Milestone in Malaysia’s Tourism Executive Education: Taylor’s University & MATTA Launch Certified Travel Professional Programmes

Taylor’s University proudly marked a major milestone in advancing tourism education and professional development with the official launch of the Executive Certificate Programmes in Travel and Tourism on 28 October 2025. Held at Taylor’s University, the launch served as the highlight of the strategic partnership between Taylor’s University and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).

The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University, and Mr. Nigel Wong Chun Teim, President of MATTA. Adding significance to the event were Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and Mr. Sheikh Awadh Bin Abdullah, Deputy President of MATTA.

The occasion was further honoured by distinguished witnesses, including YBhg. Dato’ Loy Teik Ngan, Group Executive Chairman of Taylor’s Education Group; YBhg. Datuk Musa Hj. Yusof, Deputy Director General (Promotion) of Tourism Malaysia and Chairman of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Malaysia Chapter (PMC); and YBhg. Datuk Dr. Tan Kok Liang, Deputy Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board and former President of the Malaysian Tourism Federation.

The introduction of the Executive Certificate Programmes in Travel and Tourism represents a transformative step towards elevating Malaysia’s tourism workforce. Designed for industry practitioners, aspiring leaders, and working professionals, the programmes offer:

• Industry-relevant, practical learning led by academic and industry experts

• Applied case studies and hands-on insights reflecting real-world tourism operations

• Flexible learning pathways tailored for working adults

• Skills development aligned with current and emerging tourism trends

Championing this initiative, the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE) supports Malaysia’s aspiration to strengthen its talent pipeline in preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 and the broader Tourism Recovery and Growth Agenda. The partnership between Taylor’s University and MATTA reinforces a long-term commitment to collaborative talent development. By integrating Taylor’s global academic standards with MATTA’s industry leadership, the programmes aim to produce future-ready, skilled, and sustainability-driven tourism professionals capable of supporting national and regional tourism advancement.

The launch of the Executive Certificate Programmes signifies a new chapter in Malaysia’s tourism education landscape, offering structured upskilling opportunities that respond directly to industry needs. This collaboration establishes a strong foundation for continued innovation, industry engagement, and professional growth across the tourism sector.

Taylor’s University Film Festival 2025: Empowering and Showcasing the Next Generation of Global Filmmakers

The Taylor’s University Film Festival (TUFF) 2025 reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing excellence in creative arts education. Since its inception in 2019, TUFF has grown into one of the region’s most distinguished university-led film festivals. The fifth edition, organised in partnership with Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), featured a week-long series of workshops, screenings, and industry engagements, culminating in an awards ceremony at GSC The Starling Mall.

TUFF 2025 continued to emphasise high standards of creativity, innovation, and storytelling. Students participated in a suite of masterclasses and exhibitions conducted by prominent industry partners, including Ace Motion Pictures, Red Communications, Up Studio, Blankslate, and Broadview Tech. These engagements provided participants with valuable exposure to professional workflows, industry expectations, and contemporary filmmaking practices. The collaboration with GSC further strengthened the experiential learning component by enabling students to plan and execute a full-scale event within a professional cinema environment.

The festival received more than 110 submissions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This diverse and international pool of entries underscored TUFF’s growing reputation as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and creative dialogue. Screenings held on campus and at GSC venues showcased a broad spectrum of narratives addressing themes of identity, human experience, and evolving social realities.

Excellence in student work was recognised through award categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Narrative, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and the Audience Choice Award. The judging panel, comprising distinguished figures including Dato’ Kamil Othman, Aziz M. Osman, Dr Joe Qiao Li, Khairi Anwar, Renee Pillai, and Kelvin Tan, provided professional assessment and constructive critique, enriching the learning experience for all participants.

TUFF 2025 stands as a testament to Taylor’s University’s leadership in the field of media and communication. Through robust industry partnerships, international participation, and a strong commitment to experiential learning, the festival continues to equip students with the skills, perspectives, and confidence required to excel in the global film industry. As TUFF’s prominence continues to grow, it remains an integral platform for fostering innovation and cultivating the next generation of filmmakers.

Taylor's Toulouse University Centre (TTUC) Celebrates Excellence and Advances Education through Global Partnerships

In November 2025, the Taylor's Toulouse University Centre (TTUC) hosted a series of landmark events in Toulouse, France, bringing together alumni, students, and global hospitality professionals to celebrate academic excellence and industry engagement. The programme began with the TTUC Board Meeting, co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Florent Hautefeuille, Vice-President of Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès (UT2J), and Prof. Dr. Darren Marc Bagnall, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of Taylor’s University. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cyrille Laporte, Dean of ISTHIA, and Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, presented key updates on research collaborations, student and graduate matters, mobility programmes, and the renewal of partnership agreements. Discussions also included updates on the 9th Asia-Euro Conference 2026 and preliminary plans for TTUC’s 40th Anniversary, reinforcing the Centre’s commitment to international collaboration and long-term strategic development.

The momentum continued with the Validation of Prior Experiential Learning (VAE) Graduation Ceremony, celebrating the successful graduates of the Master of International Hospitality Management (MIHM), Master of Food Studies and Gastronomy (MFSG), and Bachelor of International Hospitality Management (BIHM) programmes, delivered by Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès through the collaborative partnership between Taylor’s University and UT2J. Distinguished representatives from both universities attended the ceremony, highlighting the strength of the academic partnership and reaffirming a shared commitment to lifelong learning and professional advancement. Alumni shared insights from their professional journeys, complemented by strategic perspectives from Mr. Sundra Kulendra, Cluster General Manager of Hotel Sama-Sama, Malaysia, providing valuable inspiration for current students.

The programme concluded with a professional day and roundtable session, attended by over 150 postgraduate students from more than 20 countries. Discussions explored emerging trends such as the role of artificial intelligence in hospitality and the importance of intercultural leadership in global organisations. Students gained practical insights into workforce transformation, ethical implementation, and managing culturally diverse teams, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving global hospitality industry.

In parallel, TTUC further strengthened academic and industry ties between Taylor’s University and ISTHIA – Université Toulouse – Jean Jaurès. This gathering offered an additional platform for global knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration between students, faculty, and industry professionals. Collectively, these events underscored TTUC’s role as a hub for international collaboration, professional development, and academic excellence, demonstrating a seamless integration of education and industry experience that prepares students for leadership in the global hospitality and tourism sector.