OFFSTONE | JUNE 2021 | FKP USIM

i EDITOR’S NOTE Alhamdulillah, we manage to be with all of you again for the third edition of the Offstone magazine! Indeed, we are very glad to be able to “meet” our online readers again here in this space. In this edition, we have sixteen (16) semi-academic articles written in three languages: Malay, English and Arabic, discussing topics relating to our theme for this edition; ‘Choosing to be Relevant in the Pandemic Era’. All nine Malay, four English, and three Arabic articles focused on different aspects in “being relevant” that relate to communication in the COVID-19 pandemic era. This also includes choosing relevant information to be shared with the audience to avoid misunderstanding and other harmful effects of miscommunication. In the Malay language section, Dr. Abdul Rashid Abdul Aziz and Dr. Rezki Perdani Sawai wrote about emotional management in using social media in the new norms. The article entitled “ Pengurusan Emosi dalam Melayari Media Sosial Semasa Norma Baharu ” discusses some aspects of emotional management that are always associated with the importance of every one of us to be resilient in this unprecedented era. Other articles in the section discuss issues relating to the future of students due to the closing of schools, the digital revolution in teaching and learning, and the importance of creating a positive environment during this pandemic era. In the English language section, Dr. Safiyyah Ahmad Sabri brings the issue of fake news and hate speech in the free speech world of communication. We all know the danger of fake news and hate speech, and it is very important for all of us to avoid these practices to worsen the pandemic we are currently facing. The highlight to share only relevant information is stressed in another article in the same section, reminding all of us to always be careful in our communication to ensure communication leads to a better life and not the other way round. In the Arabic language section, discussion topics are wider and include highlighting the history of Israeli occupation and the violation of the rights of the press, written by Nael Ramadan Owda and Dr. Ihab Ahmed as it happened during the pandemic pressure. With all articles brought to you in this edition, we hope readers will gain new insights pertaining to choose what is relevant in the pandemic era. We must have such awareness before “irrelevant communication” conquers human minds and actions and catalysing the worst to the future of human beings. Thank you. Dr. Siti Suriani Othman Chief Editor of Offstone