Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia/Reports/Wikimania 2023/Jjurieee

Things learned at the conference

Wikimania was an incredible experience! As a newcomer to the world of Wikimedia, I am still in the process of familiarizing myself with its dynamics. Through my attendance at Wikimania 2023, I gained valuable insights from various talks, sessions, and interactions with fellow Wikimedians, as outlined below:

• I had the opportunity to connect with Wikimedians from different countries and learn about their contributions to Wikimedia, which was especially beneficial as I'm relatively new to the Wikimedian community.

• I acquired foundational knowledge about Wikimedia, including Wikimedia Commons and editing English Wikipedia. Understanding these basics is crucial as they serve as the initial steps for me to encourage more people to contribute to Wiki within the Wikimedia Movement.

• I discovered how Wikimedia is used to support education and gather data for research purposes, even aiding in the completion of PhD studies.

• I learned about utilizing this platform to raise awareness, such as bridging the gender gap in Wikimedia contributions.

• I gained insights into the challenges faced by various communities in the development of the Wikimedia Movement, along with strategies like organizing projects and events to address these issues.

• I explored how Wikimedia can be a powerful platform for preserving cultural heritage knowledge, including the cultural heritage of communities like the Indonesians, Paiwan, and Kadazandusun people.

Things the participant contributed or participated in or since the conference

16 August

I participated in Day 2 of the ESEAP Strategy Summit 2023, where I gained insights into the Wikimedia landscape in the East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Hub. It emphasized the importance of community collaboration within the broader Wikimedia Movement.

I also attended a Wikipedia Basic Workshop, which proved to be highly beneficial for newcomers like me. It provided a solid foundation and taught us how to utilize Wikipedia as a platform to disseminate free knowledge to those in need. The workshop was led by a friendly and knowledgeable volunteer from Wikimedian Indonesia who guided us through the basics of Wikipedia effectively.

Furthermore, I took part in the Wikimedia Commons Basics Workshop. Acquiring fundamental knowledge is essential as it equips me to handle more complex contributions within Wikimedia. I was delighted to learn about licensing for uploading on Wikimedia Commons, and the workshop was both enjoyable and informative.

In the evening, I had the pleasure of attending the opening reception of Wikimania 2023. It was an incredible experience as I had the opportunity to meet Wikimedians from 138 countries worldwide who had gathered in Singapore to celebrate the sharing of human knowledge. Everyone was dedicated to ensuring that people have access to this valuable information through Wikimedia, the free online source. Additionally, I was proud to learn that the Wikimedian of the Year 2023 hails from Malaysia, reinforcing my pride in being a part of the Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia.

17 August

I took part in the Wiki Loves Living Heritage Bazaar, where I gained insights into how they utilized Wiki as a platform to create the Wiki Loves Heritage Campaign. I also learned about their efforts to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Additionally, I participated in a session hosted by the Paiwan Wikimedian Community. During this session, they shared their journey from its inception to the growth of their community through Wikimedia.

18 August

I actively participated in the organization of the inaugural event for the Wiki Kent Club, a Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia initiative. This event was a fantastic opportunity to show support for the Wikimedia movement in Malaysia and the Wikimedia Foundation. Diverse community members, including those from the Paiwan Wikimedia Community, attended this meetup, making it a memorable occasion.

I volunteered as a room angel, responsible for taking notes during the sessions held in Room 324. This volunteering role lasted from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM and provided me with valuable insights on how to utilize Wikimedia for research purposes. I learned a great deal from individuals who had earned their PhDs by obtaining data through Wiki, highlighting the significance of information available on Wiki for various users. An example of this was the session titled "What I've Learned from a 5-Year PhD Journey: Exploring Wikidata as a Learning Platform." Additionally, I also participated in the Wikimedia sound logo event.

19 August

I took part in discussions about the future of Wikimania, aiming to gain insights into what lies ahead for this event and how we can plan for the future. During these discussions, I also learned about the scholarship opportunities provided for Wikimania from 2018 until 2024.

I also participated in the Sazau performance by Wikient and the Manuk Lembukun dances from Borneo. These performances were presented by indigenous people from the Wikimedia Community User Group Malaysia, specifically members of the Wiki Kent Club representing the Kadazandusun and Bajau communities. It was heartwarming to see people in the audience join in the dances and have a great time together.

Furthermore, there was a session discussing the idea of rebranding Wikimedia to attract the new generation. Embracing current trends, concepts like cosplay or the ACG (Anime, Comic, Games) world could be incorporated into Wikimedia to make it more appealing to younger audiences.

To wrap up Wikimania 2023, we enjoyed a Dinner and Dance event, which was a fantastic way to conclude the celebration of human knowledge. Everyone had a great time and it was a memorable evening.

Plans after the conference

To continue with the scheduled activities for the Wiki Kent Club as a component of the Wikimedia Movement in Malaysia. We are currently in the process of planning the upcoming event and aim to make a significant contribution to Wikimedia movement.

Comments/suggestions about the conference

Comment

The conference days in Singapore were delightful, thanks to the excellent event organization and services. I extend my gratitude to the Wikimedia Foundation for choosing me as a scholar this year and congratulations to the organizing committee for their efforts. Each session also offered a wealth of information that served as inspiration for my plans back in Malaysia.

Suggestion

• To offer additional scholarships for individuals who are unable to financially attend Wikimania in person but have a strong desire to participate.