Get your MoJo working

If you are passionate about voicing your opinions then the first youth wireless application protocol (WAP) by New Straits Times called u-phoria may just be the thing for you. 

This is a call to those aged 18 to 29 years who are budding journalists, or in this case, mobile journalists (MoJos).

Launched in August last year, under the aegis of the youth development programme initiated by NST, the site provides a platform for youngsters to exchange information, keep updated on the latest events and also have their say on topics of interest to youth. Recently u-phoria set up a booth at Taylor’s University College Orientation Carnival to promote its site and recruit MoJos.

About 35 students signed up on the spot.

“u-phoria is interesting as youth have many things to talk about and it seems a fantastic place to do it,” says N. Nivitha who is pursuing her A-Level at the university college.

u-phoria embodies the spirit of “young Malaysia”. It is for youth, by youth, and of youth.

What sets it apart from others is its concept, design and content are put together by a pioneer team of 22 MoJos.

Its content is mostly information and opinion-driven, and is grouped under 10 categories that invite youth participation through comments or article contributions.

The best part of this site is that it’s free and an incentive of RM50 is awarded to the best article in each category every month.

Taylor’s University College A-Level student Lee Julin, who contributes to u-phoria, says:
“It has broadened my perspective, made me more aware of what’s happening around me and, enabled me to express my views on subjects of interest to me.

“It’s also a good opportunity for students to be exposed to writing. You meet contacts who may be useful in the future.

Students get to know u-phoria.

“You become a responsible writer as you have to check your facts.” South Australian Matriculation student Gerald Jude Richard also signed up for u-phoria.

He says: “The sport section interests me. There are no restrictions on what you can write, which makes it an interesting feature of u-phoria.” For details, visit http://u-phoria.nst.com.my, call 03-2056-9615 (Mary Chandapillai) or e-mail your queries to youth@nstp.com.my