Honouring Gastronomic Greatness A Culinary Maestro Chef James Won Receives the Prestigious "Ordre du Mérite Agricole"

Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly celebrated a remarkable achievement in the world of gastronomy on September 13, 2024. At the Résidence de France, our esteemed Adjunct Lecturer, Chef James Won, was honored with the prestigious Ordre du Mérite Agricole (Agricultural Merit Award). This distinguished decoration, established on July 7, 1883, is one of the oldest and most esteemed orders of the French Republic, recognizing outstanding contributions to French agriculture, including gastronomy and culinary arts.

Chef James Won joins an illustrious list of world-renowned chefs who have received this honor, including Yannick Alléno, Daniel Boulud, Joël Robuchon, and Guy Savoy. His culinary mastery, deep appreciation for both French and Malaysian traditions, and commitment to eco-responsibility distinguish him as a leader in the field. Chef James's dedication extends beyond the kitchen; he consistently gives back by sharing his knowledge with the next generation of chefs, including students at Taylor’s University.

The Ambassador of France to Malaysia, His Excellency Axel Cruau, spoke highly of Chef James during the award ceremony, recognizing his artistic creations and unwavering dedication to the authenticity of ingredients. He emphasized Chef James's role in promoting French gastronomy in Malaysia, not only through his restaurants but also through his activities with Taylor’s University.

Chef James Won's achievement is a testament to his culinary vision and a reflection of the values we uphold at Taylor’s Culinary Institute. We are honored to have him as part of our team, where his commitment to excellence continues to inspire our students. Representing Taylor’s University at this prestigious event were the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, and the Director of Taylor’s Culinary Institute, Chef Frédéric Cerchi. Their presence highlighted the close ties between our institution and the international culinary community, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in culinary arts education.

We extend our deepest congratulations to Chef James Won for this incredible achievement and look forward to his continued contributions to the growth and success of Taylor’s Culinary Institute.

15th ATRA Tourism Forum: Transforming the Future of M.I.C.E. Business Events in ASEAN

The 15th ATRA Tourism Forum, with the theme "Transforming the Future of M.I.C.E./Business Events in ASEAN," was successfully organized by the ASEAN Tourism Research Association (ATRA) in collaboration with XMS Consultancy, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Bayleaf Hotel Manila, and Taylor's University Malaysia, with support from the Department of Tourism-Philippines. The forum featured insightful discussions on the M.I.C.E. tourism industry, including data sharing and regional updates.

The event brought together over 500 participants, including educators, industry experts, researchers, business owners, and practitioners from various countries such as Canada, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United States, and Vietnam. The forum highlighted the increasing importance of the M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry in ASEAN, as member countries focus on hosting mega events to boost regional connectivity and economic growth.

The forum was held in a hybrid format at the Lyceum of the Philippines University in Intramuros, Manila, and online via Zoom. Key highlights included:

• Opening Remarks by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, ATRA President and Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor's University.

• Keynote Address by Sharlene Zabala-Batin, Regional Director, National Capital Region, Department of Tourism, Philippines.

• Panel Discussion featuring industry leaders such as:

  • Dr. Lilibeth Aragon, Dean, College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management, Lyceum of the Philippines University.

  • Mr. Orly Ballesteros, Chief Operating Officer, Ex-Link Management & Marketing Services Corp.

  • Dr. Maria Christina Aquino, Immediate Past Chairperson of Tourism Industry Board Foundation Inc. (TIBFI).

  • Dr. Evelyn Songco, UST Research Associate, University of Santo Tomas.

  • Ms. Xialeemar Valdeavilla, ATRA Board Member and CEO of XMS Consultancy.

  • Prof. Datuk Seri Dr. Victor Wee, ATRA Secretary General, Taylor's University.

  • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pornpisanu Promsivapallop, ATRA Vice President, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.

  • Dr. Puvaneswaran Kunasekaran, ATRA Honorary Treasurer, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

The forum also delved into the development of Sustainable Tourism Indicators (STI) by Taylor's University with ATRA's support, aiming to customize the STI for ASEAN countries based on UNWTO, OECD, and UN SDG frameworks. During the Q&A session, panelists discussed the future of the M.I.C.E. industry, advocating for the integration of AR/VR and AI technologies while emphasizing sustainability in M.I.C.E. development. The discussions highlighted a shift towards digital and hybrid event formats, personalized experiences, eco-friendly practices, and strategic collaborations among ASEAN nations to attract international events. However, panelists noted the need for increased regional collaboration for tourism development, citing the recent launch of the AirAsia Explore ASEAN Package as a positive step in fostering cooperation.

In conclusion, the forum emphasized the importance of sustainability and AI in the M.I.C.E. industry to position ASEAN as a leading hub for innovative business events, driving economic growth and regional collaboration.

Master of Counselling Students Secure Prestigious Gold at the 3rd International Competition on Sustainable Education (SUSED) 2024

Taylor's Master of Counselling students Janak Ashok Teckwani and Goh Ian Shen along with Senior Lecturer Ahmad Mustaqim Yusoff achieved a significant milestone by winning the Gold Medal Award at the 3rd International Competition on Sustainable Education 2024 (SUSED 2024). Their project, Cognitive Learning Enhancement with Augmented Reality (CLEAR) for Individuals with ADHD, was recognized as one of the most innovative entries among 263 participants. This accomplishment underscored their dedication to addressing learning challenges faced by individuals with ADHD through augmented reality technology.

The competition, organized by the Kulliyyah of Education at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) in collaboration with Flinders University, Australia; Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), Indonesia, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia, focused on projects reflecting the theme “Nurturing Minds, Empowering Futures & Cultivating a Resilient World.” Winners were announced on 1st August 2024, celebrating excellence in sustainable and innovative educational practices. The CLEAR project aimed to enhance cognitive development by creating an immersive learning experience that utilized augmented reality to engage learners, helping them focus and retain information. This approach emphasized the role of technology in fostering inclusive learning environments.

Winning the Gold Medal highlighted the students' ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Their innovative incorporation of augmented reality demonstrated a forward-thinking mindset and adaptability. This recognition marked a significant achievement for the students and reinforced the institution’s commitment to advancing education and mental health. Their success not only reflected their skills and creativity but also illustrated the potential for counseling and educational sciences to drive meaningful change in learning environments. The Gold Medal Award at SUSED 2024 serves as an inspiration for future integration of technology in education.