Monash SEADS Centre to tackle online harm and digital inclusion

Monash University Malaysia has taken a significant step in addressing the complexities of digital technology and its societal implications with the launch of the Southeast Asia Research Centre for Digital Tech and Society (SEADS). The inauguration ceremony, officiated by the Honourable YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports, underscored the need for an inclusive and ethical digital future.

At the launch, Professor Emeritus Dato’ Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, President and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Monash University Malaysia, highlighted that SEADS is not just focused on technological advancements but also on ensuring that digital progress benefits society. She underscored the centre’s dedication to fostering ethical digital transformation through strategic collaborations with corporations, policymakers, and communities.

Also present at the launch were Associate Professor Emma Baulch, Director of SEADS and Deputy Head of School (Research) at the School of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Duncan McDuie-Ra, Head of the School of Arts & Social Sciences, and YB Michelle Ng Mei Sze, ADUN Subang Jaya.

Safeguarding Young Malaysians in the Digital Age

A key highlight of the event was a fireside chat between YB Hannah Yeoh and Professor Meera Sivasothy from the School of Arts and Social Sciences. The discussion, titled “Creating a Safe Internet for Young Malaysians,” focused on the need for stronger online regulations and their impact on young internet users.

“Greater coordination and data sharing within government agencies is essential to making better-informed decisions regarding online harm,” Yeoh emphasized. She called for comprehensive research and the use of the Southeast Asia Digital Society framework to understand the full scope of online threats before enacting regulations.

On whether Malaysia should adopt policies like Australia’s proposal to ban social media access for those under 16, Yeoh was skeptical. “In Malaysia, people often share phones within households, making such regulations difficult to implement,” she noted, highlighting the challenges of enforcement in a multi-device, shared-access environment.

Addressing Online Harms and Digital Inclusion

SEADS’ research will focus on three core themes: online harm and safety, data justice, and digital inclusion. The centre aims to tackle pressing issues such as online gender-based violence and the harm caused by deepfake imagery, ensuring safer digital spaces for all. It will also examine digital identities, data centers, and privacy concerns under the umbrella of data justice, addressing the growing risks associated with data security and ownership.

Additionally, SEADS will work towards digital inclusion by identifying and mitigating inequalities in internet access and affordability, ensuring that more people, regardless of socioeconomic background, can participate meaningfully in the digital world.

Associate Professor Emma Baulch stressed the need for deeper research in rapidly evolving digital spaces. “Online spaces are where young people live—relax, socialize, shop, get informed, and sell things. Given the rapid pace of change in these environments, more fundamental research is needed to take stock of how changes affect us for better or for worse,” she said.

She further emphasized the crucial role of universities in shaping digital policies and public discourse. “At SEADS, we don’t just publish research articles. We co-design them with collaborators in civil society, government, and industry to drive meaningful changes,” she added.

Encouraging Responsible Digital Engagement

Addressing the challenges of online trolling in sports, YB Hannah Yeoh highlighted the importance of respectful digital behavior. “Online behavior should mirror the values we cherish in sports. Respect, fairness, and integrity must be upheld, whether on the field or online,” she stated.

She also spoke about the blurred lines between online and offline spaces, urging society to reconsider its approach to digital consumption. “We frequently criticize children for spending extensive hours on their phones, but we must also consider adult behaviors—like working in two-hour blocks without breaks—as part of the problem. To secure a better future, we need collective efforts in understanding and addressing these concerns,” Yeoh said.

SEADS’ mission aligns with Monash University Malaysia’s broader commitment to research that addresses pressing societal challenges. Through collaborations with industry leaders, policymakers, and community organizations, the centre aims to influence policies, public attitudes, and practices, ensuring a safer and more equitable digital landscape for all.