Taylor's University and Omnicom Media Group Malaysia Join Forces for Empowering the Next Generation of Advertising Talent Development

Taylor’s University, through its School of Media and Communication, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its commitment to nurturing industry-ready graduates by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Omnicom Media Group (OMG) Malaysia. This marked the beginning of a dynamic collaboration aimed at fostering talent development within the advertising and media industry. The strategic partnership between Taylor’s University and OMG Malaysia emphasized a shared vision to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, the Executive Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management at Taylor's University, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "This partnership exemplifies our commitment to providing our students with real-world experiences and industry exposure. By working closely with OMG Malaysia, we aim to empower our graduates with the skills and insights needed to excel in the dynamic field of advertising."

This collaboration will facilitate joint initiatives, including guest lectures, industry workshops, internships, collaborative industry projects, and sharing real-life case studies and experiences with students from OMG's wide repertoire of clients. These engagements will offer students invaluable opportunities to gain practical experience and network with industry professionals, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve.

Ms. Eileen Ooi Wei Ling, Chief Executive Officer of Omnicom Media Group Malaysia and Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University, shared her thoughts on the partnership, saying, "As a leading media agency, we recognize the importance of nurturing the next generation of talent in our industry. By partnering with Taylor’s University, we are committed to supporting the development of future-ready professionals who will drive innovation and excellence in advertising and beyond."

One of the key objectives of this collaboration was to future-proof graduates by equipping them with the skills that will be in high demand and building connections for the students within the industry. As technology continues to reshape the advertising industry, there is a growing demand for individuals who are adaptable, creative, and digitally savvy. Through tailored curriculum enhancements and industry-driven initiatives, Taylor’s University and OMG Malaysia aimed to ensure that the graduates are well-prepared to enter the industry.

This partnership also underscored the importance of industry-academia collaborations in addressing the talent needs of the advertising sector. By fostering closer ties between educational institutions and industry players, both parties can leverage their strengths to create impactful learning experiences and drive innovation in talent development. As Taylor’s University and OMG Malaysia embarked on this exciting journey together, they remain committed to nurturing and empowering the next generation of advertising and media professionals to excel in the industry and become leaders in their fields.

Taylor's School of Food Studies & Gastronomy Appoints YBhg. Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Fatimah Mohamed Arshad as Adjunct Professor

We are thrilled to announce the prestigious appointment of YBhg. Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Fatimah Mohamed Arshad as an Adjunct Professor at the School of Food Studies and Gastronomy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor's University.

YBhg. Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Fatimah is a Research Fellow at the Laboratory of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies, Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Universiti Putra Malaysia, specializing in agricultural marketing and policy analysis. She has been a Member of the National Agricultural Advisory Council (MPPN), Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (later Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security renamed in 2023), since 2018. Prof. Fatimah also holds the esteemed position of Food Security Chair.

Her research areas include agricultural marketing and economics issues, policy analysis, and agricultural market structure, conduct, and performance. She has conducted various policy studies, particularly on the role of agricultural subsidies and incentives in the paddy and rice industry, food security, agricultural cooperatives, food supply chain and marketing, price analysis and forecasting. She has developed a vintage model for Malaysian agriculture, system dynamics analysis on pertinent issues in agriculture such as food security, industrial commodity issues, and modeling of the paddy and rice sector in Malaysia. She believes that the role of the smallholders in agriculture can be further enhanced through knowledge empowerment and treading the path of collaborative commons particularly cooperatives for sustainability, equity and growth.

In her new role as an Adjunct Professor for the Master of Food Studies and Gastronomy programme at Taylor's University, she will share her wealth of knowledge in modules such as Food System: Social Organization & Design and Food Consumer Studies. Additionally, she will assist in the curriculum development of postgraduate programmes in Food Studies, contribute to enhancing linkages between the university and industry through collaborative research projects, knowledge exchange, and partnership development. She will also conduct workshops and guest lectures for students, represent the university in professional associations, conferences, and other relevant forums, provide publication opportunities by co-authoring articles, and offer referrals. Furthermore, she will provide consultancy for staff and students through continuous learning, professional development activities, and participation in relevant networks.

We extend our warmest congratulations to YBhg. Prof. Datin Paduka Dr. Fatimah on her new appointment as Adjunct Professor. We look forward to the invaluable contributions she will make to the school and the field of food studies and gastronomy as a whole.

Leading Across Cultures by Unveiling Cultural Intelligence and Inclusive Leadership

The School of Education in collaboration with Taylor's Education for All Impact Lab recently hosted a compelling event to launch the book "Leading in Multicultural Schools: Cultural Intelligence and Leadership Styles for Better Organizations", authored by Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde, Deputy Director of Education For All Impact Lab and Lecturer at the School of Education. The event, took place at Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus and was attended by 120 participants, including staff and students, also the Impact Lab project partners from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sunway and Al-Ikhlas Hope Society.

The objectives of the event were to promote the book, engage in discussions on diversity, inclusive leadership and refugee education, as well as to facilitate networking opportunities among the Impact Lab members. The agenda featured a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Chair of the Taylor's Impact Lab Oversight Committee & Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, followed by an introduction of the book by Dr. Joseph.

This research book is a guide for readers to explore the integration and optimization of cultural competencies and leadership styles to establish and maintain a supportive environment conducive to enhanced learning within multicultural learning organizations. By delving into its contents, readers will gain insights into blending cultural awareness and leadership practices to create a supportive environment that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives for enhanced learning outcomes.

The event also boasted a dynamic panel discussion with esteemed speakers who have a breadth of experience leading multicultural organizations, including Mdm Norliza Nordeen, Founder and Chairperson of Al-Ikhlas Hope Society; Dr. Umawathy Techanamurthy, Former Senior Assistant Director at Instructional and Digital Learning Division, Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education, Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, currently a Lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; and Mdm Ida Wong Yee Wen, Senior Assistant at Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Sunway.

The discussion explored various perspectives on multicultural education, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness in effectively leading culturally diverse academic institutions in Malaysia. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings, motivates students and staff, and fosters inclusivity in schools.

The event proceeded with a Q&A session, book presentations to Impact Lab project partners, and presentation of certificates of appreciation to the panelists. Associate Prof. Dr. Logendra Ponniah, Head of the School of Education, wrapped up the event with insightful closing remarks, highlighting the importance of inclusive leadership in today’s multicultural educational landscape.