A
PROFILE
Laman Web Staf UPM
DR. THAM JEN SERN
PENSYARAH KANAN
FAKULTI BAHASA MODEN DAN KOMUNIKASI
jstham
BM
EN

PROFESIONAL

Dr. Tham is a Senior Lecturer with tenure in the Department of Communication at the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Malaysia. He is the elected Vice President of the World Communication Association (WCA) for Malaysia (2023 – 2027), a research associate of the UPM's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, a research fellow of the Debiasing and Lay Informatics (DaLI) Lab at the Center for Applied Social Research at the University of Oklahoma, a regular member of the International Communication Association (ICA), and a life member of both the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) and the Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE).

He received a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media Studies and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Malaya (UM). In 2010, he was awarded a postgraduate scholarship by UM to pursue his graduate studies (fast-track) before obtaining his Bachelor's degree. His research primarily focuses on health and risk communication, examining how specific target groups acquire and consume health-related information from various sources and how different types of health information acquisition behaviors affect health outcomes. His research is guided by health- and communication-related theories to refine communication strategies, develop effective social marketing, behavior change, and education programs about health issues, and inform people about ways to enhance health or prevent specific health risks.

He has been invited to review manuscripts for international and local journals such as the Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR), JMIR Infodemiology, JMIR Public Health and Surveillance, and Behaviour & Information Technology. He serves as Section Editor of the Malaysian Journal of Communication and Editor (communication) of the Journal of Language and Communication, and is on the editorial boards of the Asian Journal of Applied Communication (AJAC) and the Human Communication Journal.

Before joining UPM, he was a language teacher at Tsun Jin High School, where he taught Bahasa Malaysia (the national language of Malaysia) for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), or the Malaysian Certificate of Education. After completing his PhD studies, he joined New Era University College (NEUC) as a full-time lecturer. After serving at NEUC for a year, he moved to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Sungai Long Campus, where he became a tenured assistant professor and head of programs (Master’s degrees).
NAMA :
(Dr.) Tham Jen Sern
JAWATAN :
Pensyarah Kanan
ENTITI :
Fakulti Bahasa Moden Dan Komunikasi


