THE NICHE OF MALAY STUDIES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF MALAY ARTS: COURSES WITH INTEGRATION OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY KNOWLEDGE

The Department of Malay Arts is combined with the Department of Socio-culture at the Academy of Malay Studies, University of Malaya (APM). More than 40 courses are offered in the Department of Malay Arts for the undergraduate program. It includes various disciplines of arts that comprises foundation of arts, art management, visual arts, performing arts, music and the teaching of arts. Realizing the importance to elevate the knowledge of Malay arts which encompass the traditional values and at the same time accept changes in time, the Department of Malay Arts with the support from the APM top management regularly revises course content offered in this program. This is to ensure the relevance of the courses offered, to meet current market demand and to meet student employability upon their graduation. The current dependency trend to computer and technology-oriented skill, the department has included a few courses that integrate computer-based knowledge. Animation of Malay Arts and Digital Documentation of Malay Arts give students basic exposure on animation and video production. This article discusses the importance to offer technology-integrated, specifically multimedia technology related courses to Malay Studies students by referring to the academy guidebook as well as the courses pro-forma and analysis on relevant issues.