KUCHING: Over 200 academicians, researchers, and scholars from five countries gathered at The Waterfront Hotel for the first full-scale Creative Arts & Social Science International Conference (CASSIC 2025), hosted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Melaka from Apr 15 to 17.
The international conference brought together participants, both in-person and virtually, from Malaysia, Nigeria, Egypt, Indonesia, and China, to explore the theme ‘Empowering Sustainability Through Creativity, Innovation & Digitalisation for Societal Well-being and Economic Growth’.
The event was officially launched today by Melaka UiTM Rector Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Rasdi Zaini, who emphasised the critical role of interdisciplinary research in elevating Malaysia’s presence in the global education and research landscape.
“CASSIC is not just an academic conference — it is a platform for fostering strategic partnerships among local researchers, industry players, policymakers, and the international community,” he said.
A total of 136 research papers were presented during the three-day event, covering a broad spectrum of topics including performing arts, digital media, public policy, cultural diplomacy, and heritage conservation.
Organised by the Faculty of Creative Arts (KPSK), UiTM Melaka, and supported by the Sarawak State Government, the conference also sought to enhance the regional impact of research in creativity and innovation.
“Malaysia cannot solely rely on STEM. We must carve out space for research grounded in the humanities, culture, and artistic expression—essential components in shaping resilient and forward-thinking societies,” Prof Rasdi said.
In alignment with the Malaysia Education Development Plan (Higher Education) 2021–2025, Prof Rasdi reaffirmed that such platforms are vital to positioning Malaysia as a regional education hub through international collaboration, curriculum globalisation, and academic mobility.
He expressed hope that CASSIC 2025 would continue to cultivate meaningful academic ties and cross-border research initiatives with long-term global benefits.
