Online Media Lab Launches at SISU to Foster the Next Generation of Global Communicators

By Shi Mile

Shanghai, January 2024 – The Online Media and Global Communication Interactive Lab Club was officially launched at the SISU-Songjiang Global Communication Training Base in the Songjiang District Media Convergence Center.

Founded by the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) at Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), the club is a student-run organization that opened its doors in January 2024. The club, which is affiliated with SISU’s Online Media and Global Communication (OMGC) English journal, serves as an open platform for academic research, practical training, and hands-on media experience. Members will engage in activities ranging from multilingual journal translation to the operation of social media accounts, aiming to bridge the gap between theory and practice in global communication.

The opening ceremony, co-hosted by the School of Journalism and Communication and the Songjiang Convergence Media Center, attracted notable attendees, including Lin Hua from the Songjiang District Communication Department, Guo Ke, Dean of the School of Journalism and Communication at SISU, as well as representatives from various media organizations and enterprises.

In his remarks, Dean Guo Ke highlighted that the student-managed club aims to integrate global communication research, teaching, and real-world practice. The ceremony concluded with Lin Hua and Guo Ke unveiling the club’s plaque, and Professors Chen Peiqin and Yan Yining were appointed as the club’s official advisors.

As part of its launch, the club introduced three themed workshops: OMGC Journal Social Media Promotion and Multilingual Translation, AI and International Communication Paper Writing, and “Shanghai My City” Short Video Production. These workshops will provide students with valuable opportunities to deepen their understanding of global communication trends, while honing their practical skills in social media, translation, and content creation.

Club members Zhang Jie and Huang Yuyan shared their personal aspirations for joining the club. Zhang expressed his hope that members would leverage their academic strengths in collaborative projects, while Huang, with an interest in media, looked forward to gaining experience in social media promotion and international communication.

The second part of the event featured a dialogue on “International Journalism and Communication Education in the AI Era” between SISU and the University of Georgia. Charles N. Davis from the University of Georgia gave a keynote speech, emphasizing the importance of equipping students with core skills for the digital age. During the roundtable discussion, representatives from both institutions explored the future of international journalism education in the context of AI advancements and discussed potential avenues for cooperation.

The launch of the Online Media and Global Communication Interactive Lab Club marks a significant step by SISU’s School of Journalism and Communication to adapt to the evolving media landscape and international communication trends. It is part of the university’s broader effort to nurture global communication talent equipped for the challenges of the digital era.