Insightful Session on Unveiling the Key to Cultivating Essential Reading Skills to Politeknik Indonusa Surakarta, Indonesia

Dr. Thivilojana Perinpasingam, a Senior Lecturer from the School of Education at Taylor’s University, delivered a guest lecture titled "Introduction to Reading Skills" to 70 undergraduate students from Politeknik Indonusa Surakarta (POLINUS) in Indonesia. POLINUS is a distinguished private polytechnic known for its high-quality vocational and technical education, offering a range of diploma programmes designed to equip students with practical skills and expertise for various industries.

The session aimed to equip students with foundational reading skills essential for academic excellence and to cultivate critical session, Dr. Thivilojana highlighted the crucial role that reading skills play not only in academic achievement but also in personal growth. She introduced students to various effective reading strategies such as active reading, skimming, scanning, and critical reading. These strategies were complemented by practical tips designed to enhance students' comprehension and analytical thinking.

To further enrich the learning experience, Dr. Thivilojana incorporated various modern digital tools like LiveWorksheets, Padlet, and Google Jamboard. These platforms facilitated interactive exercises, including reading comprehension quizzes and collaborative group discussions. By integrating technology, the session offered students a dynamic and engaging environment where they could actively practice and refine their reading strategies.

This guest lecture provided an invaluable opportunity for students to acquire practical skills that will not only support their academic success but also serve as a foundation for lifelong learning. Dr. Thivilojana's emphasis on interactive and technology-enhanced learning ensured that students left the session with a deeper understanding and confidence in their reading abilities, positioning them for success in their future educational endeavors.

Celebrating the Triumph of Achievement and Perseverance at Taylor’s ADTP Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony

With great joy and pride, parents, faculty, invited guests and graduates gathered to celebrate the culmination of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of knowledge in the Taylor's American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of the graduates, a moment where dreams and aspirations meet with achievement and success. Each graduate seated had navigated a unique journey, overcoming obstacles, seizing opportunities, and demonstrating remarkable perseverance throughout their academic endeavors.

The ceremony started with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She commended the graduating class for their grit, which has thus enabled them to transfer to prestigious universities globally to complete their undergraduate studies. Prof. Dr. Anindita emphasized that Taylor's ADTP graduates represent a mosaic of cultures, ideas, and backgrounds. She thanked all parents, faculty and the Taylor’s University Placement Office personally for the support and dedication afforded to each graduate. She reiterated the commitment of the programme and school to support each of their student’s academic journeys.

Prof. Dr. Anindita then introduced the Keynote Speaker for the event, a Lawyer by training, a Veteran Politician cum Member of Parliament of the Beruas Constituency, YB Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham to the audience. YB Dato’ Ngeh took to the stage to share some life lessons and principles that the graduates should adapt to ensure they reap success and happiness in their lives. He encouraged them to have gratitude, be resilient, hone relevant skillsets and give back to society to mention a few. He applauded the commitment and support provided by the faculty and administrators of the Taylor's ADTP programme, as his three children, who are doing very well in their respective lives, are proud ADTP alumni themselves.

ADTP’s Programme Director, Dr. Loh Kah Heng, subsequently addressed the audience and shared some highlights and achievements of the programme over the past year. He stated that the student numbers of the programme have been on a steady rise. Several milestones achieved in 2023 and 2024 were the successful student driven events, high impact research publications, the use of AI approaches in teaching and learning and the filing of 10 copyrights for industrial designs by ADTP students with close supervision from their lecturers. Thus, affirming the programme's commitment to holistic education, global perspectives, and experiential learning. 

Ms. Shanice Foo Wei Fang, Vice President and Head of Sales & Dealing, Retail Business, Equity Markets at AmInvestment Bank Berhad graced the event by presenting the AmInvestment Bank Book Prize Awards to the four top students of the Class of 2024, each recognized for their excellence in their Majors – Engineering, Business, Computer Science and Liberal Arts. This was followed by the presentation of the Honors Student Awards by Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta.

Each graduate received their scrolls from YB Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham and eagerly posed for photos. Ms. Anya Nair, the Valedictorian of the Class of 2024, was presented with a souvenir by Ms. Norshahila Mohamad Razak, Head of the Department of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences. In her speech, Anya reflected on the past two years, recounting the events, activities, and academic milestones that she and her fellow graduates had experienced during their ADTP/Malaysian journey.

The event concluded with a celebratory cake cutting ceremony by all graduates and the photo booth set up at the entrance of the venue was a definite pit stop with every attendee giving his or her most memorable pose. Heartfelt congratulations to the graduating class of 2024. May you continue to reach new heights, pursue your dreams with passion, and embrace the opportunities that await you.

Beyond the Cap and Gown: Honoring 648 Graduates at Taylor's Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management Commencement

Convocation at Taylor’s University stands as a momentous milestone in the academic journey of our students, signifying the culmination of their efforts and achievements. The Class of 2024 celebrated this memorable occasion with family and loved ones during the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, held on June 30, 2024, at The Grand Hall of Taylor’s University. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 648 graduates from six esteemed academic schools under the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, commemorating their success.

The graduates hailed from diverse academic backgrounds represented by the School of Education, School of Food Studies & Gastronomy, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Media & Communication, and Taylor's Culinary Institute. Notably, the cohort included 367 international students from over 20 nations including China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea (South), Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Brunei, United Kingdom, Iran, Vietnam and Egypt amongst others. This diversity underscores the university's global reach and cultural inclusivity.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Chancellor, Y.Bhg. Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim; Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Dr. Barry Winn; Executive Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan; Registrar, Ms. Ungku Nazli Ungku Ismail; Heads of Schools; Heads of Departments; Academicians and Graduands’ family members. Their presence added significance to the event, symbolizing the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

As the graduates embark on their respective paths, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their tenure at Taylor’s University, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Their dedication and perseverance have prepared them to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields, serving as beacons of inspiration for future generations of students. We remain confident that these graduates will thrive in their endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on their professions and communities. May their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative influence of education and inspire others to strive for excellence in their own pursuits.