International Communication Management

Originally from Malaysia, I bring a multicultural perspective to my work in international higher education. After earning my degree in Communication Science and Philosophy in the United States, I began my career in corporate communication, holding positions such as PR Manager and Deputy Director of Corporate Communications at a multinational organization.  About 26 years ago, I was invited by the former Director of HEBO to join the European Studies programme at THUAS.  Since then, I have continued my academic journey at THUAS, transitioning to ICM programme, where I mainly teach in the areas of corporate communications. My commitment to education is driven by a passion for cross-cultural learning, student growth, and the evolving field of global communication. 

I started his teaching career in 2012 right after completing my PhD in Media Studies at the University of Amsterdam. I teach various courses related to qualitative research skills, journalism, and media relations both at ICM (BA) and at MICM (MA), amongst other subjects. My current research interests are focused on Ethics of Journalism and on innovative pedagogies in higher education. 

I also investigate and publish on the workings and political and social implications of collective memory in my country of origin, Rwanda. Prior to embracing my academic career, I worked as a journalist both in Africa and Europe for international media outlets including the UN News and Information Agency (IRIN), Radio France International, Deutsche Welle, The Economist Intelligence Unit, and Africa News. Between 2007 and 2015, I coordinated a citizen journalism project that aimed to empower grassroots reporters throughout Africa. I trained and coached more than 100 citizen journalists in 8 African countries.

Before coming to THUAS in 2012, I worked as a television producer for broadcasters such as the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation),Vision TV, (Canada’s national, multi-faith television network) and OMNI Television (a Canadian multi-cultural station) for nearly twenty years. I also had the opportunity to work as the international campaign manager for SNV (The Netherlands Development Organisation), where I designed, coordinated, and implemented the ‘Making a Difference’ campaign in association with Euronews.  

Aside from teaching at ICM, I am also an enthusiastic member of the Research Group Change Management at the Hague University. Since 2015, I have been conducting research about the role of gossip in organizations. I have written a book: "Have I Got Dirt for You: Using Office Gossip to your Advantage" and published two academic papers on the topic.   

I have been working at THUAS and for ICM since August 2022. I am teaching various modules such as Research skills, DTP, Consulting with Impact, Global Issues, Communication and Behaviour, as well as supervising students through their placement (graduation internship). Once as a student myself, I studied communications and information sciences for masters, and did lots of research on multimodal communication (using both words and non-spoken language like gestures) for my PhD.  

When I am not working, you can find me walking my dog Lucie, or at the gym, or dancing salsa.

"With a Master’s in Business Administration and Economics from VU Amsterdam, I worked in marketing at Unilever and Royal Wessanen, and later in corporate communication at design agency Cascade. In 2008 I helped set up the ICM programme — and I’m still here because I love it.

I enjoy the international character of ICM, the small scale that allows us to know students personally, and the focus on making a positive impact through communication. This gives me energy every day.

I would decribe ICM as: International, positive, personal.”  

“Wat ik het leukste vond aan de opleiding ICM was de praktische aanpak. Door middel van verschillende groepsprojecten en casestudy's van echte klanten, zoals British Airways, word je voorbereid op het echte werkende leven. Tot slot is de verplichte stage/werkervaring in het laatste semester een geweldige kennismaking met de arbeidsmarkt.” 

"Mijn ervaring met studeren en afstuderen aan De Haagse overtrof mijn verwachtingen. Als student heb ik de nodige inzichten opgedaan waarmee een communicatiespecialist naar de professionele wereld moet kijken. Ik heb deelgenomen aan projecten voor echte bedrijven. Een van hen bood me een stage aan en nam me uiteindelijk in dienst als brandingmanager. Ik had me dus geen betere onderwijservaring kunnen wensen. Bedankt, Haagse Hogeschool!"

“Ik heb met plezier de opleiding International Communication Management gedaan. De docenten zorgen voor een zorgzame, respectvolle omgeving. Ik deed academische kennis op. De diverse groepsopdrachten en uitdagingen zorgden voor persoonlijke groei. Ik leerde van mijn internationale medestudenten en ontwikkelde interculturele communicatieve vaardigheden: essentieel in de huidige mondiale arbeidsmarkt. De opdrachten hebben me goed voorbereid op praktijksituaties. ICM heeft me echt de vaardigheden en het zelfvertrouwen gegeven om te slagen in de professionele wereld.”

“The International Communication Management program was an excellent experience that provided me with a strong foundation through its multidisciplinary approach, covering Marketing, Corporate, and Public Communication while prioritizing cross-cultural understanding and ethical practices. 

Working on group projects in an international environment allowed me to enhance my collaboration and communication skills. Engaging in practical tasks such as tackling communication challenges, working on case studies with real companies, creating content, and producing comprehensive reports enabled me to apply theoretical concepts creatively and develop innovative solutions. Additionally, selecting minors in European Marketing & Economic Competitiveness and Crisis Communication expanded my expertise and strategic perspective. 

This program prepared me exceptionally well to pursue a Master's degree in Strategic Marketing in Maastricht, Netherlands, and a successful career in communications. I highly recommend it to anyone passionate about communications and determined to use its power to make a positive difference in the world.”