
How It All Began
Every story has a beginning, and ours stretches back even before 2015. The idea of a national platform for communication educators had been alive for years, but it was never consistent. At times, MACE would spark to life through the efforts of universities with strong communication schools or by prominent scholars who believed that educators deserved a collective voice. Yet, without a proper establishment, the inspiration would fade, and the movement would stall.
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In 2015, that vision was finally anchored. The Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE) was officially established, giving structure and permanence to what had long been a shared dream. What began as scattered initiatives by passionate individuals became a national association with the strength to unify educators, amplify their voices, and shape the future of communication and media studies in Malaysia.
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That same year, it was given a new breath of life, reborn from its earlier, unsettled beginnings. MACE was revived at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), initiated by the School of Communication under the leadership of then Dean, Profesor Dato' Dr. Adnan Hussein. At that time, professors and educators from across Malaysia came together to discuss a new direction and to draft the association’s first charter. A pro-tem committee was established to formalize the foundation and guide the establishment process. The rest, as they say, is history.
Our Purpose
From the very start, MACE has been about more than just an association. It is a community built to:
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Nurture intellectual discourse and strengthen scholarship in communication.
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Support government and policy makers in shaping national agendas connected to media and education.
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Advance communication and media studies through research, dialogue, and community engagement.
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Build networks that connect educators locally and internationally.
What We Do
Over the years, MACE has grown into a hub where ideas and impact meet. We:
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Host Wacana & Forums that encourage lively discussion and bridge theory with practice.
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Publish scholarly work through the Journal of Communication and Education (JCE).
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Celebrate excellence with the Rafflesia Emas Awards, our biennial recognition of outstanding educators and impactful research.
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Organize conferences, workshops, and collaborations to build leadership and capacity in the field.
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Partner with government, industry, and communities to ensure communication education remains relevant and future-focused.
Today & Beyond
MACE is stronger and better than ever. From its humble beginnings to becoming a national voice for communication educators, the association continues to grow in influence and impact. Today, MACE not only fosters intellectual exchange but also serves as a bridge between academia, industry, policy, and community. Looking ahead, MACE is committed to building future-ready communication education that is inclusive, innovative, and transformative — ensuring that educators and students alike can shape the narratives of tomorrow.