LATARBELAKANG PENDIDIKAN
Ijazah Kedoktoran (Malaya) - Komunikasi Kesihatan

Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Kepujian) - Pengajian Media
PERKHIDMATAN PERUNDINGAN
Trainer Consultant, Malaysia Steel Institute (MSI), under the Rancangan Malaysia Ke-12 (RMK12) by Agency of Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia
Trainer Consultant, Malaysia Steel Institute (MSI), under the Penjana Initiative by Agency of Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Malaysia
External Programme Assessor, Diploma in Digital Media, INTI Internationa College
External Reviewer, International Conference on Languages and Communication 2021 (ICLC’2021)
External Reviewer, International Conference of Communication on Media and Social Science (iCOMS2021)
Panel of External Programme Assessor, Diploma in Mass Communication, INTI International College Subang
Member of Programme advisory Panel (PAP), Bachelor of Public Relations (Honours), Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries, Tunku Abdul Rahman University College, Penang Branch.
Academic Advisor, Diploma in Media Studies, Department of Media Studies, New Era University College, Kajang
Project Advisor, Keberkesanan penyampaian berita dan keinginan terhadap penontionan siaran berita televisyen, Kementerian Komunikasi dan Multimedia, Putrajaya
Social Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC) Trainer, UPM-UNICEF C4D Programme, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, UPM
Trainer consultant, Speak-up 13.0 Project, AIESEC in Universiti Putra Malaysia
Trainer consultant, 2. Social and Behaviour Change Communications (SBCC) Workshop for State and District Nutritionists, Ministry of Health, Malaysia, UPM-UNICEF C4D, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia in joint collaboration with UNICEF Malaysia
Trainer consultant, 1. Social and Behaviour Change Communications (SBCC) Workshop for Majlis Belia Malaysia (MBM), UPM-UNICEF C4D, Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia
KURSUS DIHADIRI
2023
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Certificate, Ministry of Health Malaysia
2023
Masterclass in Nudging and Behavioural Insights, iNudgeyou, Copenhagen, Denmark (Sponsored by UNICEF Malaysia)
2017
Public Relations Campaigns, National University of Singapore (NUS), Online Non-credit Course For Professinal and Career Development
2016
Introduction to Public Relations, National University of Singapore (NUS), Coursera
2016
Public Relations Research, National University of Singapore (NUS), Online Non-credit Course For Professinal and Career Development
PENGAJARAN
Small Group Communication
Organisational Communication Skills
Introduction to Corporate Communication
Quantitative Research Method in Communication
Introduction to Mass Communication
Statistics for Communication Research (Postgraduate)
Basic Communication Strategy
Theory and Practice of Corporate Communication (Postgraduate)
ANUGERAH DAN PENCAPAIAN
2024
Excellent Service Award (Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang) 2023, Majlis Gemilang Putra 2024, Universiti Putra Malaysia
2023
Top Student-led Paper Award, 73rd International Communication Association (ICA) Conference
2023
Journal Publication Award, Golden Rafflesia Award, Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE)
2022
Potential Lecturer, Golden Rafflesia Award, Malaysian Association of Communication Educators (MACE)
2021
Best Presenter, 17th Biennial International Conference on Media and Communication (MENTION)
2021
Visiting Lecturer, New Era University College, Kajang, Selangor, Malaysia
2021
Visiting Lecturer, BINUS University, Jakarta, Indonesia
2020
Excellent Service Award 2020, Universiti Putra Malaysia
2019
Excellent Service Award 2019, Universiti Putra Malaysia
2019
The Mace-bearer, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s 43rd Convocation Ceremony, 6th Session
2019
Short-term Academic Exchange Programme in Ohio University, Athens, the United States of America
2018
Gold medal, Poster presentation, Annual UniMAP Invention and Research Exhibition (EREKA) UniMAP Industry Networking and Business Pitching 2018
2013
Ambassador, Postgradasia, Issue 1, 2013/14, pg. 52
2013
Popular presenter at the University of Malaya 3-minute Thesis Competition (UM3MT) (Faculty level) on July 16th, 2013 – University of Malaya
2013
4th Prize, University of Malaya 3-minute Thesis Competition (UM3MT) (Faculty level) on July 16th, 2013. – University of Malaya
BIDANG PENYELIDIKAN
Health and risk communication; Cybercoping in health; Health & risk information seeking, processing and management
PATEN
2024
Communication research method module (Malaysian IP No. [MyIPO]. LY2024W01795). Universiti Putra Malaysia
2024
Unlocking the dynamics of social media: A comprehensive model for understanding personal behavior in health communication. (Malaysian IP No. [MyIPO]. LY2024W03714). Universiti Putra Malaysia.
2024
Social media news comsuption-reaction survey instrument. (Malaysian IP No. [MyIPO]. LY2024W03717). Universiti Putra Malaysia.
PENERBITAN
Book

Moniza Waheed & Tham, J. S. (In Press). Malaysians’ responses to emotion-eliciting news. Institute for Social Science Studies (IPSAS) & Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Tham, J. S., & Zanuddin, H. (2017). HIV, media, public and government: Perspectives in Malaysia. Germany: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing (ISBN: 978-3-330-32266-0) (https://www.amazon.com/HIV-Media-Public-Government-Perspectives/dp/3330322667)


Academic Journals

*Corresponding author

Law, Y. C., Tham, J. S.*, Wee, T. M., & Diyana, N. K. (2024). Motivation for risk information seeking among healthcare workers in the context of COVID19 pandemic: An organisational perspective. Malaysian Journal of Communication. 40(2), 168-187. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2024-4002-10 (JCR ESCI) (PDF: https://ejournal.ukm.my/mjc/article/view/65083)

Zhang, T. H., Tham, J. S.*, Edmund, Lee. & Moniza, W. (2024). Linking pathways from perceived absolute and comparative risk to colorectal cancer screening intention: Towards an extended cognitive mediation model. Communication Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org./10.1080/10510974.2024.2331812 (JCR ESCI) (PDF: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10510974.2024.2331812?src=exp-la

