Fostering Global Excellence: Taylor’s and University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès Celebrate Achievements and Collaboration

During the visit to the University of Toulouse - Jean Jaurès in Toulouse, France, a highly productive meeting took place between Professor Emmanuelle Garnier, President of the University of Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, and the delegation from Taylor’s University, led by Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Dr. Barry Winn. The Key discussions centered around the Taylor's Toulouse University Centre (TTUC) Board Meeting, progress reports for 2023-2024, ongoing projects, the renewal of the partnership, and strategies for enhancing student and staff mobility. Additional agenda highlights included exploring EU and French research grant opportunities, updates on research initiatives led by Chair Professors, and concluding remarks from both university leaders, reaffirming their shared vision for continued collaboration.

In conjunction with the meeting, the University of Toulouse - Jean Jaurès hosted the Validation of Prior Learning (VAE) programme graduation ceremony on 13th November 2024 at the prestigious Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Toulouse, France. This momentous event marked a significant milestone for the graduates and was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including:

• Professor Emmanuelle Garnier, President of the University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, Toulouse, France

• Professor Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University, Malaysia

• Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University, Malaysia

• Professor Michel Catlla, Vice President of International Relations

• Mr. Jean-Louis Zevaco, President of ISTHIA Board

• Associate Professor Dr. Cyrille Laporte, Dean of ISTHIA, University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès, Toulouse, France

• Professor Dr. Jean-Pierre Poulain, Head of Chair “Food Cultures and Health”, Taylor’s University, Malaysia

This ceremony celebrated the successful graduation of 17 VAE students from the Master of International Hospitality Management (MIHM) and Master of Food Studies and Gastronomy (MFSG) programmes, delivered through the collaborative partnership between Taylor’s University and University Toulouse - Jean Jaurès.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to lifelong learning. This achievement exemplifies our ongoing dedication to global education, academic excellence, and professional development. Taylor’s University continues to lead the way in fostering international academic collaborations and nurturing excellence in hospitality, food studies, and beyond.

Taylor’s SOMAC Shines at Malaysia Public Relations Awards 2024, Winning Four Prestigious Accolades

The School of Media and Communication (SOMAC) at Taylor’s University showcased its exceptional prowess in communication and public relations at the Malaysia Public Relations Awards (MPRA) 2024. Themed “YOU & AI: Together Towards A New Era in Communication,” the event celebrated innovative campaigns that blend traditional communication methods with emerging technologies.

Held at ALOFT Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 29th November 2024, the awards night was a proud moment for Taylor’s SOMAC, which brought home four significant accolades. Leading the charge was a Silver Award in the Institution of Higher Learning and Cultural Institution category. The project, titled “Youth Ambassadors Driving the Evolution of Responsible Tourism Through Industry Collaboration at a World Music Event,” was spearheaded by Dr. G Manickam Govindaraju and showcased the power of young ambassadors in promoting responsible tourism through collaboration with industry leaders.

Taylor’s students also made a strong impact, winning three Bronze Awards across various categories. One of these awards was for the campaign “Bridging Cultures: Personal Stories and Experience Sharing,” led by Dr. Ong Ai Ling. This project focused on fostering cultural understanding by sharing personal stories that celebrate diversity and mutual respect. Another student-led initiative, “Flawed to Fresh: Awareness Campaign in Support of Imperfect Produce,” overseen by Mr. Philip Gan Chee Keat, addressed the issue of food waste. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the value of embracing imperfect produce, advocating for sustainability and waste reduction in the food industry.

Additionally, student Siti Sofea Binti Sheik Mohd Amizi earned a Bronze Award in the Communication: The Persuasive Pen Prize category. Her entry, titled “Public Relations and the Fight Against Misinformation: Upholding Truth in the Digital Age,” explored the critical role of public relations in combating misinformation and maintaining the integrity of communication in the digital era.

The momentous occasion was further marked by Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media and Communication, who had the honor of presenting awards in the Sustainability & Social Education category, further highlighting Taylor’s active role in celebrating excellence within the industry. Taylor’s SOMAC continues to lead in communication education, setting new benchmarks for academic and professional excellence. The multiple awards at the 2024 Malaysia Public Relations Awards add another feather to the cap of a university dedicated to shaping the future of public relations.

PGRC 2024 - Exploring Transformative Trends in Social Sciences: Shaping the Future of Research and Practice

Postgraduate Research Colloquium (PGRC) 2024, themed "Transformative Trends in Social Sciences: Shaping the Future of Research and Practice", brought together scholars and researchers to explore innovations in Hospitality, Tourism & Events, Food Studies & Gastronomy, Education, Media & Communication, Psychology, and Sociology & Political Science. Held at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus, Malaysia, on 22nd and 23rd November 2024, the event facilitated impactful academic discussions.

Since 2008, we have organized Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC) and rebranded to PGRC in year 2021 to promote research, address global issues, and foster networking among senior academicians, with opportunities for publication. PGRC 2024 was made possible through collaborations with prestigious local and international institutions, including the Centre for Research and Innovation in Tourism (CRiT), Taylor's Toulouse University Centre (TTUC), and partners from institutions across Malaysia, France, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Greece, the Czech Republic, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The event began with remarks by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University. Prof. Dr. Robin Nunkoo from University of Mauritius delivered a keynote address on transformative trends in social sciences.

Two panel sessions followed. Panel Session 1, "AI-Driven: Expanding Horizons in Research and Innovation", discussed the role of AI in shaping future research with Ts. Yusno Yunos, CEO and Founder, of Evenesis; Dr. Albert Lee Boon Fui, Lead of the Learning Institute at Averis; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hassan Raza Syed, Associate Professor at School of Media & Communication, Taylor’s University. Panel Session 2, "From Ideas to Impact: Advancing Global Research Frontiers", featured Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miloslava Černá, Associate Professor at University of Hradec Králové; Y.Bhg. Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Hj. Irmohizam Ibrahim, Group Managing Director of World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, and Dr. Hiran Shanake Perera Weerasinghe Arachchige, Deputy Director of Mental Health & Well-being Impact Lab, Taylor’s University.

On Day 2, Dr. Donnie Adams, Lecturer in Educational Leadership at The University of Melbourne, Australia conducted a workshop titled "Mixed Methods Mastery: Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Research". The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Jeetesh Kumar, Head of Research, FSLM, who emphasized the significance of collaboration and impactful research.

A total of 121 extended abstracts were submitted, with 94 accepted for presentation across five sessions and 25 breakout rooms. PGRC 2024 attracted over 500 participants, with 255 attending in person and more than 250 online from 18 countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, China, India, Myanmar, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Italy, the UK, South Africa, the Maldives, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Australia, and the Czech Republic.

The PGRC 2024 proceedings are available at https://www.crit-taylors.com/postgraduate-research-colloquium-2024.