Navigating Trends and Issues in the Event Industry with Zoey Chai Sze Wha, Founder & CEO of Woots! Event

In the ever-evolving landscape of event management, staying abreast of trends and navigating through emerging issues is paramount to success. The Guest Speaker Series provided a unique opportunity for students to delve into the intricacies of the field with a seasoned professional. Zoey Chai Sze Wha, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Woots! Event and esteemed alumna of the Events Management programme, illuminated the class with her insights and experiences. At Woots! Event, they go beyond event coordination; they create hype, unforgettable experiences, and excitement. They provide event planning services ranging from outdoor personal parties to corporate team building, educational/training camps. Established in 2019, Woots! Event embodies a vibrant celebration of moments, energy, and pure joy.

Amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, Zoey’s session shed light on the challenges faced by event organizers, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic. Through her narrative, students gained invaluable perspectives on harnessing innovation, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and integrating sustainability into event planning. As the session unfolded, Zoey’s expertise resonated deeply, offering a compelling glimpse into the trends and issues shaping the future of international event management. Moreover, her emphasis on organizing events with an eco-friendly concept underscored the growing significance of sustainability in the field. By integrating environmental consciousness into event planning, Zoey not only demonstrated a commitment to responsible practices, but also highlighted opportunities for promoting events while advocating for sustainability.

Overall, this Guest Speaker session served as a testament to the multifaceted nature of event management, inspiring attendees to navigate challenges with innovation, empathy, and a steadfast dedication to creating memorable and impactful experiences. As they continue their journey in the field, the lessons gleaned from Zoey’s expertise will undoubtedly shape their approach to event management, equipping them to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

Taylor's University Welcomes Esteemed Delegation from the High Commission for The People's Republic of Bangladesh in Malaysia

Taylor's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences had the honor of welcoming distinguished guests from the High Commission for The People's Republic of Bangladesh in Malaysia. The delegation was led by His Excellency, High Commissioner Md Shameem Ahsan, and included Ms. Shahnaz Ghazi, Director General of Foreign Service Academy in Bangladesh; Mr. Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir, Minister and Deputy High Commissioner; Ms. Rehana Parvin, First Secretary (Political); Ms. Mst. Ashifa Ashraf, Senior Assistant Secretary, Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh; Mr. Md. Arifur Rahman, Assistant Secretary, Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh; 24 Foreign Service Trainee Officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh; and 24 Trainee Officers from the Foreign Service Academy of Bangladesh.

This visit underscored the enduring and significant tripartite academic collaboration between the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Taylor’s University, University of Dhaka, and High Commission for The People's Republic of Bangladesh in Malaysia, which has been thriving since 2021. The day began with a warm reception from Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, the Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and other officials of the university. They were joined by Prof. Dr. David Asirvatham, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Innovation & Technology; and Prof. Dr. Eddy Chong Siong Choy, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business and Law.

The day began with an opening speech from Ms. Shahnaz Ghazi, followed by an insightful keynote lecture titled "Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations in the Context of the Changing Contours of Geopolitics in Asia" delivered by H.E. High Commissioner Md Shameem Ahsan. This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion featuring Prof. Dr. Jatswan Singh Harnam Singh, Professor of International Relations from School of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Mr. Khorshed Alam Khastagir, which Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Professor of Social History, had the privilege of moderating the panel discussion. The lecture theatre was filled with enthusiastic students from the International Relations programme and the members of Taylor’s Bangladesh Students Society.

The Bangladeshi visiting trainees diplomats had the opportunity to interact with Taylor's students, sharing their experiences and forging new friendships over refreshments. The day concluded with numerous photographs, capturing the essence of collaboration and the strong bonds of friendship between Malaysia and Bangladesh. This event was significant for Taylor’s University as it highlighted our commitment to fostering international partnerships and provided our students with valuable exposure to real-world diplomatic engagements. For students of International Relations, it was an invaluable opportunity to gain insights from seasoned diplomats, enhancing their understanding of global affairs and international diplomacy.

Taylor’s School of Media & Communication and Qingdao Film Academy China Renew Cinematic Partnership for Creative Excellence

The School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University proudly announces the renewal of its partnership with Qingdao Film Academy through the Memorandum of Understanding signed on 2020. This significant event was warmly welcomed by esteemed representatives from both institutions, including Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media & Communication and notable faculty members from Taylor's University.

Joining them were Ms. Su Wenjie, Executive Vice President, and Mr. Ren Xiao, Director of Joint Training Programmes, International Education Department, representing Qingdao Film Academy. During the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating “Through this collaboration with such an esteemed institution, School of Media & Communication (SOMAC) not only strengthens its position as a leader in film education and research but also opens up countless opportunities for our students and faculty.”

The renewed collaboration between SOMAC and Qingdao Film Academy would encompass a wide range of initiatives, including articulation, joint research initiatives, industry partnerships, academic exchange, and collaborative filmmaking frameworks in postgraduate research. Notably, academic staff from Qingdao Film Academy who pursued PhD in Media and Communication Studies since 2020 have successfully completed their PhD degrees, with some in progress towards completion.

The success of this partnership was attributed to the dedicated efforts of both institutions and their Programme Directors, Mr. Kok Jia Wern, Dr. Nur Haniz Mohd Nor from Taylor's University and Ms. Wu Tong from Qingdao Film Academy, whose commitment has ensured the seamless realization of this momentous partnership.

Through this collaborative efforts, both institutions aimed to foster a culture of creativity and experimentation, leveraging their combined expertise to explore new horizons in cinematic storytelling and technology. By sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, SOMAC and Qingdao Film Academy aspired to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and researchers while contributing to the advancement of the global film industry. This collaborative approach will not only enhance educational experiences for students but also facilitate groundbreaking discoveries and transformative developments in the field of media and communication studies.