Industry Insights on Global Trends in the Entertainment Industry

Mr. Rizal Kamal, President of Arts, Live Festival and Events Association (ALIFE), Chief Executive Officer of LOL Asia and Adjunct Senior Lecturer of School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Taylor's University was invited as a Guest Lecturer for the Events & Entertainment module.

LOL Asia has won the ‘Best Entertainment Company’ in the BOSS Awards and President of ALIFE for the 3rd term which advocates for the development of Art, Live Events, Concerts and Festivals to boost the live performance industry. Mr. Rizal's achievements are recognized as M2’s Leading Men, Clive Men of 2011, Prestige’s Top 40 under 40, Newman’s Creative Pioneer Award, Augustman A-Lister and Augustman Men of The Year.

With over 50 students enrolled in this module in the present semester, Mr. Rizal had prepared a very interactive session with a lot of Q&As that took place during the lecture. Students were exposed to the global trends in entertainment industry such as the rise of short videos, SVOD competition heats up, gaming goes hyperdrive and post pandemic live concerts.

Mr. Rizal also shared some of the top short-form video trends such as influencer ads, user-generated content, soundless optimization, behind the scenes video and many more. Students also had the opportunity to hear from the industry experts on the importance of entertainment and how this competent contributed to the success of an event.

“It is very interesting to know the trends in the industry that I also didn’t know. I feel more enjoy learning this module listening to Mr. Rizal’s sharing session” – Mariyam Shaufa, Bachelor of International Events Management (Hons.), Year 1 Student.

Indeed, it was a good learning experience for the students as it exposed students to the practical aspects and, to a certain extent, the know-how so that they will be able to translate theories and concepts into practice as well as enhanced students’ understanding of the topic.

The Scientist-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychologists Dialogue Series

The role of a Clinical Psychologist is often misunderstood and seen as only conducting psychotherapy for those with mental health issues. However, that is not all. It's also to increase awareness, understanding, and equip the attendees with the right mindset and knowledge about the role of a Clinical Psychologist. The Master of Clinical Psychology programme had successfully organized a Psychology Dialogue Series webinar titled "The Scientist-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychologists".

The webinar was led by Taylor’s University’s Clinical Psychologists and Lecturers, Ms. Faeza Hasnan and Dr. Michele Anne, emceed and moderated by the university’s very own Master of Clinical Psychology students, Ms. Cheng Zhi Whi and Ms. Nabilah Hamzah respectively. The webinar kick-started with an ice-breaking session in which both speakers shared personal tidbits including education and work experiences. This was followed by Dr. Michele's enlightening session on the concept of The Scientist-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychologists.

During the session, Dr. Michele highlighted the complementary interrelation between research and clinical practice, whereby one informs or influences the other in a continuous cycle. For example, the kind of insights, patterns or questions gained from clinical practice help a Clinical Psychologist to identify possible research questions or research gaps which then serves as a direction for them to find the answers through research. Similarly, findings from this research area will shape the way a Clinical Psychologist works with their clients in terms of diagnosing and providing intervention that is suitable and following evidence-based practice.

The webinar further moved along with more knowledge sharing sessions, including one on the pathway and the necessary qualities to become a Clinical Psychologist.

As the work of a Clinical Psychologist encompasses not one but many roles, the speakers also shared about how they strike a balance between professional and personal lives. Learning to set boundaries, prioritizing and managing expectations are some of the important elements in having a balanced life. Furthermore, being mindful and listening to your own body and practicing self-care is equally important to avoid burnout.

Taylor’s University Bachelor of Performing Arts Students Hailed as the Trailblazers of the Industry!

Directors of Production (left to right): Reyhaneh, Lor Qian Hui, Kim Ki Ho, Keith Toh & Nurin Naqiyah

Taylor’s University and The Actors Studio (TUTAS) Performing Arts Conservatory Degree students entertained the audiences with an array of performances that skillfully combined culture and the contemporary. Titled 5:4:3:2:1, the graduation production of the final year students, drew upon the histories, observations and aspirations of its 5 Directors to present stunning collages of life. 5:4:3:2:1 was highlighted by 6 main publications and received glowing reviews with The Star newspaper calling it ‘A Stunning Performance!’.

"Taylor's Night", an evening began with an inspiring speech by Taylor’s University Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Chief Academic Officer, Prof. Dr. Pradeep Nair who said “We designed our Bachelor of Performing Arts to be a conservatory programme where students spend most of everyday doing what they absolutely love all the while working closely with experts and not just the usual lectures that you would get at university. In the conservatory programme there is intensive artistic training in a creative environment where most of the training takes place at Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre (KLPAC) and designed to push aspiring students to become wonderful Artists”.

The Director of Production, Nurin Naqiyah’s explosive opener was a movement piece, a meditation on image, glamour and fashion. The students paraded down the catwalk providing laughs and some food for thought. Lor Qian Hui’s play followed next, with two of the TUTAS students bringing life to a story on revenge. The third and fourth piece by Keith Toh and Reyhaneh drew upon the cultures of the directors, Iranian and Terengganu, to showcase colourful vignettes from other lands. The last piece, by Kim Ki Ho from Korea presented a beautiful story on piety, complete with dance and traditional costumes.

The production benefitted from the guidance of its Adjunct Professors Joe Hasham OAM and Dato' Dr. Faridah Merican, and Lecturers, Mark Beau de Silva, Tung Jit Yang and Ian Chow, who are the industry experts with years of experience.

In his speech, Joe Hasham mentioned that even before graduating, the students of TUTAS are already being sought after in the performing arts industry, as testament to the efficacy and excellence of the programme. It's no wonder then, that students from the programme have been hailed as the trailblazers of the industry in Malaysia and globally.