about celebrating digital advancement but ensuring technology works for the people, not against them.
She also highlighted SEADS’ commitment to collaborating with corporations, policymakers, and communities to foster ethical and inclusive digital transformation.
One of the event’s highlights was a fireside chat between Hannah Yeoh and Professor Meera Sivasothy from the School of Arts and Social Sciences. The discussion titled ‘Creating a Safe Internet for Young Malaysians’ explored issues related to the regulation of online spaces in Malaysia and their implications for young people.
SEADS’ research falls under three themes:
Online harm and safety, including online gender-based violence and the harm caused by deepfake imagery;
Data justice, including research on digital identities, data centers, and threats to data privacy; and
Digital inclusion, including the inequalities of access and affordability that persist as increasing numbers of people come online.
SEADS will partner with industry, policymakers, and civil society to ensure research on these topics informs public conversations, attitudes, and practices, as well as policy development.
These research priorities reflect Monash University Malaysia’s commitment to address critical societal issues that impact our community. Through initiatives like SEADS, Monash University Malaysia continues to undertake the research necessary to drive impactful change, bridging academics with real-world solutions to address the pressing challenges of our time.