NexSymp:1st International Symposium on Creative Multimedia, Research and Practice in the AI Era (AI-CREM 2026)
Reimagining Creativity through Artificial Intelligence
About the Symposium
The 1st International Symposium on Creative Multimedia, Research and Practice in the AI Era (AI-CREM 2026) is an international interdisciplinary platform that brings together academicians, researchers, practitioners, creative professionals, and students to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in reshaping creative multimedia practices.
Aligned with the theme “Reimagining Creativity through Artificial Intelligence,” this symposium aims to critically examine how AI is not only a tool but a collaborative creative agent influencing storytelling, design, filmmaking, interactive media, and digital communication.
AI-CREM 2026 aspires to bridge research and practice, fostering meaningful dialogue between theoretical frameworks and real-world creative applications in the evolving digital ecosystem.
Interested domains of the symposium include, but are not limited to:
Artificial Intelligence & Creative Intelligence
(AI-assisted creativity, Generative AI in media, Machine learning for creative applications, Neural networks in visual storytelling, Intelligent creative agents, and Human-AI co-creation models)
Film, Storytelling & Media Production
(AI in scriptwriting and narrative design, Virtual production and digital cinematography, AI-driven editing and post-production, Synthetic media and deepfake technologies, and evolving authorship in filmmaking)
Creative Digital Arts, Design & Interactive Media
(Generative art and AI illustration, Animation and motion graphics, UI/UX and visual communication, Game design and interactive environments, XR (AR/VR/MR) storytelling, and experiential media)
Communication, Culture, Ethics & Society
(AI and cultural representation, Ethics and bias in AI-generated content, Digital identity, AI in social communication, and societal impact of AI in creative industries)
Creative Industry, Innovation & Practice-Based Research
(AI in advertising and media industries, Creative entrepreneurship, Digital content production pipelines, Innovation in business models, Practice-based research (NTROs), and multimedia creative works)
Submission and Publication
| Track 1: MMU Press Journals (Registration fee: Free) |
Track 2: Associated Journals (Scopus) (Registration fee: USD60) |
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| • Pathway to publication in MMU Press journals. • Free (No APC)  AI, Creative Media & Emerging Technologies:Submission via International Journal of Creative Multimedia (IJCM) ISSN: 2716-6333 : (select under section: NexSymp: AI-CREM2026)Paper Submission Guidelines (OJS Manual):
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• Currently, no associated Scopus-indexed journal pathways are available for AI-CREM submissions. Updates will be announced on this page if new pathways become available.
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Authors who have submitted a new paper via OJS or CMT are required to complete the Paper Submission Form here: Paper Submission Form
Publication Notes
- All submissions are subject to peer review and editorial decision.
- Acceptance for presentation does not guarantee final journal publication as it is subject to authors completing all required revisions and editorial requirements.
- Final publication decisions rest with the respective journal editors.
- APC/Publication fees (if applicable) are separate from the NexSymp registration fee and payable directly by the authors to the respective journals/publishers upon acceptance. Publication fees and arrangements may vary depending on the respective journal’s review, editorial, and publication procedures under the symposium collaboration arrangement.
- Important: While Track 2 provides access to journals that are currently Scopus-indexed, Scopus indexing is not guaranteed by NexSymp Summit 2026 or MMU Press. Indexing status is determined solely by the respective journals and indexing bodies, and may change at any time. Authors are advised to verify a journal’s current indexing status independently before submission.
- Papers not selected for associated Scopus-indexed journals may be considered for the NexSymp Summit Proceedings (eISBN) published by MMU Press, subject to editorial review and quality requirements.
| Track 1: MMU Press Journals | Track 2: Associated Journals (Scopus) | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee | Free | USD 60 |
| APC/ Publication fees | None | May apply (payable to the journal) |
| Submission system | Direct submission to MMU Press journals (OJS) | CMT |
| Publication scope | MMU Press journals | Associated Scopus-indexed journals |
| Fallback if not published | Not applicable | NexSymp Summit Proceedings (eISBN) |
Keynote Speakers
Professor Gunalan Nadarajan
Dean Emeritus & Professor
University of Michigan
Professor Gunalan Nadarajan is Dean Emeritus and Professor of Art and Design at the University of Michigan, and an internationally recognised scholar, curator, educator, and academic leader. He served as Dean of the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design from 2012 to 2022, advancing interdisciplinary research and global partnerships across art, design, science, engineering, and emerging technologies. He has also held academic and leadership positions at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Penn State University, and LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapore. His research focuses on contemporary art, media arts, design, sustainability, bio art, nano art, and the intersection of art, science, and technology. A sought-after keynote speaker, curator, and advisor, he continues to contribute to international creative scholarship and interdisciplinary education.
