Celebrating a Milestone of Taylor’s University and Institut Pertanian Bogor University, Indonesia Forge a Strategic Partnership

The School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University marked a new chapter in academic collaboration and global engagement by officially signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Department of Communication and Community Development Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB University), Indonesia. The signing took place at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, outlined several key objectives and commitments to enhance the educational and research experiences of both institutions. IPB University currently ranked # 1 in South East Asia in the QS world university ranking by subject Agriculture & Forestry.

The agreement was signed and witnessed by leaders from both institutions. Taylor’s University was represented by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media and Communication. IPB University was represented by Dr. Sofyan Sjaf, Dean of the Faculty of Human Ecology, and Dr. Megawati Simanjuntak, Vice Dean of Education and Student Affairs in the Department of Communication and Community Development Sciences.

The primary objective of the MoA is to facilitate the exchange of academic staff, administrative personnel, and students between Taylor’s University and IPB University. This cross-cultural interaction aims to broaden the horizons of individuals involved and strengthen the academic fabric of both institutions. Through the exchange programmes, faculty members will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different academic environments, gaining valuable insights and perspectives. Similarly, students will benefit from exposure to diverse teaching methodologies, research facilities, and cultural experiences, contributing to their holistic development.

The second key objective of the MoA is the development of joint research programmes and collaborations. By pooling intellectual resources, this partnership aims to tackle global challenges and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. The collaborative research initiatives will involve faculty members and provide students with the chance to participate in cutting-edge research projects. This dynamic approach to learning and discovery aligns with the universities' commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators and thought leaders. The MoA emphasizes the exchange of academic information and publications, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and intellectual growth. Both universities commit to providing access to their academic resources, including journals, research papers, and publications, to enrich the academic pursuits of their respective communities.

One exciting prospect arising from this partnership is the organization of joint conferences, symposia, and other scientific meetings on subjects of mutual interest. By bringing together experts, scholars, and students from diverse backgrounds, these events aim to stimulate interdisciplinary discussions, foster innovation, and create a platform for the exchange of ideas. The joint conferences will serve as a nexus for networking, enabling participants to establish connections that transcend the boundaries of their home institutions. Additionally, this collaborative approach to academic discourse promises to break new ground and inspire innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

The MoA goes beyond the specified objectives, acknowledging the dynamic nature of academic collaboration. Both universities expressed their commitment to exploring and implementing additional exchange and cooperation programmes as agreed upon by both parties. This flexibility allows the partnership to adapt to evolving academic landscapes and seize opportunities for mutual growth.

Malaysian Thriller Play by Taylor's University Bachelor of Performing Arts Students - 'MARIAM'

Taylor’s University’s Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons) programme has once again proven its commitment to nurturing the next generation of performing artists through a series of remarkable achievements in 2023. This year showcased its dedication to internationalization, collaboration, and creativity through the staging of the August 2023 semester’s Production Practicum, ‘Mariam’. The play, set mainly in rural Malaysia, tells the story of Daniel, who plans to unravel the mystery of his disappearance with the help of a new friend.

Notably, the production was entirely crafted by the students themselves, showcasing their talent not only in performance but also in writing and directing. This marked a testament to the programme’s commitment to providing a holistic theatre education, fostering well-rounded artists capable of contributing to all aspects of the dramatic arts. In a significant move for 2024, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer of Taylor’s University, Professor Dr. Pradeep Nair, in his opening speech, introduced two new specializations - Dance and Music. These additions, will be led by the distinguished figures in their respective fields, Professor Dr. Joseph Gonzales, Founder and Artistic Director, ASK Dance Company for Dance; and Susanna Saw, Director and Founder of the Young Choral Academy for Music, signify a bold step toward enhancing individual talents. The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons) programme produces world-class performers by providing students with specialized training under the guidance of industry luminaries.

Present at the Production Practicum was Raziman Sarbini, Senior Lecturer from the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, one of the Malaysia’s brightest dance stars, to the team. His expertise and experience promise to inspire and guide students, ensuring that they receive the best possible training to excel in the dynamic world of dance.

The Production Practicum marked the second main event that wrapped up the year for the programme. Before the students prepared for the play 'Mariam', they hosted the prestigious Asian Youth Theatre Festival. This gathering brought together young creatives from the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The students showcased their talents to a global audience in Ilo Ilo City, Philippines, on November 23, performing to an enthusiastic crowd of 500 international attendees.

