Culinary Innovation Takes Center Stage with Taylor's Bachelor of Science in Culinology Students Making Waves at International Food Trade Show and Conference

Students from the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy, Taylor’s University proudly participated in the esteemed Food & Drinks Malaysia (FDM) by Salon International de l’Alimentation (SIAL) 2024 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur. Final-year students from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Culinology, under the supervision of module leader Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chong Li Choo, showcased their innovative projects themed "Cultivated Fish Product Development: Redefining Culinary Boundaries." The products presented included High Fiber Fish Satay, Low Sodium Fish Luncheon Meat, High Fiber Fish Soup Dumplings, and High Omega Grouper Belly Slices, all reflecting a strong commitment to culinary innovation and sustainability.

"FDM 2024" by SIAL is an annual flagship B2B trade exposition for the food and beverage industry that aims to promote entry into Asia's food capital, position Malaysia as a key market within Southeast Asia, and fully capitalize on this crucial opportunity due to a thriving Halal environment. It also offers a unique experience to connect, create new business networks with associated organizations and services, and learn through personalized knowledge-based seminars on food and beverage industry. As part of the exhibition's goal was bridging businesses through partnerships.

In addition to the trade show, the students delivered an impressive presentation at The Future Food & Agriculture International Conference 2024, themed "Future Food Frontier: Transforming Tomorrow's Food & Agriculture." This conference convened industry leaders, innovators, and food enthusiasts to discuss the future of food and agriculture. Presenting their research at an international conference allowed students to gain significant recognition and enhance their academic profiles. They also interacted with industry leaders and potential collaborators, expanding their professional networks.

We are immensely proud of our final-year students in the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Culinology for their dedication and excellence. Their innovative presentations and products received considerable recognition, underscoring the exceptional talent cultivated at Taylor’s University. We would like to thank Impact Circle Malaysia for supporting and providing our students with these invaluable opportunities.

Insightful and Engaging Dialogue on Mental Health for Selangor’s Youth Division in Bukit Gasing by Taylor's Academic

Mr. Allistair Adam Nelson, a Master of Clinical Psychology Lecturer from the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, was invited by the Selangor Youth Division (PeBS) to deliver a mental health awareness talk titled ‘Mental Health Hacks for Young Adults.’ The talk, hosted by the Selangor Youth Division under the supervision of Selangor State Assemblyman Bukit Gasing, Y.B. Rajiv a/l Rishyakaran, proved to be an enlightening and impactful event for the youth of Bukit Gasing and Petaling Jaya. As a registered clinical psychologist, Mr. Allistair shed light on the pressing issue of mental health and its implications for students. The event aimed to foster a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and promote overall well-being.

Mr. Allistair commenced the talk by emphasizing the significance of mental health as an integral component of overall well-being. The presentation delved into the epidemiology of mental health issues, highlighting the prevalence of various disorders among young adults. By providing concrete statistics and real-world examples, the speaker effectively underscored the seriousness of the matter. The talk further categorized mental health problems into distinct types, enabling attendees to gain a comprehensive understanding of the diverse range of challenges individuals may face. This knowledge empowered students to recognize potential signs and symptoms in themselves and others, facilitating early intervention and support.

Beyond the informative content, the event incorporated interactive activities that fostered engagement and participation among attendees. These activities created a supportive atmosphere where students could openly discuss their experiences and challenges related to mental health. Such initiatives played a crucial role in breaking down stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior. The overwhelming response to the talk attested to its success in raising awareness about mental health. Numerous students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about mental health issues and gain valuable insights. The event created a platform for open dialogue, fostering a sense of community and support among attendees.

The mental health awareness talk was a resounding success. Mr. Allistair’s expertise and engaging presentation style contributed significantly to the event’s impact. By shedding light on mental health challenges, reducing stigma, and promoting open dialogue, the talk empowered students to prioritize their mental well-being. It is evident that such initiatives are crucial in creating a supportive campus environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Taylor's Culinology® Students Explore Best Practices in Food Hygiene at Pacific Senior Living Acacia: Elevating Practical Learning Through Community Engagement

As part of the Purpose Learning initiative in the Applied Food Microbiology module, a group of 35 Culinology® students from Taylor’s University recently visited Pacific Senior Living Acacia. Pacific Senior Living is a member of the Columbia Pacific Management Group, a global investor, developer, and operator of modern healthcare and senior living facilities. Over the past several decades, they have built and managed hundreds of senior living and healthcare assets worldwide. With over 40 years of proven expertise in delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare, their facilities are designed to promote holistic well-being and rejuvenation for the next chapter of life.

The trip aimed to provide students with hands-on experience in assessing food hygiene and sanitation practices within a community setting, aligning with the goals of the Active Aging Impact Lab challenge. During the visit, students conducted a comprehensive facility inspection, gathering and analyzing data on key areas of food hygiene and sanitation. The impressive standards observed at Pacific Senior Living Acacia provided students with a valuable opportunity to witness industry-leading best practices firsthand.

One student noted, “It was a very good experience as we had hands-on activities to learn about food hygiene and sanitation.” Another student remarked, "I would very likely do more of this," highlighting their enthusiasm for similar future activities. This practical exposure not only reinforced their academic learning but also helped them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future professional endeavors in the food sector. The feedback from the students further emphasized the impact of this initiative. One student added, "New experience," reflecting on the unique learning opportunity provided by the visit.

Beyond the educational benefits for our students, the visit highlighted the exemplary food hygiene and sanitation practices at Pacific Senior Living Acacia. Observing such high standards offered our students valuable insights into effective practices for caring for senior citizens. This collaboration underscores the importance of community engagement and the mutual benefits it brings. We are proud of our students for their active participation and the insights they gained from this experience. Moving forward, we aim to continue fostering impactful learning opportunities that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, benefiting both our students and the community.