Sue, P. H., Ng., F. L., Foo, C. N., Tham, J. S., Zhu, X., & Lim, Y. M. (2023). Validity and reliability of an adapted questionnaire measuring acceptance of traditional chinese medicine among cancer patients. Medicine and Health, 18(2), 498-514. https://doi.org/10.17576/MH.2023.1802.13 (JCR ESCI) (PDF: https://medicineandhealthukm.com/article/validity-and-reliability-adapted-questionnaire-measuring-acceptance-traditional-chinese-medi)

Sun, H., Li, Z., Hashim, N., Tham, J. S., & Bidin, R. (2023). Do superficial causes of AUM theory affect international students’ uncertainty management and anxiety management in high-context culture? Journal of Intercultural Communication, 23(4), 120-132. https://doi.org/10.36923/jicc.v23i4.235 (Scopus-indexed) (PDF: https://immi.se/intercultural/article/view/Sun-et-al-2023-4/678)

Tham, J. S. (2023). Social marketing in HIV/AIDS prevention: Its contribution and challenges. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 13(6), 1293-1300. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i6/17272 (ERA-indexed) (PDF: https://hrmars.com/index.php/IJARBSS/article/view/17272/Social-Marketing-in-HIVAIDS-Prevention-Its-Contribution-and-Challenges)

Tham, J. S*. & Wong, K. C. (2023). Exploring the link between Facebook intensity and online political participation: A study on Malaysian youth. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 13(6), 1274-1292. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v13-i6/17273 (ERA-indexed) (PDF: https://hrmars.com/index.php/IJARBSS/article/view/17273/Exploring-the-Link-between-Facebook-Intensity-and-Online-Political-Participation-A-Study-on-Malaysian-Youth)

Wong, C. Y., Tham, J. S*., Foo, C. N., Ng, F. L., Shahar, S., Zahary, M. N., Ismail, M. N., Tan, C. S., Hoh, B. P., Kumar, S. V., & Lim, Y. M. (2023). Factor influencing COVID-19 vaccination intention among university students: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia. Biosafety and Health, 5(1), 37-44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bsheal.2022.12.005 (Scopus-indexed) (PDF: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S259005362200180X)

Zhang, T. H., Tham, J. S*., Moniza, H., Kim, J-N., Jeong, J-S., Chang, P. K., & Ahmad, A. M@Z. (2022). Pathway linking health information behaviors to mental health condition during the COVID-19 infodemic: A moderated mediation analysis. Frontiers in Public Health, 10(924331). htpps://doi/org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.924331 (JCR SSCI)

Tham, J. S*., Mohd Ali, A. A., & Zhang, T. H. (2022). Predicting the role of organisational listening and job resources in job engagement. Malaysian Journal of Communication, 38(2), 107-126. https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2022-3802-07 (JCR ESCI-indexed)

Wang, Y., Mohd Zawawi, J. W., Ahmad, A. M@Z., & Tham, J. S. (2022). Guide to the communication strategy of native advertising. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 12(13), 22-34. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v12-i13/14141 (ERA-indexed)

Zhang, T. H., Tham, J. S*., & Moniza, H. (2022). The effects of receiving and expressing health information on social media during the COVID-19 infodemic: An online survey among Malaysians. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19, 7991. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137991 (JCR SSCI)

Mohd Jamil, S. N., Bolong, J., Osman, M. N., & Tham, J. S. (2022). I need your love: Self-stigma and classification of communication patterns required by breast cancer patients. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 11(12), 2773-2781. https://doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v12-i1/12356 (ERA-indexed)

Wilson, S., Mogan, S., Coulson, N., & Tham, J. S*. (2022). Exploring the role of a WhatsApp online community in supporting the needs of women living with Endometriosis in Malaysia: An interview study. Asian Women, 38(1). https://doi.org/10.14431/aw.2022.3.38.1.59 (JCR SSCI)

Mohd Jamil, S. N., Bolong, J., Osman, M. N., & Tham, J. S. (2021). A review on communication issues related to the process and treatment for breast cancer patients in Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 11(12), 858-867. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i12/11824 (ERA-indexed)

