Nurturing Cinematic Talent: Taylor’s University and Golden Screen Cinemas Forge Strategic Partnership to Inspire Future Filmmakers

Taylor’s University, School of Media & Communication, and leading cinema exhibitor Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) announced a collaborative partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony. GSC has consistently championed local films with its #GSCKeepingitREEL efforts, co-producing and advocating for local titles to elevate the film landscape. This partnership aimed to nurture future talent in the film industry, ensuring students acquired essential skills and had opportunities to showcase their creativity.

The event was warmly welcomed by esteemed representatives from both organizations. Leading the delegation from Golden Screen Cinemas were Ms. Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer, and Ms. Shirley Low, Chief Marketing Officer. Representing Taylor's University were Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media & Communication, along with other notable faculty members.

“This partnership with GSC marks a significant milestone for the School of Media and Communication, combining academic rigor with industry exposure. It equips students not only with creative filmmaking skills but also with a deep understanding of its financial and entrepreneurial aspects. Together, Taylor’s University and GSC aim to cultivate a new generation of innovative and financially savvy media professionals ready to lead the film industry,” said Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan.

Ms. Koh Mei Lee added, “GSC has consistently supported the growth of the local film industry by investing in and promoting local titles, which has led to improved content quality. Through our partnership with Taylor’s University, GSC remains committed to empowering the talents who will shape the future of our local film industry through the #GSCKeepingitREEL programme.”

The collaboration includes a range of initiatives benefiting students from the Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) (Digital Media Production) programme, such as in-depth mentorship sessions, interactive workshops led by GSC representatives, guest lectures by industry partners, film screenings at GSC locations, and internship opportunities. These mentorships and workshops align with the students’ syllabus, covering relevant topics like pitching and scriptwriting.

Launching the MoU initiatives, a panel session titled ‘Elevating Malaysian Cinema: Nurturing Talent, Quality, and Opportunity for the Next Gen’ featured industry leaders, including Mr. Tung Yow Kong, Chief Operating Officer of GSC Movies; Mr. Adrian Teh, Director, Producer, and Writer; Ms. Shamin Yusof, Film Producer of Skop Productions Sdn Bhd; and Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Programme Director at Taylor’s University. They provided invaluable insights into the industry.

As part of its ongoing initiatives, GSC supports the local film industry by providing opportunities and co-productions aimed at elevating homegrown talent. In June 2024, aspiring filmmakers showcased their short films at GSC Starling Mall during the Taylor’s University Film Festival, celebrating emerging talents. Additionally, during Taylor’s Professional Development Week, students gained valuable industry insights from the GSC team. GSC International Screens also launched the Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) in 2023, providing a platform for local animators. The festival will return for its second edition in October 2024, continuing GSC’s support for the animation industry.

Stay tuned to Taylor’s University’s and GSC’s social media channels to find out more about the upcoming workshops and mentoring sessions!

Culinary Excellence Unleashed: Taylor’s Culinary Institute Shines on the World Stage as Chef Farouk Othman Represents Malaysia at WorldSkills 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Chef Farouk Bin Othman, one of Taylor’s Culinary Institute's esteemed chefs, recently returned from Lyon, France, where he proudly represented Malaysia and our university as the National Coach at the prestigious WorldSkills 2024 Competition. Often referred to as the "Olympics for Skills and Trades," WorldSkills is renowned for gathering the best talents from across the globe, with countries vying for the esteemed title of the world’s best in various trades, including culinary arts.

From September 10th to September 18th, 2024, Chef Farouk guided and mentored Malaysia’s top culinary talent on the world stage, showcasing the exceptional skills that have become a hallmark of Taylor’s Culinary Institute. His leadership and dedication to the craft were instrumental in representing not only the country but also our institution, which continues to be recognized as a leader in culinary education.

Chef Farouk is no stranger to the international culinary arena. In 2009, he competed in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, the "World Cup of Chefs," also held in Lyon, where he demonstrated his culinary expertise on a global platform. His experience as a competitor and now as the national coach for WorldSkills underscores his remarkable journey and contributions to Malaysia’s culinary scene.

WorldSkills is an intense competition where participants from over 70 countries showcase their expertise in a wide range of skills. Competing in the Cooking Trade, Chef Farouk and his team exemplified not only technical precision but also creative flair, pushing the boundaries of modern gastronomy. The event provided a unique opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s standing in the international culinary landscape, and we are immensely proud of Chef Farouk’s role in this remarkable achievement.

This incredible honour reflects the caliber of talent nurtured within Taylor’s Culinary Institute and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in skill-based education. Chef Farouk’s participation as a national coach not only highlights his own personal accomplishments but also underscores the ongoing impact that Taylor’s Culinary Institute has on developing world-class culinary professionals.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chef Farouk for his outstanding contribution to WorldSkills 2024, and thank him for representing both Malaysia and Taylor’s Culinary Institute with pride and passion. His dedication continues to inspire the next generation of chefs, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future.

Celebrating Success: Education for All – Projek BacaBaca Triumphs as Winner of the 2024 ACEEU "SDG Initiative of the Year" Award

Projek BacaBaca proudly announced its latest achievement by winning the prestigious 2024 ACEEU "SDG Initiative of the Year" Award. The Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), a globally recognized body that acknowledges excellence in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact in higher education, presented this award. The "SDG Initiative of the Year" Award specifically honors projects that make significant contributions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making this recognition a powerful endorsement of Projek BacaBaca's mission to help children aged 6-9 achieve grade-level reading proficiency.

Launched in 2011 and led by Hema Letchamanan, Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Projek BacaBaca has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to improving literacy among young learners. With a mission to transform the literacy landscape in the region, the initiative focuses on providing personalized reading sessions to children from low-income families, ensuring they reach grade-level proficiency in both Bahasa Melayu and English.

The programme's unique structure engages a diverse group of volunteers, ranging from secondary students to retirees and professionals who serve as reading coaches. This inclusive community of volunteers has positively impacted over 435 students, significantly enhancing their reading abilities and fostering a love for learning.

The ACEEU award is the latest in a series of accolades for Projek BacaBaca, which has previously earned national and international recognition. Notably, the project was also a finalist for the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Regional Contribution. Projek BacaBaca's ongoing contributions to SDG Goal 4: Quality Education are exemplified through its work with underserved communities, including children from urban public housing areas in Kuala Lumpur and remote villages such as Bokilong in Sabah, where educational resources are limited. By extending its reach to these areas, the initiative ensures that no child is left behind, offering vital educational support and personalized reading sessions to those who would otherwise struggle with basic literacy.

This accolade marks a significant milestone in Projek BacaBaca's journey, highlighting its lasting impact on communities and its continued commitment to creating a more educated and equitable future.