Student Powerhouse: “Jom Lenggong” PR Project Clinches PRCA Asia-Pacific 2025 Award!

Taylor’s University’s School of Media and Communication (SOMAC) continues to set the benchmark for academic excellence and industry relevance. Its final-year Public Relations consultancy team, ProPassion, emerged victorious at the prestigious Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) Asia-Pacific (APAC) Awards 2025, winning the Best Student Campaign Award under the Student Campaign category. Held on 27 March 2025 in Singapore, the award ceremony recognises outstanding public relations campaigns that align with global industry standards.

Guided by Dr. G. Manickam Govindaraju, ProPassion Consult, a student-led consultancy under Bachelor of Mass Communication (Public Relations and Event Management) programme delivered the winning “Jom Lenggong” campaign. Comprising twelve final-year students, the team operated within a real-world consultancy model, gaining invaluable experience in client engagement, strategic development, and campaign execution. Conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Perak, the project promoted Lenggong Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its archaeological significance and untapped potential in geotourism.

“Jom Lenggong” distinguished itself among international entries, many submitted by seasoned industry professionals, for its strategic execution and measurable impact. ProPassion’s success stemmed from robust public relations strategies, clearly defined objectives, and tactical precision. Key campaign components included social media activations, campus events, a digital newsletter, media outreach initiatives, a project video, and a high-impact Public Relations showcase attended by industry partners and MOTAC officials.

Special thanks are extended to Tuan Muhammad Aminuddin bin Abdul Majid, Director of MOTAC Perak, for facilitating essential logistics and enhancing the students’ cultural immersion. The project also benefited from the support of Dr. Nagathisen Katahenggam, Deputy Director of the Sustainable Tourism Impact Lab, and Dr. Thanam Subramaniam, Programme Director from the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events, who championed a multidisciplinary approach. Creative mentorship by Mr. Jason Desmond, Channel Manager of SOMAC played a pivotal role in producing the campaign’s compelling promotional video, vividly bringing Lenggong’s story to life.

The success of the “Jom Lenggong” campaign exemplifies Taylor’s University’s commitment to purpose-led education and experiential learning. This remarkable achievement not only cements Taylor’s leadership in media and communication education but also highlights the transformative power of hands-on learning in shaping the next generation of communication leaders.

Celebrating Excellence: 7 PhD Graduates from School of Education Achieved Academic Milestone

In February 2025, seven (7) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by Research students from the School of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) at Taylor’s University successfully graduated. The Faculty extends its heartfelt congratulations to the graduates and their dedicated supervisory committees on this remarkable achievement. Their success stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to advancing research excellence and making a lasting scholarly impact.

Student's Name: DR. HE XIAOYING

Thesis Title: The Influences of Cultural Intelligence on Academic Adaptation Among Junior College International Students in China: The Mediating Role of Academic Self-Efficacy

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sadiah Baharom

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Nordin Abdul Razak

Student's Name: DR. JIN JIANHAO

Thesis Title: The Relationship Between Self-Regulated Learning-Related Factors and Creativity Among Art & Design Undergraduate Students in Mainland China

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ng Foong Peng

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Lim Chong Hin and Dr. Mohd Rizal Ahmad

Student's Name: DR. SUMATI A/P MUNIANDY

Thesis Title: Common European Framework of Reference For Languages (Cefr)-Aligned Formative Assessment Practices in The Malaysian Primary English as A Second Language Classroom

Principal Supervisor: Dr. Jasmine Anak Jain

Co-Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Ramesh Nair

Student's Name: DR. SUN JIAJIA

Thesis Title: The Teaching Practicum: Perspectives of Chinese Efl Teacher Trainees and School Based Cooperating Teachers

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Chan Swee Heng

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Tan Shin Yen

Student's Name: DR. WANG LI

Thesis Title: Motivational Beliefs and Self-Regulating Capacity in Vocabulary Learning and Knowledge among Vocational College Students in China

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Chan Swee Heng

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Seyyed Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

Student's Name: DR. YANG SHUAI

Thesis Title: Attitudes, Barriers and Coping Strategies of Secondary School Students and Teachers in Urban And Rural Settings Towards Learning-Teaching Different Types of Music in Shandong, China

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Ain Nadzimah

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Chan Swee Heng and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maizatulliza

Student's Name: DR. ZHAO WEIHAO

Thesis Title: Factors Impacting Behavioral Intention to Use The Interactive Whiteboard by Public High School Teachers in Hebei, China

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sadiah Baharom

Co-Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Nordin Abdul Razak

Stepping Into New Role: Dr. Neerushah Subarimaniam Appointed Programme Director for Bachelor of Psychology (Hons)

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Neerushah Subarimaniam as the new Programme Director for the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons). This appointment signifies an important advancement in our ongoing commitment to enhancing academic excellence and the continued growth of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dr. Neerushah holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Guidance and Counselling from Universiti Putra Malaysia and is a registered counsellor, as well as a certified counselling practitioner with Lembaga Kaunsellor Malaysia.

She brings deep expertise in counselling psychology, ethics in counselling and psychology, and counselling ethics education. Throughout her distinguished career in higher education, Dr. Neerushah has held various key roles, including lecturer, programme coordinator for postgraduate studies, research associate, and student counsellor. In her new role, Dr. Neerushah is dedicated to enriching the student experience, strengthening programme management, and fostering the continuous development of the Bachelor of Psychology (Hons) programme in alignment with the university’s mission and core values.

We would also like to take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Ms. Rajalakshmi Ganesan for her exemplary service and contributions as Programme Director. Her dedication, strategic vision, and invaluable efforts have played a pivotal role in shaping the programme and supporting the academic and professional growth of our students. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Neerushah on her new role and in extending our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Rajalakshmi for her outstanding contributions to the programme’s success. We look forward to continued excellence under Dr. Neerushah’s guidance.