Bidin, R., Razak, M. N. F., Mohamad, B., Osman, M. N., Abu Bakar, M. S., Tham, J. S., Atan, R., Handayati, P., Utaberta, N., & Fatuase, O. (2021). Halal industry’s organizational performance factors: A systematic review. Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 29(4), 2545-2568. https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.29.4.25 (JCR ESCI-indexed)

Mohd Zawawi, J. W., Ahmad, A. M.@Z., & Tham, J. S. (2021). Recognizing native advertising and its challenge to traditional advertising. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 11(19), 191 – 204. http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARBSS/v11-i19/11727 (ERA-indexed)

Fatima, H., Ghazali, A. H. A., Waheed, M., & Tham, J. S. (2021). A conceptual framework of sexual harassments news exposure’s relationship with knowledge, attitude, and behavior in Pakistani and Malaysian literature. International Journal of Academic Research in Business & Social Sciences, 11(15), 43 – 60. (ERA-indexed)

Zhang, T. H., & Tham, J. S*. (2021). Calls to action (mobilizing information) on cancer in online news: Content analysis. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(6), e26019
doi: 10.2196/26019 (JCR SCIE – Top 10%)

Azlan, A. A., Hamzah, M. R., & Tham, J. S*., Ayub, S. H., Ahmad, A. L., & Wati Mohamad, E. (2021). Associations between health literacy and sociodemographic factors: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia utilising the HLS-M-Q18. International Journal of Environmental and Public Health, 18, 4860. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094860 (JCR SSCI)

Moses, I. O., Hasan, H. Z., Ahmad, A. M@Z., Wan Abas, W. A., & Tham, J. S. (2021). Religiosity as moderating variable between the relationships of attitude towards celebrity endorsement of hijab advertisement on TV and purchase intention. The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 9(1), 176-178. (ERA-indexed) https://doi.org/10.24940/theijhss/2021/v9/i1/HS2101-029

Wati Mohamad, E., Tham, J. S*., Ayub, S. H., Hamzah, M. R., Hashim, H., & Azlan, A. A. (2020). Relationship between COVID-19 information sources and attitudes in battling the pandemic among the Malaysian public: Cross-sectional survey study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(11), e23922. doi: 10.2196/23922. (JCR SCIE – Top 10%)

Tham, J. S*., Ong, B. W. W., & Lim, L. Y. (2020). Media agenda in politics: How Malaysian RTM radio stations cover 14th general election. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Journal of Human Sciences, 2(1), 25-38. (MyJurnal/MyCite)

Azlan, A. A., Hamzah, M. R., Tham, J. S*., Ayub, S. H., & Wati Mohamad, E. M. (2020). Public knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Malaysia. PLoS ONE, 15(5), e0233668. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0233668 (JCR SCIE)

Wati Mohamad, E. M., Kaudan, M. K., Hamzah, M. R., Azlan, A. A., Ayub, S. H., Tham, J. S*., & Ahmad, A. L. (2020). Establishing the HLS-M-Q18 short version of the European health literacy survey questionnaire for the Malaysian context. BMC Public Health, 20, 580. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08704-7 (JCR SCIE)

Mohamad Ali, N. N. A., & Tham, J. S*. (2019). Pencarian maklumat kesihatan di Internet: Satu kajian rintis dalam kalangan pelajar Universiti Putra Malaysia. [Health information seeking in the Internet: A pilot test among students of Universiti Putra Malaysia.] Asian Journal of Applied Communication, 8(2), 1-15. (MyJurnal/MyCite)

Wilson, S., & Tham, J. S*. (2019). Bridging the gap: Exploring police-media relations in Malaysia. Malaysian Journal of Communication, 35(3), 74-91. doi: https://doi.org/10.17576/JKMJC-2019-3503-05 (JCR ESCI-indexed)

Tham, J. S*. (2018). “Selling” behaviour change: Exploring the roles of the media, non-government organisations and the government in addressing HIV/AIDS in Malaysia. Asian Journal of Applied Communication, 7(2), 93-115. (MyJurnal/MyCite)

