South by Southwest (SXSW)
South by Southwest (SXSW) is a global gathering of creative thinkers, industry leaders and innovators, bringing together ideas at the intersection of technology, media, business and culture. Held annually in Austin, Texas, the festival features discussions, exhibitions and interactive experiences that explore emerging trends and developments shaping the future.
As part of WKWSCI's Master of Media and Communication programme, students attend SXSW to gain first-hand exposure to developments in digital technology, creativity and communication. Through industry sessions, interactive showcases and networking opportunities, they engage with new ideas and perspectives beyond the classroom.
The experience connects classroom learning with emerging industry practices, encouraging students to explore how technology influences audiences, organisations and society while gaining fresh perspectives they can apply to their professional work.
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WKWSCI Master of Media and Communication students during their SXSW experience in Austin, Texas.
Experience SXSW
Watch highlights from WKWSCI's SXSW experience and discover the festival through the eyes of our students, from exploring emerging technologies and creative ideas to learning beyond the classroom.
About MC6348 Issues in Interactive Advertising
MC6348 Issues in Interactive Advertising explores the challenges facing modern advertisers and develops students' creative storytelling and strategic thinking skills. Through ideation, strategic insights and an understanding of cultural and social trends, students learn to develop creative solutions to contemporary advertising challenges and global competition briefs. The course alternates between two major international conferences.
As part of the course, students spend 10 days in Austin, Texas, attending South by Southwest (SXSW). The festival brings together creative professionals, marketers, brands and innovators from around the world, with a focus on technology, innovation and digital creativity. Through conference sessions, exhibitions and immersive experiences, students gain first-hand exposure to emerging ideas and trends across the global creative industry.
Explore our students' reflections in the SXSW e-book →
Student Perspectives
Hear from our students about their experiences at South by Southwest (SXSW).
"For me, attending SXSW 2024 was like stepping into the future, shaped by visionary minds, groundbreaking technology, and, of course, celebrities. The SXSW, a 'hot pot' of innovation, presented conversations about future trends, storytelling with XR, tech sustainability, and digital platforms' role in global communities.
Each day at SXSW 2024 was a journey through the transformative potential of human creativity related to tech, offering insights that left us all feeling optimistic and forward-thinking about the future of technology."
Chandler Liu Geng Lin
MMC, Class of 2024
"The trip to SXSW was undoubtedly a milestone. I like to go to museums very much because just around the corner, there might be a concept that will blow my mind and help me have a new perception of the world. SXSW was like one huge and endless museum–an infinite number of lectures and experiences ready to open new doors in the brain."
Daria Bocharova
MMC, Class of 2024
"Immersing myself in the electrifying atmosphere of SXSW 2024 in Austin was nothing short of a revelation. It was here, amidst the pulsating heart of innovation, that I ventured beyond the conventional, exploring the frontier of advertising, AI, and the intricate dance of consumer insights.
With gratitude, this unparalleled experience has enriched my academic pursuits and crystallised the importance of embracing future technologies for professional growth."
Ines Wang Yi Min
MMC, Class of 2024
"One particular talk that stood out was dismantling white supremacy in design thinking. The speakers discussed the biases that subconsciously manifest in the designs we make.
The most poignant takeaway for me was: if the systems previously designed uphold injustice, then today, we have the agency to redesign them to be better for everyone. I will take this philosophy with me and let it settle in my actions."
Denise Nicole Uy
MMC, Class of 2024