Taylor's University School of Media & Communication Dominated the International Student Media Arts Festival 2024 in South Korea

The International Student Media Arts Festival (ISMA) 2024, hosted at Kookmin University, South Korea, concluded with remarkable success after a thrilling 72-hour film competition. Spanning from May 27th to May 31st, the event gathered talented filmmakers from across the globe to create compelling short films under intense time constraints. The festival commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony against the backdrop of Kookmin University's picturesque campus, setting the stage for a journey of artistic exploration and collaboration. Key figures, including the university President and ISMA organizers, highlighted the evolving landscape of media arts, emphasizing the role of technologies like Artificial Intelligence and platforms such as Midjourney.

Participants were organized into teams and treated to a cultural excursion to the Myeongwon Folk Museum, where they immersed themselves in Korea's rich heritage, drawing inspiration for their cinematic projects. Throughout the competition, teams explored diverse Korean landscapes and cultural landmarks, integrating traditional and modern elements into their films with creativity and finesse. Using Kookmin University's state-of-the-art facilities, participants refined their raw footage into polished cinematic works, incorporating visual effects and soundscapes to enhance their narratives.

The final presentations showcased three standout groups from Taylor's School of Media & Communication. Teejes' group crafted a VR-driven narrative showcasing Korea's wonders, blending tradition and modernity to captivate the audience and secure first place. Rifky's group adopted a vlog-style approach, highlighting Korea's unique beauty through a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, earning recognition as runners-up. Darlene's group tackled climate change's impact on urban environments with a poignant film advocating for environmental protection, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and also receiving runner-up honors.

The festival culminated in an award ceremony celebrating the participants' creativity and achievements. Winners were lauded for their contributions, underscoring the festival's role in fostering global storytelling and cultural exchange. Participants departed ISMA 2024 with cherished memories, new friendships, and a renewed commitment to artistic innovation, ensuring the festival's impact resonates worldwide in the pursuit of creative excellence.

Taylor's University Illuminates Malaysian Performing Arts Scene at 19th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards

The 19th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards spotlight shone brightly once again at the Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC). It was a night of celebration and recognition for outstanding achievements in the Malaysian performing arts scene. Hosted by the charismatic Kai Chalmers, an Actor & Singer for musical theater and presented by BOH Plantations and Kakiseni, the event honored excellence across dance, music, theatre, and musical theatre, while also showcasing emerging talents in these fields.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished award presenters, including YBhg. Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, who was the second BOH Cameronian Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and YBhg. Datuk Zahim Albakri, a notable recipient of multiple BOH Cameronian Arts Awards, most recently in 2005 for Best Actor in "The Smell of Language". They were joined by Dr. Hjh Yatela Zainal Abidin, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan Sime Darby, and Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Taylor's University.

In total, 39 awards were handed out, accompanied by RM62,000 in cash prizes. These accolades honored the exceptional talent and dedication of artists who continue to push the boundaries and redefine artistic expression. This year’s ceremony also marked a significant collaboration between Taylor's University and Kakiseni for the Performing Arts Awards for the Music category, Taylor's University aimed to raise awareness about the new Specializations within its Bachelor of Performing Arts (Hons) programme. This initiative underscored the university's commitment to fostering talent and enhancing the visibility of emerging artists in the industry.

The partnership between Taylor’s University and Kakiseni highlighted the importance of academic institutions in supporting and promoting the arts. Taylor’s University’s sponsorship was not only a testament to its dedication to the arts but also a strategic move to integrate its educational offerings with the broader cultural landscape. By doing so, the university hopes to provide a platform for budding artists to gain recognition and establish themselves in the competitive arts industry.

The 19th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards was a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration, reaffirming the vital role of the arts in enriching Malaysian culture and society. The event showcased the vibrant and dynamic nature of the Malaysian arts scene, highlighting the extraordinary talents of both established and emerging artists who continue to contribute to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Taylor’s University and Cutie Cottage Education Group Forge New Strategic Alliance for Enhanced Infant and Toddler Care

On June 6, the School of Education at Taylor’s University embarked on a transformative journey through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cutie Cottage Education Group, emphasizing professional care for infants and toddlers in Early Childhood Education. The event featured prominent representatives from both institutions, including Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Logendra Ponniah, Head of the School of Education, and other dedicated staff members from the School of Education. Representing Cutie Cottage Education Group was the Founder and Managing Director Ms. Yew Tian Tian, alongside her team of skilled teachers.

Cutie Cottage was founded in 2010 by a pharmacist and a team of dedicated nurses. It has evolved from a small home-based baby and childcare center into a respected education group focused on empowering families and enhancing childhood experiences. The founder aimed to create a nurturing environment that blends healthcare knowledge with educational quality to assist working parents with young children. Cutie Cottage's core values of professionalism, transparency, and empowerment have guided its growth. The group now includes baby and childcare centers, kindergartens, after-school daycare facilities, language enrichment programmes, and an academy for teacher training and parent education.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan underscored the significance of this partnership amidst evolving family structures, noting that the prevalence of nuclear families today often leaves parents with limited support from extended relatives. He stated, “Given the economic necessity where both parents are working professionals, and they rely on childcare services, the importance of having proper infant and toddler care is even more significant in today’s society.”

Ms. Yew Tian Tian shared her personal challenges in finding professional care for young children, which reinforced the need for such an initiative. Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan further explained that while many childcare providers have emerged recently and numerous universities now offer early childhood education courses, there remains a critical gap in the training of graduates, especially regarding their confidence and experience in caring for infants under 15 months.

Taylor’s University is committed to bridging this gap through its collaboration with Cutie Cottage, leveraging Cutie Cottage’s extensive practical experience. The goal is to share knowledge and expertise in infant and toddler care from a medical perspective, positioning Taylor’s University as a pioneer in this vital field. The School of Education envisions a future where every child receives the highest standard of care from well-trained educators. This partnership aims not only to provide training, but also to ignite a passion for excellence in early childhood care.

Taylor’s University strives to set new standards, inspire change, and make a lasting impact, aspiring to become one of the leading institutions in preparing professional early childhood educators in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. As this collaboration unfolds, both Taylor's University and Cutie Cottage Education Group look forward to the positive changes it will bring to early childhood education and care.