Amid daily deadlines, constant connectivity, buzzing phones, and the relentless demands of modern life, taking a moment to pause can feel like a luxury—yet it’s a necessity.
Recognizing this need, SIGNIS Malaysia recently gathered its diverse group of members for a brief weekend seaside retreat focused on recharging.
“Who am I, and how can I make a difference?” These questions lay at the heart of the retreat, where a dynamic group of journalists, multimedia professionals, writers, content creators, and academicians came together to reflect and redefine their roles as communicators in society.
Facilitated by Amalraj Antonysamy from the Initiative for Alternatives, India, and featuring guest speaker Charles Bertille from the Porticus Foundation, the sessions offered valuable insights and a fresh perspective on social communications.
A panel discussion titled “Beyond Headlines: Issues that Matter” featured three senior journalists from East and West Malaysia who shed light on current realities in Malaysia and the challenges faced by journalists in today’s media landscape.
Moderated by Jasmine Ju Ju from Young Lives, the discussion sparked a rich exchange of ideas, especially around the struggles of vulnerable communities in Malaysia.
The retreat also served as an open platform for members to propose ideas for future SIGNIS Malaysia initiatives.
SIGNIS Malaysia President Karen Arukesamy emphasized, “Every idea is purposeful and actionable, especially when we can empower communities and drive positive impact through communication and media.”
“Overall, the weekend provided a refreshing break from our routines. It was an opportunity to reconnect with our purpose, refresh our mission, and reflect on the impact we can make in society,” she added.
SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, brings together lay Catholics and like-minded media practitioners from over 100 countries. For more information, visit [www.signis.world](http://www.signis.world).
