The Future of Ecotourism: A Sustainable Agritourism Project at Kalumpang Tanjung Malim, Selangor

In recent years, there has been a growing global awareness of the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and environmental preservation. With increasing concern about the impact of conventional farming methods on ecosystems and human health, alternative approaches prioritizing sustainability are gaining traction. One such approach is sustainable agritourism with zero pesticides, which has garnered significant attention from the public.

In line with these initiatives, 36 students from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE) and School of Media and Communication (SOMAC) visited the Kalumpang Smart IPM Agroecology Farm (K-SIAF). This project was led by the two Senior Lecturers, Dr. Thanam Subramaniam and Ms. G Manickam Govindaraju. The objective was to raise awareness of sustainable agritourism with zero pesticides and to cultivate community involvement, especially among the Gen Z. This project involved the 'Tourism Integrated Project' and 'Public Relations Events and Consultancy' modules, in collaboration with Taylor's Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab to promote social and community development.

This project was officiated by the Advisory Board Chairman of ABS Greentech Sdn. Bhd., YBhg Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Mamat. He was accompanied by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. R.M. Ravichandar S. Ratnam together with a representative from the Department of Agriculture of Selangor, and a representative from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI). In addition to knowledge sharing, the students engaged in practical activities in smart farming, such as planting and preparing soil composition, among other tasks.

This project provided valuable exposure to the students on the importance of smart farming with zero pesticides and the necessity of promoting agritourism through customized tour packages. The students were excited to further work on creating customized tour packages and public relations consultation materials (including posters and press releases) to promote sustainable agritourism initiatives.

Taylor's Master of Clinical Psychology Students Embarked on a Meaningful Outreach Initiative at Assunta Hospital

In the spirit of community engagement and the pursuit of mental health advocacy, the Master of Clinical Psychology students from Taylor's University recently embarked on a meaningful outreach initiative at Assunta Hospital in Petaling Jaya. These aspiring future mental health professionals dedicated their time and expertise to conducting mental health screenings for both patients and staff within the hospital. This outreach activity was part of the mobile clinic initiatives from HEART Psychological Services, Taylor’s University, allowing more accessibility to mental health services for the public. The bustling halls of Assunta Hospital became a hub of compassionate care and psychological support during this period.

Equipped with their knowledge and guided by their commitment to making a positive impact, the students seamlessly integrated themselves into the hospital setting. Their mission was clear to extend a helping hand to those in need and raise awareness about the importance of mental health. The activities included comprehensive mental health screenings, allowing the students to interact with diverse individuals and gain invaluable clinical exposure. Patients and staffs alike benefited from the expertise of these budding clinical psychologists, who approached their duties with empathy, sensitivity, and a genuine desire to make a difference.

The three-day outreach programme not only provided an avenue for the students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical setting but also allowed them to witness the intricacies of working in a hospital environment. This hands-on experience was crucial for their development as future Clinical Psychologists, as it exposed them to the unique challenges and dynamics present in healthcare institutions. The feedback from both the hospital staffs and the individuals who participated in the mental health screenings has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health within the healthcare framework. The success of this outreach underscored the need for continued collaboration between academic institutions and healthcare providers to promote holistic well-being.

In conclusion, the Master of Clinical Psychology students have once again demonstrated their dedication to the betterment of society. Through their outreach activities at Assunta Hospital, they not only conducted valuable mental health screenings but also gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of psychological care in a hospital setting. As these students continue on their journey towards becoming proficient Clinical Psychologists, their commitment to community service and mental health advocacy shines as a beacon of hope for a brighter, more compassionate future.

Exploring the Best of Giesen Estate Marlborough Wines with Giesen Ambassador & Hospitality Manager Mr. Roscoe Johanson

Taylor’s Culinary Institute recently hosted a Wine Masterclass featuring 'Giesen', a renowned producer of cool climate wines from New Zealand. Mr. Roscoe Johanson, Ambassador and Hospitality Manager of Giesen Wines, led the event, showcasing the unique characteristics and specialty of Giesen’s wines. The masterclass highlighted eight exceptional wines, including Giesen Estate Blush Riesling, Giesen Estate Blush Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen Estate Pinot Gris, Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Giesen Estate Pinot Noir, Giesen The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc, and Giesen The Brothers Pinot Noir. Of particular interest was the Organic Sauvignon Blanc, which is relatively new to Malaysia and kept the participants intrigued and excited.

Approximately 20 participants attended the masterclass, which Mr. Roscoe provided an overview of Giesen's history, sharing the story of the three brothers who established the vineyard in New Zealand, drawing inspiration from their family's wine making background in Germany. Today, Giesen owns multiple vineyards in New Zealand and is known for producing award-winning wines.

Following the masterclass, a wine dinner was held at Aliyaa, a Michelin Guide Sri Lankan Restaurant. The 5-course menu was thoughtfully paired with five different bottles of white and red wines from Giesen. The highlight of the menu was the Crab Meat Varai served with Crab Curry, expertly paired with Giesen's Sauvignon Blanc. Guests were impressed by the successful pairing of wine with flavorful and spicy dishes.

Taylor’s Culinary Institute was pleased to provide an educational opportunity for all attendees to learn about New Zealand wines.