Embarking on Excellence: Unveiling the Future at Taylor's Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management Grand Convocation Celebration!

Convocation serves as a momentous occasion in the academic journey of students at Taylor’s University, marking the culmination of their efforts and achievements. On January 27, 2024, the convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management was held, commemorating the success of 582 graduates from six esteemed academic schools.

The graduates hailed from diverse academic backgrounds represented by the School of Education, School of Food Studies & Gastronomy, School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events, School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, School of Media & Communication, and Taylor's Culinary Institute. Notably, the cohort included 351 international students from over 20 nations including China, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea (South), Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Brunei, Canada, Iran, Thailand and Egypt amongst others, underscoring the university's global reach and cultural diversity.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Chancellor, Y.Bhg. Emeritus Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim; Vice Chancellor and President, Professor Dr. Barry Winn; Executive Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, Professor Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan; Chair of Food Studies, University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, Professor Dr. Jean Pierre Poulain; Registrar, Ungku Nazli Ungku Ismail; Heads of Schools; Heads of Departments; Academicians and Graduands’ family members. Their presence added significance to the event, symbolizing the university's commitment to academic excellence and student success.

As the graduates embark on their respective paths, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained during their tenure at Taylor’s University, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. Their dedication and perseverance have prepared them to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields, serving as beacons of inspiration for future generations of students.

We remain confident that the graduates will excel in their endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on their professions and communities. May their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of education and inspire others to pursue excellence in their pursuits.

Taylor's University Partners with Resorts World Genting and Wolfgang's Steakhouse for a Michelin Magic Dining Experience

Following a successful collaboration in 2022 with L’Epicurien, a renowned restaurant in France, Taylor's Culinary Institute (TCI) once again brought them back to Taylor’s University, along with an exclusive collaboration with Resorts World Genting and Wolfgang's Steakhouse by Wolfgang Zwiener.

On January 26th, the two distinguished Michelin-starred Chefs, Chef Rikard Hult and Chef Marc Viala from L'Epicurien continued the culinary extravaganza at Wolfgang's Steakhouse, Resorts World Genting. The dinner played host to approximately 35 guests, including Mr. Peter Dewey Foster, the Executive Vice President of Leisure, Hospitality & Lifestyle and Mr. Bennie Chu, the Vice President of F&B Operations at Resorts World Genting. The evening commenced with the enchanting melodies of a violinist, further enlivening the dinner along with the grand and luxurious interior of Wolfgang’s Steakhouse.

Throughout the dinner preparations, Chef Rikard and Chef Marc were assisted by the Chefs from Wolfgang’s Steakhouse and Taylor’s Culinary Institute students. TCI students had the valuable opportunity to work with Chefs from two distinct commercial restaurants. Providing a profound learning experience, this event served as an eye-opener for them, teaching the art of working efficiently at a rapid pace and fostering effective coordination with diverse teams in the kitchen. 

The guests indulged in a sumptuous feast of innovative French dishes, each meticulously prepared to tantalize the senses. Each dish was expertly paired with wines, with insightful explanations provided by Mr. Kevin Yee, the Director of Wine at Resorts World Genting.

The collaboration with Chef Rikard and Chef Marc not only enriched our students' culinary education but also fostered a spirit of collaboration and innovation within our institute. The immersive experience provided invaluable insights and inspiration for our future aspiring chefs, empowering them to push the boundaries of gastronomic creativity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chef Rikard Hult, Chef Marc Viala, Resorts World Genting and Wolfgang’s Steakhouse for their invaluable contribution to this extraordinary culinary journey. Taylor’s Culinary Institute is honored to have had the opportunity to host both Chefs whose expertise and passion have left an indelible mark on our culinary landscape.

University of Plymouth & Taylor's University Launched EngageVR Certification Course for Pre-service Teachers in Malaysia

On February 2, 2024, the School of Education at Taylor’s University hosted a launch event for the EngageVR Certification Course designed specifically for Pre-service Teachers. The event was officiated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Logendra Stanley Ponniah, Head of the School of Education, Taylor’s University.

This interactive certification programme aims to empower future educators with the transformative potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in the classroom. The EngageVR short course covers the fundamentals of EngageVR in education, providing Pre-service Teachers with insights into immersive learning experiences. With a focus on practical implementation, participants will learn to integrate EngageVR seamlessly into their lesson plans, fostering engagement and supporting diverse learning styles.

Key features of this significant milestone included hands-on VR content creation sessions to promote scenario-based learning approaches, collaborative learning environments with a group of Pre-service Teachers from University of Plymouth, United Kingdom; and the expert-led sessions by Mr. Maxwell McGee, Head of Education at ENGAGE XR Holdings Plc, Ireland, a renowned professional in educational technology. Through group projects and discussion forums, the participants have the opportunity to share ideas, explore the potential of VR in education, and provide aspiring educators with the tools they need to embrace innovative teaching methods.

This collaborative initiative was the joint efforts between Taylor's University and University of Plymouth, which was led by Dr. P. Thivilojana S. Perinpasingam, Dr. Tan Shin Yen, Ts. Dr. Charles Sharma Naidu and Mr. Faisal Athar Mohd Fadzil from Taylor's University, as well as the active participation from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suanne Gibson, Mr. James Bettany and Ms. Mandy Andrews from Plymouth Institute of Education, University of Plymouth.

The primary goal of this collaboration was to equip Pre-service Teachers with the skills and knowledge to create immersive and impactful learning experiences using VR technology. The certification programme is officially recognized by our industry partner - ENGAGE XR. Furthermore, this initiative aimed to foster international classroom experiences by involving Pre-service Teachers from the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom. Together, we aspire to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts.

For more information about the event, please visit our YouTube link: https://youtu.be/aydkhIbtPhI#