Embrace applications to adapt to hyper-connected world

KUALA LUMPUR: Umno members need to adapt to the use of new communication applications and social media platforms, to adapt to today's hyper-connected world.
Umno Overseas Club chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said in today's world, every information can be spread fast.
"It is time for us to embrace the change but it also meant that people have to be mindful of what they're saying, sharing and talking online," Ahmad Shabery said after meeting students at the University Students Leadership Convention 2014 at PWTC here today.
However, Ahmad Shabery said among the setback of using social media is that things can get out of hand so we have be mindful of what we say.
"These are all new challenges in politics, whereby we understand a person from his Facebook posts or Twitter and spread the message across and get feedback or exchange thoughts," Ahmad Shabery said.
"You do have people who are 'shouting' their messages and the impact is big if it's a racial slur but it can also bring about positive effect if it is a good message," he said.
He added the convention theme this year is 'Hyperconnectivity: The new reality for future leaders' would help students get exposure on hyperconnectivity through exchange of thoughts while getting feedback from Internet industry players.
During the event, students used the 'WhatsApp' application in different groups to engage in debates and topics brought forward to the convention.
When asked if 'WhatsApp' could replace public speakers and debaters, Ahmad Shabery said there was still a need for public engagement, as people still needed to learn the art of using the rights words and context via the social media.