Future Leaders Programme by Institute of Public Relations Malaysia

The Public Relations students of the School of Media and Communication, Taylor’s University kicked off their semester by attending a Leadership Programme in Kuala Kubu Bharu. This inaugural programme was organized by the Institute of Public Relations Malaysia (IPRM) for its IPRM Student Associations (IPRMSA). The objective of this programme was to create a networking platform for the leaders and Council Members of IPRMSA to explore activities and develop plans to make IPRMSA a platform in the universities that will prepare students for the Public Relations industry. The participants for the programme were IPRMSA students from Taylor’s University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi MARA Shah Alam and Melaka.

All participated universities were required to organize an activity during the programme. Among the activities organized was a dialogue with the alumni of IPRMSA Ms. Elliza Abdul Rahim from Essentials Business Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Mr. Rosli Ismail from Attana Hotels and Resorts Sdn Bhd. This dialogue was organized by Taylor’s University students. The objectives of this dialogue were to explore opportunities and the future of the public relations industry in the Volatile, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity (VUCA) world. Other universities organized games for the ice-breaking session and the closing of the programme.

The participants were also shown around the nearby village where it was occupied by the Orang Asli (aborigines). The highlights of the programme were the Townhall with the presence of its President, YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Ibrahim Abdul Rahman and IPRM members. The purpose of the Townhall was to create a platform for the participants to voice out their suggestions and concerns. The outcome of the Townhall was very encouraging as IPRM has always been committed towards any collaborations with IPRMSA and was supportive of activities at the university level. The IPRMSA Taylor’s Chapter participants were accompanied by the Lecturer Advisors, Ms. Marzura Abdul Malek and Dr. Ong Ai Ling.

Taylor's Culinary Institute's Involvement in Health Carnival for B40 Groups of Malaysians

Karnival Kesihatan (Health Carnival) is an initiative by Petaling Jaya, P105, Member of Parliament Ms. Maria Chin Abdullah to give the B40 group of Malaysians in her constituency, access to good and affordable health care. Her proposal was to have the Health Carnival once a month on the last Sunday of each month at various areas in Petaling Jaya that had been identified with the highest numbers of residents in the B40 economic band, which is considered the poorest in the country.

The first carnival was held in the community field of the low-cost flats in Lembah Subang. During the post-mortem, the organizing committee observed that many of the B40 residents that attended the carnival had health problems related to unhealthy eating habits and high consumption of unhealthy foods such as sugar, oil and processed foods. It was then suggested that in addition to the various medical related booths that provided services during the carnival, there was a need for a booth or workshop to educate the adults and children from B40 families on healthy eating habits and consuming less harmful foods and more nutritious foods.

Therefore, Taylor’s Culinary Institute (TCI) became involved in this Health Carnival. Four (4) Lecturers from TCI together with 20 students from various faculties volunteered their time for the second carnival which was held at the multipurpose hall of Masjid Jumhuriah.

Two workshops were conducted by the TCI F&B and Chef Lecturers. The first was a nutritious food demonstration by Chef Azuralisda Mohd Ghazali and Chef Nur Syirin Binti Mohd Said. Together with their student helpers from Taylor's, they conducted hourly workshops to teach the women of B40 families on how to prepare healthy and nutritious food. Ms. Jasmine Chen Yar Li and Mr. Rueben Suresh Arthur, Food & Beverage (F&B) Lecturers from TCI, conducted the second workshop aimed at kids. Ms. Jasmine came up with games to teach the kids the danger of consuming too much sugar, oil and processed foods. She organized coloring exercises and she also created a 4-page bilingual booklet that children could fill up or color and take home as a resource booklet.

Around 450 people attended the carnival and TCI was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the 2nd Karnival Kesihatan. The lecturers and students gained much insights on how to improve future awareness workshops and the plight of B40 group. TCI hopes to participate more such carnivals in future to help in changing and improving the lives of the B40 households as this is in line with Taylor's Impact Lab on Eradicating Poverty.

Shed Light on Mental Health Among Teens in Conjunction with World Mental Health Day

With the alarming statistics on teen mental health, the public is keen to learn about the warning signs, and what can be done to help these youth.

Mr. Justin Victor, Senior Lecturer from Taylor's School of Media and Communication who is also a certified trainer for over 22 years with Befrienders Kuala Lumpur, a Suicide Prevention Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), was invited to shed light on these issues by 3E, a training and empowerment company. This was part of their Virtual Interactive Platform (VIP) which offers free sessions to the public.

The talk entitled ‘Mental Health in Teens’ was in conjunction with the World Mental Health Day. The participants, who were adult teachers and parents were given an overview of the state of mental health among youth. Mr. Justin shared the following details from World Health Organization (WHO) (October, 2021):

• Globally, one in seven 10 - 19 year old's experiences a mental disorder, accounting for 13% of the global burden of disease in this age group.

• Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.

• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 - 29 year old's.

In Malaysia, the current statistics shows that there are about at least 5 deaths by suicide and about 100 suicide attempts each day. The concern is that many of these victims are teens. He stressed that it is important to address adolescent mental health because the conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.

The session included a look at the warning signs so that people can identify youth who are troubled and possibly suicidal. A good source suggested is https://www.take5tosavelives.org/ which has resources on learning the signs, knowing how to help, practicing self-care, reaching out and spreading the word to those in need that there is help for them.