The Evolution of #timetotalk Podcast by Taylor's Master of Counselling Students to Break Boundaries with Global Guests

#timetotalk has emerged as a vibrant local podcast, fostering impromptu dialogues with a diverse array of guests, both local and international. It sprouted from a simple yet profound vision during the pandemic to nurture authentic conversations, unencumbered by societal norms, solely through the realm of social media. The Founder of this endeavor, Janak Ashok Teckwani, and the Editor and Co-host, Goh Ian Shen, are now pursuing Master of Counselling at Taylor’s University.

Originating from humble beginnings as university students studying Psychology programme and various other disciplines, the podcast delved into an array of topics including Mental Health, Art, Films, while also spotlighting local talents and the unheralded successes of unconventional sources. The trajectory of this passion driven, from its inception during undergraduate years to its current postgraduate phase, epitomized perseverance against daunting odds. The creator deliberately steered away from the allure of social acclaim, prioritizing authentic dialogue and meaningful sharing.

The podcast has featured an array of distinguished guests including notable figures (Linktree: https://linktr.ee/timetotalk2020). These guests and many others were invited for engagement solely through social media platforms, making the process notably unique. The #timetotalk journey challenges traditional notions of podcast success, emphasizing the value of fostering genuine conversations over the status of guests. Success, in this context, is defined by the ability to facilitate authentic discussions without pretense. The belief that one does not need to be 'big' to engage 'big guests' remains a fundamental philosophy.

This approach prioritizes meaningful interactions with individuals who embody significant work rather than focusing on fame. Engaging with global guests exposes counseling postgraduates to diverse cultural, social, and psychological perspectives, enhancing their interpersonal skills and cultural competence in counseling practice. Interacting with global guests also expands their knowledge beyond traditional classroom teachings, providing insights into various cultural nuances and global issues. The resonance of this narrative extends to both the audience and the guests who have participated in the podcast.

Unleashing the Potential of Taylor's Hospitality & Culinary Students' Involvement in the World Barista Championship 2024

The World of Coffee Busan 2024 took place at the Busan Exhibition & Convention Center (BEXCO) from 1st to 4th May 2024, featuring the 2024 World Barista Championship. It marked the first World of Coffee Trade Show on the Asian continent and was a testament to the strong growth of the specialty coffee industry in this region. South Korea, in particular, has long been recognized as a destination for specialty coffee craft, technology, retail, research, and culture. The city of Busan, the second-largest city and coffee trade hub of South Korea, a natural destination for a  specialty coffee trade show.

The world’s best Baristas represented their countries, demonstrating exceptional skills for a chance to claim the title of world champion. This event successfully attracted a significant number of attendees, with 281 companies from 72 countries and a total of 15,844 attendees, including 5,123 global visitors. Ten students from Taylor's Bachelor of International Hospitality Management, Diploma in Hotel Management and Diploma in Culinary Arts programme, enthusiastically volunteered to take on diverse responsibilities throughout the competition days. This experience provided them with invaluable opportunities to elevate their expertise and proficiency as Baristas. Their contributions ranged from aiding on the competition stage to overseeing brew bars and offering assistance to national-level Baristas.

Additionally, they had the opportunity to work with the past champions likes Mr. Anthony Douglas, the 2022 World Barista Champion from Australia, and gained valuable insights from industry experts. During the event, students not only honed their skills with a diverse selection of coffee beans sourced globally and mastered the latest hand brew equipment, but also expanded their horizons beyond the competition. They explored the annual world coffee exhibition, including the Roaster Village, where they encountered cutting-edge products from leading global coffee brands. Furthermore, they seized the opportunity to attend the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Lecture Series, broadening their understanding of coffee and benefiting from the expertise of respected industry professionals.

Participating in this event provided students with valuable practical experience and knowledge that they can apply in their future careers. Their active involvement contributed to the competition's success and was greatly appreciated. In conclusion, the participation of the students in the World of Coffee Busan proved to be a valuable and successful learning opportunity. They acquired new skills, expanded their knowledge as a Barista, and gained practical experience working alongside renowned world Baristas. Taylor’s Culinary Institute looks forward to future collaborations that will further enhance the students' learning experiences in the hospitality and culinary industry.

A Showcase of Chocolate Sculptures by Bachelor of Patisserie Arts Students at Taylor's University

As an integral component of the pastry students' educational journey, the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy organized a showcase highlighting 'The Art of Sugar and Chocolate Work' module at the end of the February 2024 semester. The showcase provided a platform for the exhibition of students' final projects after completing 14 immersive practical sessions. The students from Taylor’s University and College were graciously invited to view and appreciate these showcased creations.

Four groups of Bachelor of Patisseries Arts students presented their chocolate creations in the Artist Kitchen, following the Rustic Ikebana concept. The students created a stunning chocolate floral arrangement with orange-yellow hues, incorporating natural elements like bark, pillars, ornamental leaves, and roots. Under the expert guidance of Chef Lecturer Shahril Nizam Shamsudin, the students meticulously crafted and assembled their chocolate elements for a flawless presentation.

Esteemed external chefs, including Chef Charles Lim, were invited to evaluate and provide feedback on the students' artwork. Chef Charles Lim, a renowned Pastry Chef who is also the winner of Asian Pastry Cup 2022 and the representative of Malaysia at the prestigious Pastry World Cup 2023 (Coupe du Monde de la Patisserie 2023), offered valuable insights and mentorship to the students, enhancing their learning experience and career development.

This showcase not only highlighted the exceptional talents of Taylor's pastry students, but also aimed to attract prospective students to the Bachelor of Patisserie Arts (Hons) programme. By exhibiting the students' remarkable skills and creativity, while simultaneously assessing their performance in the module, this initiative reinforced the programme's unwavering dedication to excellence.