A Cross-Cultural Counselling Case Conceptualisation: Perspectives from Asia and North America

The Counselling Case Conceptualization event was a significant platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between two prestigious universities - Taylor's University, Malaysia and Texas A&M University-Commerce, United States of America. The event titled "Case Conceptualization: Exchange of Perspectives" was facilitated by Prof. Dr. Zaidy Mohd Zain, an esteemed Adjunct Professor from Taylor's School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SLAS) and a Professor at the Department of Counseling, Texas A&M University–Commerce, brought together 10 postgraduate counselling students from Texas A&M University-Commerce, USA and 38 Master of Counselling students from Taylor's University, Malaysia representing different cultural backgrounds.

The session aimed to explore the multifaceted aspects of case conceptualization, providing an opportunity for students to share their experiences and insights based on real-life scenarios. The participant from Texas A&M University-Commerce Mr. Huy Lam showcased his adeptness in applying various counselling approaches and navigating through clients' issues,; while Ms. Vanessa Ashley Kwek Ik May and Mr. Philip Gooi Hon Kit from Taylor's University provided valuable perspectives from their counselling session experiences.

Prof. Dr. Zaidy Mohd Zain played a crucial role in guiding the discussion, bridging the gap between the participants' diverse backgrounds and facilitating a harmonious exchange of ideas. His expertise not only encouraged deeper exploration into counselling practices but also highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in the field. The event underscored the synergy between the two universities and showcased the global reach and impact of counselling practices. By fostering a more inclusive and globally informed approach to the profession, initiatives like these contribute to shaping the next generation of counsellors with a nuanced understanding of cultural and contextual variations.

In essence, the Counselling Case Conceptualization event was not just a sharing session, but a significant milestone in promoting interconnectedness and cultural awareness within the counselling community. As the counselling landscape continues to evolve, such collaborative efforts become increasingly vital in nurturing a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to client care.

Exploring the Emerald Beauty of Cameron Highlands: Student's Unforgettable Bonding Trip

Taylor's Culinary Institute organized a team bonding trip to Cameron Highlands for the first-year Diploma in Hotel Management students. The trip aimed to enhance students teamwork, strengthen team spirit, cultivate critical thinking skills, and adeptly navigate challenges. Three lecturers accompanied a group of 12 first-semester students on this 2D1N excursion.

The journey began with a visit to the Bharat Tea Plantations, the second-largest tea plantation in Cameron Highlands. During an insightful tour, both students and lecturers gained a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of tea production process. They were guided through the tea fields, where the lecturers explained the art of tea cultivation, from plucking to processing, and highlighting the skill required to craft the perfect cup of tea.

The next destination included a visit to the Lavender Garden. In the garden, the students had the opportunity to observe the growth of lavender, explore its various varieties, and understand the optimal conditions necessary for its flourishing. Lavender is known for its calming and soothing scent, and students also learned about the science behind its aroma and potential therapeutic benefits. They explored the concept of aromatherapy and how scents can impact emotions and well-being.

The next destination was the Kavy Boutique Hotel, where the students and lecturers received a warm welcome from the owner, an esteemed member of the hospitality alumni, and her family. The familiarity and camaraderie shared between the hotel owner and the educational institution created an atmosphere of genuine warmth and hospitality. The owner and her family graciously shared their experiences in managing a boutique hotel, making the visit both meaningful and insightful.

The trip's standout moment unfolded in a thrilling cooking competition, designed to showcase the students' culinary skills. Divided into 4 teams, the students were challenged to craft distinctive pasta dishes within a specified time frame. Despite by the constraints in equipment and space, the students worked as a team to unleash their culinary creativity and put their cooking skills to the test. 

In addition to the cooking competition, the lecturers integrated a series of team bonding games to deepen the connections among the students. These activities included trust-building exercises and problem-solving challenges, fostering open communication, cooperation, and camaraderie. The students and lecturers shared laughter, strategized together, and uncovered new facets of each other's personalities, fostering unity and creating shared experiences.

As part of the excursion, the group visited a vineyard, where Mr. Kwang Ee Fu, the Managing Director of K.C. Kwang & Sons Sdn. Bhd, extended a personal welcome to the students and lecturers. Mr. Kwang provided a unique opportunity to witness the art of grape cultivation up close. He led them on a journey through the vineyard, imparting knowledge about the meticulous process of cultivating and nurturing grapevines, showcasing different grape varieties, explaining the significance of terroir, and detailing the careful techniques employed to craft exceptional wines.

TCI expresses sincere gratitude to all organizers and fellow students whose significant contributions played a pivotal role in making this team bonding trip to Cameron Highlands an extraordinary and unforgettable experience for everyone involved!

Strategies in Maximising Safety and Minimising Risk in Entertainment Events By Hazily Harris, A World-Class Event Manager

In a captivating sharing session for students enrolled in the Event and Tourism Risk Management module, Mr. Hazily Harris, the Founder of Heavyweight Entertainment Asia, shared his invaluable insights as a guest speaker. The session, guided by Dr. Khairiah Ismail, a Senior Lecturer from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, provided students with a wealth of knowledge drawn from Hazily's over 16 years of experience as an Event Organizer and Promoter.

Mr. Hazily discussed his involvement in orchestrating some of the Malaysia’s largest and most complex festivals and concerts, as well as collaborations with global brands and people from around the world. He has contributed to more than 500 events across Southeast Asia, collaborating with over 500 international and local artists.

A notable highlight of the session was Hazily’s experiences organizing the “It’s the Ship” concert in Singapore, where he candidly discussed the encountered risks, offering a rare glimpse into risk management in entertainment events. He shed light on potential challenges such as crowd control, logistical aspects, and health concerns like exhaustion and heat strokes.

Hazily’s session was not merely a recounting of past successes and challenges but served as a masterclass, providing a roadmap for aspiring students and event organizers to navigate the unpredictable terrain of large-scale event planning.

In conclusion, students gained not only an appreciation for Hazily’s journey but also learned practical insights and strategies to ensure the success and safety of their future events, turning potential challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation in the perspectives of events management.