Tham, J. S*. (2018). The knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and perceived risk in HIV/AIDS among women in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study. International Journal of Asian Social Science, 8(9), 725-734. (ERA-indexed)

Zanuddin, H., Tham, J. S*., Ahmad, F., Hassan, B. R. A., & Zawawi, J. W. M. (2017). Burying the news for the public: Agenda cutting of the Tamil newspapers and MIC candidate Facebook during the 13th General Election. Malaysian Journal of Communication, 33(2), 55-72. (JCR ESCI-indexed)

Zanuddin, H., Tham, J. S*., & Zakaria, S. N. S. (2017). Current perception and willingness towards organ donation and transplantation: A survey of undergraduate students at the University of Malaya. Pertanika Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 25(1), 261-276. (JCR ESCI-indexed)

Tham, J. S*., Firdaus, A. S., & Zanuddin, H. (2016). Government initiatives and public awareness on HIV/AIDS in Malaysia: Where are we after 30 years? Malaysian Journal of Communication, 32(2), 1-21. (JCR ESCI-indexed)

Chang, P. K., & Tham, J. S*. (2016). Media usage patterns among Chinese voters: In preparation for the 14th Malaysian general election (GE14). Asian Social Science, 12(12), 251-260. doi: 10.5539/ass.v12n12p251 (ERA-indexed)

Tham, J. S*., & Zanuddin, H. (2015). Public awareness of HIV/AIDS: How media play a role? Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health, 46(4), 669-679. (JCR SSCI)

Tham, J. S*., & Zanuddin, H. (2015). Religion and media: A case study of Utusan Malaysia’s response to HIV/AIDS. Journal of Media & Cultural Studies, 29(1), 121-133. doi: 10.1080/10304312.2014.964176. (JCR SSCI)

Tham, J. S*., & Zanuddin, H. (2014). Affirmative religious response culture to HIV and AIDS: Understanding the public relations role of JAKIM in curbing the epidemic among young Muslim couples in Malaysia. Asian Social Science, 10(13), 8-15. doi: 10.5539/ass.v10n13p8. (Scopus-indexed)

Tham, J. S*., & Zanuddin, H. (2014). Malaysia’s 13th General Election: Political communication and public agenda in social media. Asian Journal for Public Opinion Research, 1(2), 73-89. (Peer-reviewed)

Tham, J. S*., Zanuddin, H. (2012). Framing of HIV/AIDS and social marketing program: A comparative analysis of Malaysian mainstream newspapers in the year 2006 and 2011. Malaysian Journal of Media Studies, 14(1), 67-76. (Peer-reviewed)

Tham, J. S*., & Zanuddin, H. (2012). Perception and social marketing of AIDS patients in Malaysian media: Insufficient agenda setting? Journal of Contemporary Eastern Asia, 11(1), 31-41. (Peer-reviewed)

Tham, J. S*., & Zanuddin, H. (2012). Coverage of HIV/AIDS in Malaysia: A case study of The Star. Malaysian Journal of Communication, 28(1), 151-169. (MyJurnal/MyCite)


Chapter-in-Book

Zanuddin, H., & Tham, J. S. (2013). The use of social media during Malaysia’s 13th general election in Amelia Abdul Aziz, Ismail Sualman, and Siti Zabedah Mohd Shariff (Eds.). Media and the 13th general election. Selangor: Universiti Teknologi MARA. (ISBN: 9789833374434)

Yassin, Y. M., & Zanuddin, H., & Tham, J. S. (2013). Winning the election seats of GE 13: preliminary states of issues frames using Facebook in Amelia Abdul Aziz, Ismail Sualman, and Siti Zabedah Mohd Shariff (Eds.). Media and the 13th general election. Selangor: Universiti Teknologi MARA. (ISBN: 9789833374434)




Article in Mass Media

Openness to ideas will help fresh grads thrive in post-pandemic world. News Straits Times, Newspaper, 7 June 2021. (https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnists/2021/06/696528/openness-ideas-will-help-fresh-grads-thrive-post-pandemic-world)


IMEJ RAWAK