KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 — A total of 85 per cent of respondents in a study conducted by Kearney said that TikTok helps make learning more accessible, while 72 per cent said the platform supports self-improvement and skill enhancement for career and academic development.
The study stated that 84 per cent of respondents found TikTok helpful in connecting various cultures.
The findings also showed that 65 per cent of respondents agreed that the platform fosters a sense of belonging among Malaysians and encourages local community involvement.
In terms of learning, local TikTok content creator and tuition teacher Fathi Hussein (@mathsanova) said education needs to be more accessible and not limited to physical classrooms.
“Education belongs to everyone and needs to go beyond the physical classroom. When we make a learning topic enjoyable and inclusive, we ignite a passion for lifelong learning, not just to pass exams,” said Fathi.
Ahmad Shahrul Azhan Ibrahim (@sir_asai), an English teacher with over 25 years of experience, said that the pronunciation tutorial content he shares on TikTok makes learning more approachable.
“Millions of Malaysians who watch to learn voluntarily prove that when education is delivered in an entertaining and approachable manner, we can elevate the entire community through the sharing of knowledge,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ku Sim Ling (@professionalbimbo), known as Aunty HR on TikTok, said that her more than 20 years of experience in the workforce solutions industry motivated her to share knowledge about employee and employer rights with a wider community through digital platforms.
In terms of culture, Chin Pui Ting (@deadpudds), known as Pudds on TikTok and the creator of the ‘Mystical Malaysia’ content series, said that sharing about the cultural diversity and traditions of Malaysia can help enhance the nation’s understanding of the different communities and cultures.
Meanwhile, involvement in culturally related content also opens up opportunities for local entrepreneurs like Nur Farrah Diba Azhar (@farrahdibakuihbakul) and Haniesah Lai Abdullah (@mamacahkitchen) to offer Muslim-friendly variations of traditional Chinese dishes like nian gao and bak chang on TikTok Shop.
Researcher Muhammad Azamudeen Mohammad Nasir (@azamuddeennasir) from Pekan, who is pursuing a PhD in Peat Swamp Fish Ecology and Genetics, also shares content related to nature and science on TikTok.
He said the online community is now evolving beyond mere entertainment, with digital platforms also becoming channels for public discourse, social progress, and the conservation of the country’s biodiversity.
Human rights activist and founder of Mekar Kami, Roshinee Mookaiah (@roshineemookaiah), is utilising online space to advocate for civic engagement through the ‘Dilarang Ponteng Parlimen’ (No Parliamentary Truancy) petition on TikTok, which has successfully gathered 1,475 signatures.
Meanwhile, the study found that 79 per cent of respondents use TikTok to explore hobbies, while 77 per cent utilise it to help manage stress.
National ice skater and two-time SEA Games gold medalist Ashley Chin (@hyeminkiim_) said that sharing her journey and training on TikTok allows the sport to reach a wider audience, thereby inspiring Malaysians to stay active for a healthy mind and body.
Also sharing an interest in the creative field are Jelly Belly (@jellybelyyy), Mohamad Arif Ameerais Azhar (@ameerais) and Yumi (@jo.ppc1231), who showcase their singing and musical talents through TikTok LIVE as a source of income.
At the same time, mental health organisations on TikTok such as MIASA Malaysia (@miasa.malaysia), The Inner Lynk (@theinnerlynk), and Sage Centre (@thesagecentre) share tips related to self-care and stress management.
Certified counsellor and The Inner Lynk managing director Gia G. Kon said that open discussions about mental health through online communities can help reduce stigma and encourage more individuals to seek support.
“Due to stigma, therapy sessions are sometimes considered difficult to access by many people. When we openly discuss mental health, we break the silence caused by isolation and democratise emotional support,” he said.
The study, which involved 1,003 Malaysians, consisted of 59 per cent female respondents and 41 per cent male, with 990 people using TikTok at least once a week.
