A Culinary Extravaganza with Michelin-starred Chef Rikard Hult & Chef Marc Viala from L'Epicurien, France at Taylor's University

In January 2024, Taylor’s Culinary Institute (TCI) had the honor of hosting two distinguished Michelin-starred Chefs, Chef Rikard Hult and Chef Marc Viala, from L'Epicurien, a renowned restaurant in Albi, France. This marked a significant milestone in TCI's commitment to providing unparalleled culinary experiences for our students.

On January 24th, Truffles Restaurant in Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus came alive with the aromas and flavors of Michelin-starred cuisine as both Chefs prepared an unforgettable dinner with TCI students. The evening welcomed about 40 guests, including Chef Jean Michel Loubatieres, the Founder & Executive Chef at Dalí by Chef Jean, returning guests from past events, and families of our students who had interned at L’Epicurien restaurant.

The dinner featured an exquisite menu meticulously crafted to showcase French gastronomy, such as using classic French cheese - Comté cheese with black truffles in a ‘Croque Monsieur’ to kick off the dining experience. Chef Rikard and Chef Marc also served Venison for the main course, paired with ‘Grand Veneur’ sauce, also known as huntsman sauce in France. The dinner ended with a Pavlova served with sea buckthorn sorbet that was sweet and refreshing.

The guests expressed their satisfaction for the well-curated menu, expert wine pairings, and the meticulous service rendered by our dedicated students from the Diploma in Hotel Management programme.

Elevating Industry Partnership through Joining Forces with Malaysia Retail Chain Association

The School of Food Studies & Gastronomy (SFSG) and the School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Events (SHTE) are delighted to announce a landmark collaboration with the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA). This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) solidifies our commitment to bridging academia and industry, providing invaluable opportunities for our students while fortifying the esteemed reputation of SFSG and SHTE. The MoU was signed and witnessed by leaders from both organizations. Taylor’s University was represented by Ms. Siti Ramadhaniatun Ismail, Head of the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy, and Dr. Ruth Sabina Francis, Programme Director of the Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (Hons). MRCA was represented by Ms. Valerie Choo Yoke Shiem, Chief of F&B Division, and the President YBhg Dato' Sharan J. Valiram.

MRCA, a powerhouse in the Malaysian retail sector, serves as a nexus for influential retail organizations, fostering opportunities to propel the industry's growth and global reach. This partnership was a testament to our dedication to staying at the forefront of industry trends and engaging with influential voices. Our association with MRCA F&B Division offers numerous benefits, including affiliation with a strong F&B industry advocate, knowledge sharing, guidance on franchising, assistance in the Halal application process, and access to a robust network of F&B investors and suppliers. SFSG and SHTE are well-positioned to make meaningful contributions to the dynamic F&B landscape through this collaboration.

The collaboration also extended to talent development, providing our graduates with exposure to real-world industry scenarios. Additionally, SFSG and SHTE will also engage in collaborative Research & Development projects with MRCA F&B Division, driving the commercialization of innovative solutions. The partnership also entailed the development of Retail Management modules under the MRCA Academy, offering students tailored learning experiences.

In conclusion, this collaboration amplified our commitment to comprehensive education, preparing students for the challenges of the evolving F&B and retail industry. We are enthusiastic about the opportunities and accomplishments that will stem from this partnership, and we look forward to collectively shaping the future of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management.

Triangular Collaboration Between Taylor's University | Academia, Omnicom Media Group | Agency & McDonald's Malaysia | Client

Taylor's School of Media and Communication (SOMAC) has always been a pioneer in innovative pedagogy. In a recent development, SOMAC initiated a groundbreaking educational partnership involving a unique triangular collaboration with Omnicom Media Group (OMG), the #1 ranked global media group for net new business; and their esteemed client, McDonald's Malaysia. This initiative provided students with a practical learning experience, bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world business challenges.

Over a span of three weeks, students from two specialized modules – 'Media Planning & Analysis' and 'Strategic Copywriting' were immersed in a real-world scenario that challenged them to apply their classroom learning in a professional setting. Collaborating closely with top-tier professionals from OMG and McDonald's Malaysia, students were tasked with developing comprehensive strategies to meet two primary objectives, which were to increase downloads of the McDonald's app and rebrand McCafe to achieve higher turnover.

This initiative culminated in a rigorous and inspiring presentation session, where 12 student groups showcased their strategic proposals to the partners. The creativity and depth of the students' work were evident, reflecting their keen understanding of contemporary media landscapes and consumer behavior. The final round of presentations was graced by prominent industry figures, including Ms. Melati Abdul Hai, Chief Marketing Officer of McDonald's Malaysia and Mr. Mayank Bhatnagar, Managing Director of OMG, among others.

Ms. Melati Abdul Hai commented on the initiative, saying, "The creativity and insight demonstrated by the students were truly impressive. It's initiatives like this that prepare the next generation of marketers for the real world."

The competition was intense, and the stakes were high. The top three groups were awarded for their outstanding strategies and creative solutions. The prizes were substantial, with the first prize being RM 2,500 cash vouchers, the second RM 1,000, and the third RM 500, underlining the value and recognition given to the students' efforts.

This partnership has set a new benchmark in experiential learning. By engaging directly with industry leaders, SOMAC students not only gained real-world experience but also had the opportunity to make a tangible impact on a major brand's strategy. This model of collaboration between academia, agencies, and clients paved the way for future projects that can enrich the educational journey of students, making them industry-ready. This initiative was a testament to SOMAC's commitment to providing education that transcends traditional boundaries. By fostering such partnerships, SOMAC not only enhanced the learning experience but also reinforced its position as a leading institution that is attuned to the evolving demands of the media and communication landscape.

As we celebrated the success of this partnership and the achievements of our students, SOMAC looks forward to exploring more innovative collaborations that provide our students with a competitive edge and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic world of media and communication.

Stay updated with the latest endeavors by the School of Media and Communication and catch more exciting happenings by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube at @taylorsunisomac or linktr.ee/taylorsuniSOMAC.