In summary, 2023 has been a year of artistic triumphs for the Bachelor of Performing Arts. The students, immersed in a diverse range of creative and cultural experiences, are not only honing their craft but also building professional connections in Malaysia, across Asia, and beyond. Fostering well-rounded performers ensures that each student is primed for success in the ever-evolving world of the performing arts. As the curtain falls in 2023, the stage is set for a future where the Bachelor of Performing Arts continues to shine as a beacon of artistic excellence.

One Week with Adjunct Professors: Kickstarts Postgraduate Research Colloquium with Impact!

Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management at Taylor's University has recently organized the "One Week with Visiting & Adjunct Professors" session was a commendable effort. This initiative aimed to enhance academic collaboration and knowledge exchange between faculty members and researchers, fostering joint publications, facilitating grant applications, and contributing to staff capacity building by inviting renowned scholars from diverse fields. This initiative was strategically linked to the Postgraduate Research Colloquium (PGRC) 2023, aligning with the university's commitment to academic excellence.

This year, the inclusion of three eminent scholars were invited from the fields of Hospitality & Tourism, Media & Communication, and Education, adding global perspectives to this initiative. Their expertise undoubtedly enriched research activities and academic discourse within the Taylor's University.

Prof. Dr. Robin Nunkoo, a Professor of Sustainable Tourism & Research Methods and the Head of International Center for Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Mauritius. He is also a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa; and an Adjunct Research Fellow at Griffith Institute for Tourism, Griffith University. His research interests include quantitative methods, political economy, public trust in government institutions, and community support for tourism. He has published in such journals as Annals of Tourism Research, Tourism Management, Journal of Sustainable Tourism, and Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Research. He is also the Associate Editor for Journal of Hospitality Marketing and Management, and Annals of Tourism Research.

Prof. Dr. Mark Davis, a Professor of Publishing and Communications in the School of Culture and Communication at University of Melbourne. He has held roles as Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) and Founding Director of the Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, as Deputy Head of the School of Culture and Communication and Head of the Publishing and Communications programme. He has also served as a Board Member of Melbourne University Publishing and Founding Editorial Board Member of Open Humanities Press. Likewise, he has published widely in leading international journals and in the mainstream media, and has been Chief Investigator on five nationally funded grants. Furthermore, he is the Author of Gangland: Cultural Elites and the New Generationalism and The Land of Plenty: Australia in the 2000s, which were shortlisted and longlisted for major national literary awards.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suanne Gibson, a Associate Professor of Inclusive Education at the Plymouth Institute of Education, University of Plymouth, United Kingdom. She has previously acted as Interim Director for Plymouth Institute of Education (2019-2021), been the Associate Director of Teaching, Learning and Internationalization (2017-2019) and also led the BA Education degree (2005-2015). Her specialist areas of teaching, research and knowledge exchange are Disability, Special Educational Needs (SEN), Inclusion and Critical Pedagogy. She teaches Undergraduate, Masters and PhD students, gives keynotes and has published widely in Special Educational Needs, Critical Disability Studies and Teaching & Learning in Higher Education. She is a renowned expert in the field of Special Education.

The diverse range of activities conducted during the week, including a Technical Workshop on International Grant Opportunities, one-to-one consultation sessions, and seminars on interdisciplinary research topics, provided a comprehensive platform for academic engagement. The inclusion of workshops covering critical aspects such as research grant application strategies, challenges and solutions in supervision, and ethical considerations demonstrates a holistic approach to staff capacity building and skill development.

This initiative not only benefited the postgraduate students and academic staffs but also undergraduate students, as evidenced by the guest lecture on 'Equity in Education', with a specific focus on special education. This inclusive approach ensured that the entire academic community can benefit from the knowledge and insights shared by the visiting and adjunct professors.

Overall, the "One Week with Visiting & Adjunct Professors" initiative appears to be a strategic and well-rounded approach to advancing research and academic excellence at Taylor's University.  By leveraging the expertise of renowned scholars and providing diverse learning opportunities, the university is positioned to make significant contributions to interdisciplinary research, global engagement, and the overall academic experience for both faculty and students.