Taylor’s Co-organizes 5th International Conference on Special Education (ICSE) 2023 with SEAMEO SEN

Taylor’s School of Education in partnership with the Southeast Asia Minister of Education Organization Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN), co-organised the prestigious 5th International Conference on Special Education (ICSE) 2023 that was held in Taylor's University Lakeside Campus. SEAMEO SEN is a regional intergovernmental organization established in 2012 among governments of Southeast Asian countries to enhance quality Disability-Inclusive Education practices in South East Asia (SEA) region.

ICSE 2023 with the theme of "Gearing Towards Disability-Inclusive Education Recovery", welcomed more than 500 attendees from 15 countries, and sparked global dialogue on key strategies for inclusive education recovery. The conference provided new insights in teaching and learning especially in tackling post-pandemic learning recoveries. Educators, Education Officers, Parents and the public had the opportunity to better understand and enhance their knowledge and skills in Disability-Inclusive Education. The conference also served as an important platform for educators to exchange best practices, ideas, establish networking as well as gaining ideas and knowledge of current trends in the area of Disability-Inclusive Education.

A unique feature of ICSE 2023 was that it was held concurrently with an Innovation Competition which aimed to promote creative and innovative culture in disability-inclusive education, address Southeast Asia issues with practical solutions, and produce the most outstanding talents for product development, further research, and commercialization especially among Disability-Inclusive Education educators.

The conference, graced by Dr. Ahmad Rafee Bin Che Kassim, Deputy Director General of Education Malaysia (Teachers Professional Development), Ministry of Education Malaysia, featured three Keynote Speakers and six Plenary Speakers, collectively mapping out impactful strategies for disability-inclusive education recovery. It was also honored to have Prof. Dr. Pradeep Nair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of Taylor’s University, a passionate advocate for quality and inclusive education, delivered a welcome speech to all delegates.

In addition to the conference, Taylor’s University also hosted the Board Members from all 11 Southeast Asian countries for their 11th SEAMEO SEN Governing Board Meeting 2023, emphasizing regional collaboration and a collective commitment to advancing special education.

This collaborative effort reflected Taylor’s commitment to enhancing the quality of Special Educational Needs in the Southeast Asian region. Supported by Taylor's Education for All Impact Lab and the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, this marked a historic milestone, as Taylor’s University became the first Malaysian University to collaborate with SEAMEO SEN in such a collaboration.

As we celebrate this milestone, gratitude was extended to all contributors, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that are reshaping the landscape of inclusive education for learners with disabilities.

The Ultimate Culinary Experience with Chef James Won for Taylor's Hospitality & Culinary Students

On December 9th, 2023, Taylor’s Culinary Institute had the pleasure of hosting a dining experience featuring Malaysia’s Celebrity Chef, James Won, at the Truffles Restaurant, Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus. Chef James was the former Chef Patron of Enfin by James Won and is currently the Chef Patron of the newly launched restaurant Shin’Labo by James Won, which is also home to Asia’s only Krug Chef’s Table (Ryoutei).

The evening celebrated Malaysian flavors and culinary innovation. Chef James Won, known for his culinary expertise and inventive flair, curated an exquisite dinner with Taylor’s Culinary Institute Advanced Diploma in Patisserie & Gastronomic Cuisine students that delighted palates and immersed guests in a sensory gastronomic journey. Among the exquisite culinary creations, the esteemed guests were Her Royal Highness Tuanku Sultanah Kalsom, the former Sultanah consort of Pahang; His Excellency Axel Cruau, the esteemed Ambassador of France in Malaysia, and Yang Berbahagia Datuk (Dr.) Chef Redzuawan Ismail (Chef Wan), a celebrated Malaysian culinary icon whose presence added cultural significance and culinary appreciation to the evening.

The evening featured a captivating six-course menu with a fusion of Malaysian flavors meticulously paired with Krug champagne and delightful wines. The menu allowed guests to dive in and appreciate local cuisine more than ever, especially how the local elements contributed to such an exclusive dining experience. Additionally, the event provided an invaluable learning experience for the students, offering them direct interaction and insights from Chef James Won. Through demonstrations and conversations, Chef James shared his passion and techniques, inspiring the next generation of culinary professionals.

Taylor’s Culinary Institute was honored to have hosted Chef James Won and all esteemed guests and participants, whose presence elevated the event into an extraordinary dinner service by our front-of-house students from the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management and Diploma in Hotel Management. 

Malaysia's First Accredited Clinical Psychology Programme by MAHPC in Taylor's University!

We are thrilled to announce that Taylor’s University Master of Clinical Psychology programme has received Full Accreditation (FA) from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) on November 29, 2023. The Clinical Psychology programmes will now be accredited by the professional body, the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC) commencing July , through MQA. Taylor's University is proud to be the first Clinical Psychology programme in Malaysia to receive full accreditation from MAHPC, demonstrating our commitment to delivering exceptional education and meeting the highest professional standards.

The accreditation process included a comprehensive visit to Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus in September. The visit was welcomed by key university personnel, including Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Madam Ungku Nazli, Registrar, Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of School, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Puspa Melati Wan Abdul Halim, Head of Department, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Dr. Lim Hooi Shan, Programme Director, Master of Clinical Psychology.

The Faculty and School would like to extend special recognition to the Registry and Quality Assurance team, led by Madam Ungku Nazli Ungku Ismail, Prof. Dr. Don Mohamad Abdullah Hemdi, Madam Norisnini Sidek, and Madam Nor Haizan Haromshah. Additionally, the Faculty and School also acknowledge the contributions of the academic team, including Dr. Sam Jeng Mun, Ms. Faeza Hasnan, Dr. Michele Anne, and Ms. Nur Haidzat Abd Wahid, to the success of the accreditation process.

The esteemed panel of auditors appointed by MAHPC, including Prof. Dr. Zubaidah Jamil Osman from the Management & Science University and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahadir bin Ahmad from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, supported by the MQA Officer, Mr. Mohd Hafifi bin Mohd Mazlan, played a pivotal role in ensuring the thoroughness and fairness of the accreditation process.

Since its commencement in August 2021, Taylor's Master of Clinical Psychology programme has been dedicated to providing high-quality education to nurture the next generation of Clinical Psychologists. With the first cohort set to graduate in January 2024, the attainment of full accreditation status signifies compliance with MQA programme standards and the Allied Health Professions Act 2016, enabling our graduates to become a Registered Clinical Psychologist under the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council and as the Full Member of Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology.

We eagerly anticipate the impact our graduates will have in the field of mental health as competent and ethical Clinical Psychologists. This accomplishment affirms the unwavering commitment of our university community to excellence in education and the pursuit of professional advancement. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support to our programme as we celebrate this significant milestone.