Taylor's Media and Communication Academics Trained on the DaVinci Resolve 18 - Professional Video Editing Tools used by Hollywood Professionals

In late February, the academic staff members from the School of Media and Communication (SOMAC) participated in a 3-day training workshop on DaVinci Resolve, a professional video editing software. The workshop, titled "The Beginners Guide to DaVinci Resolve with End-User Certification Training," aimed to provide participants with foundational skills in using the software.

DaVinci Resolve is a versatile software solution that integrates editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production tools used by Hollywood professionals. Its intuitive interface caters to beginners and offers advanced features for professionals. By streamlining various tasks into a single platform, DaVinci Resolve enables users to work seamlessly without the need to switch between applications, resulting in quicker workflows and superior outcomes.

The training was conducted by Mr. Isazaly Isa, a seasoned Post-Producer and Certified DaVinci Resolve Master Trainer from Kino-i Pictures Sdn Bhd. Kino-i Pictures is a company that aims to discover and promote the works of new talents while providing the industry with a pool of talented and highly-skilled professionals with the belief that by nurturing these upstarts, Kino-i Pictures will be supplying Malaysia with fresh creative minds to further Malaysia’s goal of being a developed nation filled with the richness of arts and crafts.

Mr. Isazaly, known for his work on various productions including the recent movie 'Rain Town', covered essential topics such as video editing techniques, audio editing, and color grading. His expertise and industry experience offered valuable insights into effective DaVinci Resolve usage. The workshop concluded with a one-hour online test, allowing participants three attempts to obtain end-user certification in DaVinci Resolve 18. This certification serves as a validation of participants' competency in utilizing the software for their professional endeavors.

The SOMAC academic staff members' success in passing the certification test on their first attempt highlighted the effectiveness of the workshop in imparting practical skills and knowledge in DaVinci Resolve. This achievement was a significant milestone, equipping them with essential skills to enhance their video editing capabilities.

With the lecturers now proficient in DaVinci Resolve, they are prepared to teach the module to students, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and skills to future learners and expanding the pool of individuals skilled in this software. Furthermore, students completing the class can advance their skills by taking the certification exam offered by Blackmagic Design. Becoming certified users will validate their proficiency, enhance their credibility, and increase their marketability in the video editing field.

Taylor’s University and Cell AgriTech Forge Partnership in Driving Sustainable Food Innovation

In an exciting development bridging academia and industry, Taylor's University has embarked on a pioneering journey with Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, through official signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This landmark partnership, marked by an industry-academia research grant of RM45,792 heralding a new era of innovation and collaboration in Malaysia's cultivated meat sector.

The MOA, signed by Professor Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University, alongside Mr. Jason Ng, Director and Vice President of Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd, witnessed by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Taylor’s University and Ms. Ng Shi Jing, Validation Manager of Cell AgriTech Sdn Bhd. This MOA cemented a collaboration poised to drive significant advancements in research and development within the burgeoning cultivated meat industry.

Cell AgriTech is the first cultivated meat company in the country, bringing a sustainable and delicious alternative to traditional meat products. The current global food systems cannot provide a sustainable, healthy diet for the world’s growing population. Their dietary preferences for livestock-based food contribute to huge greenhouse gas emissions. However, biotechnology can deliver sustainable solutions by transforming the food and agricultural sector. Cell AgriTech primarily focuses on scaling up and manufacturing, which is their primary expertise. They aim to be one of the most cost-efficient cultivated meat companies in the world.

This partnership not only signifies a major step forward in the synergy between academic research and industry application but also showcases the commitment of both entities to spearhead sustainable food production solutions. This initiative represents a unique convergence of culinary science and technology, aiming to unlock new possibilities in food production, and to make substantial contributions to the fields of food and nutrition security.

Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof Dr. Chong Li Choo, Associate Professor from the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy at Taylor’s University, a dedicated team of Final Year Project students from the Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Culinology programme will delve into critical research focused on the acceptance of cultivated meat among Malaysians and the innovation potential within the cultivated fish products domain.

By exploring and enhancing the acceptance and innovation of cultivated meat products, this collaboration aims to lay the groundwork for more sustainable food production practices in Malaysia and beyond. The outcomes of this research are eagerly anticipated, as they promise to offer valuable insights into consumer preferences and innovative approaches to cultivated meat production, potentially revolutionizing the food industry.

This groundbreaking partnership between Taylor's University and Cell AgriTech underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing scientific research and technological innovation. As we move forward, the insights and developments emerging from this collaboration are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of food sustainability, not only in Malaysia but on a global scale.

Taylor's and Melia Hotels International Forge Path for Future Hospitality Professionals through STEP Fast Track Career Pathway Programme

Taylor's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events is thrilled to announce another significant partnership with Melia Hotels International that further solidifies commitment that geared towards enhancing career prospects through the Student Employment Programme (STEP) for undergraduate students pursuing the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (BIHM) programme.

The event witnessed the presence of key figures from Taylor's University, including Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joaquim Dias Soeiro, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events; and Dr. Ruth Sabina Francis, Programme Director for Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (Hons). Representing Melia Hotels International were Mr. Alvaro Fernandez Lopez, General Manager of Melia Kuala Lumpur; Ms. Ada Jian, General Manager of INNSiDE by Melia Kuala Lumpur Cheras; Mr. Rayner Chew, Human Resources Manager of Melia Kuala Lumpur; and other delegates from both Taylor’s University and Melia Hotels International.

During the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan shed light on the transformative impact of industry collaborations on the future trajectories of budding hospitality professionals. He discussed the key insights such as revolutionizing talent recruitment methods in the hospitality sector to identify and nurture top talent effectively. Additionally, he highlighted the integration of sustainability principles into hospitality education to address global challenges and promote a responsible industry. Furthermore, it is important to embrace AI and technology in the industry and the need to equip students with essential skills. Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan also emphasized enhancing learning through project-based approaches to boost student engagement and outcomes by providing practical skills and experiences.

"Melia is a Spanish hotel chain, with 374 hotels spanning across 40 countries worldwide, operating under various prestigious brands namely Melia, Gran Melia, ME by Melia, INNSiDE by Melia, and Melia Hotels International. This collaboration presents Taylor's hospitality students with abundant prospects to propel their careers within these renowned Melia brands all over the world." said Mr. Alvaro Fernandez.

On the other hand, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joaquim Soeiro expressed excitement about the partnership and said "Taylor's School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events aims to broaden the industry scope for our hospitality students, and this strategic STEP partnership with Melia Hotels International is a true testament to that."

STEP is a unique training programme that allows industry partners to identify students as a potential talent two years before they graduate. Through this avenue, members of the industry gain access to second year students who are taken onboard world’s leading hotels as student-employees and inculcated with the hotel’s business philosophies. This experience provides students with valuable industry insights and training before they graduate. 

Through this partnership with Melia Hotels International for the prestigious Student Employment Programme (STEP) Fast-Track Career Pathway Programme, Taylor's students are looking forward to the unparalleled opportunities for talent development, immersive workshops, and engaging real-world case studies. This partnership is poised to propel students towards resounding success in their hospitality careers, further reinforcing school's commitment to nurturing exceptional talent in the industry.