Santharuban Thurai Sundaram
Renowned Marketing and Business Leader
Former Chief Executive Officer, Etika Group of Companies
(Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei & Exports)
Santharuban Thurai Sundaram is an accomplished Malaysian marketing and business leader with more than two decades of experience in brand management, marketing, commercial strategy, and executive leadership. Beginning his career at Etika, he rose to become one of Malaysia’s youngest CEOs in the FMCG industry, leading a portfolio of internationally recognised brands including Pepsi, Wonda Coffee, Goodday Milk, Tropicana, Mountain Dew, Calpis, and Revive. His leadership has focused on innovation, consumer insights, digital transformation, and sustainable growth across regional markets. He has also contributed to industry sustainability initiatives through the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA). Today, he shares his expertise on branding, leadership, innovation, artificial intelligence, and the future of marketing.
Invited Speakers
Rames Harikrishnasamy
Award-winning Malaysian Digital Artist, Designer & Adobe Creative Influencer
Rames Studios
Rames Harikrishnasamy is an award-winning Malaysian digital artist, designer, and creative influencer known for his photorealistic digital art and cinematic visual storytelling. As the founder of Rames Studios, he blends mythology, popular culture, and emerging digital technologies to create compelling visual experiences. A self-taught artist, his expertise spans digital illustration, concept art, visual design, and AI-assisted creative workflows. Recognised as an Adobe Creative Influencer representing the Asia-Pacific region, Rames regularly shares his expertise through workshops, keynote presentations, tutorials, and creative collaborations. He is also passionate about empowering the next generation of digital creators through creativity, self-learning, and emerging technologies.
Emalina Aimi Edris
AI Adoption Specialist / Communication & Digital Transformation Specialist
Reiki Consulting
Emalina Aimi Edris is an AI Adoption Specialist and Communications & Digital Transformation Strategist with over 15 years of experience in organisational change, digital transformation, and workforce development, including leadership roles at PETRONAS. Currently with Reiki Consulting, she specialises in helping organisations integrate AI into everyday work through practical, human-centred adoption strategies. Her expertise includes AI-powered tools such as Microsoft Copilot and Adobe AI, as well as digital learning and change management. A passionate advocate for responsible AI adoption, she conducts workshops and leadership programmes that empower individuals and organisations to embrace emerging technologies and drive meaningful business transformation.
Dates and Registration
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Description |
Deadline |
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Full paper submission deadline |
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Paper acceptance notification |
15 August 2026 |
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Camera ready submission |
24 August 2026 |
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Registration deadline |
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| Symposium date |
29-30 September 2026 |
REGISTRATION FEES AND PAYMENT INFO
Registration and presentation at NexSymp Summit 2026 are required for all accepted papers to proceed with publication consideration.
Fee Structure
|
Tracks |
Registration Fees (excl. APCs) |
| Track 1: MMU Press Journals | Free |
| Track 2: Associated Journals (Scopus) | If you require an invoice, please fill up this form |
What the Registration Fee Covers
- Conference participation
- Presentation of accepted paper
- Access to the selected submission tracks
Important Fee Notes
- Registration fee covers symposium participation only.
- APC/Publication fees (if applicable) is separate from the registration fee and payable directly by the authors to the respective journal upon acceptance.
- Each accepted paper requires at least one registered author.
- Non-registration or non-presentation may result in withdrawal from publication consideration.
Who Should Attend?
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students in creative multimedia, film, design, computer science, and related fields
- Researchers and academicians in AI, creative media, communication, and digital technologies
- Filmmakers, content creators, designers, and multimedia practitioners
- Industry professionals in media, technology, and creative industries
- Innovators, technologists, and AI practitioners
- Policy makers and stakeholders in the digital and creative economy
Chair
Chair: Ts. Dr. Vimala Perumal (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Co-Chair: Ts. Dr. Khong Chee Weng (Multimedia University, Malaysia), Ms. Nor Alley binti Zulkafly (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Program Chair: TBA
Technical Chairs:
- Dr. Elyna Amir Sharji (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Muhd. Tamim Faruq (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Khairun Niza Mohd Radzi (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Ts. Dr. Khong Chee Weng (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Publication Chair:
- Ts. Dr. Khong Chee Weng (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Dr. Elyna Amir Sharji (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Ms. Hanafizan Binti Hussain (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Collaboration Chairs:
- Mohd. Khairy Ishar (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Dr. Syarifah Nurleyana Wafa (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Yusran Mazalan (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Creative Works Chairs:
- Dr. Anis Haron (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Qushairy Zazili (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Publicity Chairs:
- Muhd. Syahmi Aziz (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Mohd Nazri Rusli (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Secretariat:
- Noralizah Abd Ali (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
- Kamal Sujak (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Logistic:
- Nor Azima Amir Norhalim (Multimedia University, Malaysia)
Technical Program Committee:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alex Tan Wei Kian (Raffles University)
- Dr Juaina Binti Ahmad Fadzil (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology)
CMT Acknowledgement
The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this conference. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.
Collaborators:
Technical Sponsor: