A Celebration of World Food Safety Day 2024 with Emborg® and Monin®

On June 6th, 2024, Emborg® and Monin® joined force with Taylor's School of Food Studies & Gastronomy and hosted an event in celebration of World Food Safety Day 2024. The event aimed to raise awareness on food safety. Tailored to Gen Z and Gen Alpha preferences, the event featured interactive workshops and informative sessions attended by over 60 students from the Bachelor of Culinary Management, Bachelor of Patisserie Arts, and Bachelor of Science in Culinology programmes.

Emborg® is a family-owned Danish brand established in 1947, renowned for its extensive range of high-quality dairy products, fresh frozen vegetables, and berries. Distributed to over 90 countries worldwide, Emborg prioritizes freshness, nutritional value, and culinary excellence. Whereas, Monin® is a premium French brand with a legacy dating back to 1912, celebrated for its innovative flavor solutions. Beyond beverages, Monin represents a lifestyle rooted in over a century of expertise, emphasizing environmental sustainability, authenticity, and community engagement.

Industry professionals led the interactive workshops, focusing on crucial aspects of food safety such as proper handling, storage techniques, and safe preparation methods using Emborg and Monin products. They emphasized adherence to Malaysian Standards, food safety regulations, allergen management, and the significance of reading food labels for making informed choices. Chef Ahmad Mustaffa from Emborg® and Mixologist Mr. Andrew Loke Choon Yau from Monin® showcased easy-to-make recipes using Emborg’s dairy products and Monin’s syrups, demonstrating safe preparation practices and ingredient selection. Their presentations highlighted practical applications of these principles, emphasizing their role in ensuring food safety.

Overall, the event achieved its goals of raising awareness about food safety among students. It empowered attendees to make informed choices about ingredients, offered practical tips for implementing food safety practices, emphasized the importance of reading food labels, and promoted greater understanding of food safety principles. Through interactive workshops and informative sessions, Emborg® and Monin® successfully engaged with the younger generation, encouraging a positive shift in attitudes towards food safety and responsible food consumption.

A Journey of Hotel Management Students into Hospitality Excellence by Exploring EQ Kuala Lumpur

On 7 June 2024, 30 students from the Diploma in Hotel Management had the privilege to visit EQ Kuala Lumpur, a renowned luxury hotel. The visit was expertly facilitated to provide the students with comprehensive insights into the operational dynamics of a leading hospitality establishment. The day commenced with a gracious welcome from key personnel at EQ Kuala Lumpur, including Ms. Nico Sin, the Learning & Development Manager, Ms. Belinda Liew, Director of Rooms, Ms. Nor Ashikin, Human Resources Director, and team members. Ms. Nico Sin initiated proceedings by acquainting the students with the hotel’s rich history, tracing its evolution from Equatorial Kuala Lumpur to its present-day identity as EQ. This historical context was pivotal in helping the students appreciate the hotel’s heritage and its journey of transformation over the years.

A significant part of the visit was the introduction to EQ Kuala Lumpur’s internship programme, presented by Ms. Nico Sin. She outlined the programme's structure, highlighted the various departments where students could undertake internships, and delineated the expected learning outcomes. This segment was particularly valuable as it provided students with clarity on potential internship opportunities for their upcoming placements in August 2024. Subsequently, Mr. Justin Lee, the Hotel Manager, extended a warm welcome to the students and delivered an inspiring speech. His address not only motivated the students but also deepened their understanding of industry standards and expectations, offering them a glimpse into the professional ethos required in the hospitality sector.

The visit included a comprehensive tour of EQ Kuala Lumpur, where students explored various guest rooms, including the luxurious Presidential Suite, admired for its amenities and meticulous design. They also visited the Sanctum Wellness & Fitness Center, swimming pool, Equator Club Lounge, and renowned dining outlets such as Kampachi Japanese restaurant. Students gained insights into the hotel’s operational backend, including laundry and housekeeping, learning firsthand about the meticulous processes that ensure seamless hotel functioning. The day concluded with an engaging quiz to assess their comprehension and reinforce their knowledge of EQ Kuala Lumpur’s facilities and services. The quiz fostered friendly competition and reinforced the knowledge acquired during the visit.

In summary, the visit to EQ Kuala Lumpur proved to be an enriching experience for the students. It effectively bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge acquired in their academic studies and its practical application in a real-world setting. This firsthand exposure not only enhanced their understanding of hospitality operations but also enriched their educational journey at Taylor’s University, equipping them with invaluable insights and experiences for their future careers in hotel management.

American Degree Transfer Programme STEM Challenge Extravaganza: Inspiring Innovation at Taylor's University

The American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Challenge recently took place at Taylor's University Lakeside Campus, drawing over 100 students who formed 31 teams from various high schools. The participants hailed from various high schools including Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Utama Damansara 4, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Bukit Maluri, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Batu Unjur, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bukit Tinggi Klang, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Shahbandaraya, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tengku Ampuan Rahimah, Hin Hua High School, Kuen Cheng High School, Tzu Chi International School Kuala Lumpur, and Wesley Methodist School Klang.

The day commenced with registration at 8:30 a.m., followed by a welcoming session featuring opening remarks by Dr. Wong Yau Hsiung, Chairperson of the event and Stream Coordinator of the Engineering and Computer Science Stream, who also serves as the e-Learning Coordinator in the American Degree Transfer Programme. Dr. Laurie A. Miller, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programmes and Curriculum and an Associate Professor of Practice in Economics from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, delivered the keynote speech via Zoom from the United States.

The challenge consisted of four tasks - 'Molecular Model', a Biology/Chemistry challenge; 'Water Rocket Launch', a Physics challenge; 'Elastic Power Car', an Engineering challenge; and 'Beyond the Maze', a Computer Science challenge. Participants received instructions and spent the day designing and developing their prototypes. In the afternoon, Taylor's University Square buzzed with excitement as participants showcased their projects, creating a dynamic atmosphere marked by both successes and learning moments.

The day’s events were well-received by spectators and judges alike. Following a refreshing break, evening activities resumed with an engaging talk on Astronomy, captivating the audience. The prize-giving ceremony, conducted by Dr. Sua Sin Zang, Principal of Chung Hua High School, Seremban, marked the culmination of the event. Dr. Loh Kah Heng, ADTP Programme Director, then presented awards to the deserving winners during the closing ceremony.

The Taylor's ADTP STEM Challenge provided a platform for students to explore their scientific and engineering talents, fostering innovation and collaboration. The event was a resounding success, leaving participants eager for next year's competition.