Celebrating Excellence, Embracing Futures: Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management Graduation 2025

Convocation at Taylor’s University stands as a defining milestone in the academic journey of our students, symbolising the culmination of their hard work, perseverance, and achievements. On 12 July 2025, graduates of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) proudly celebrated this momentous occasion with their families and loved ones at The Grand Hall, Taylor’s University. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 770 graduates from the five esteemed academic schools under FSLM, as we honour their dedication and success.

This graduating cohort reflected remarkable diversity, comprising 335 international students from more than 30 countries, including Germany, Kenya, Vietnam, Singapore, Maldives, China, Indonesia, Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea, Pakistan, and many more. This diversity underscores Taylor’s University’s global reach and its commitment to fostering cultural inclusivity and academic excellence.

The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of distinguished dignitaries, lending prestige and significance to the occasion. We were honoured to welcome Prof. Dr. Jean Pierre Poulain, Chair of Food Studies, University of Toulouse-Jean Jaurès, alongside our Chancellor, Y.Bhg. Emeritus Prof. Tan Sri Dato’ Dr. Syed Jalaludin Bin Syed Salim; Vice Chancellor and President, Prof. Dr. Barry Winn; Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Dr. Darren Bagnall; Executive Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan; Registrar, Ms. Ungku Nazli Ungku Ismail; Heads of Schools; Heads of Departments; Programme Directors; Academicians; and the proud families of our graduates. Their presence reaffirmed the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence and student success.

As our graduates embark on the next chapter of their journey, whether in professional careers, advanced studies, or entrepreneurial pursuits, they carry with them the values, knowledge, and experiences that define Taylor’s University. Their dedication and perseverance have prepared them to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields, serving as beacons of inspiration for future generations. We remain confident that they will thrive in their endeavours, leaving an indelible mark on their professions and communities. May their achievements stand as a testament to the transformative power of education and inspire others to pursue excellence in their own paths.

Taylor’s Welcomes Professor Dr. Darren Bagnall: Inspiring the Future of Academic Excellence

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) was honoured to host Prof. Dr. Darren Bagnall, the newly appointed Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at Taylor’s University, during a recent faculty meeting. In his address, Prof. Dr. Darren shared his academic journey, leadership experiences, and vision for advancing higher education at Taylor’s.

With more than two decades of distinguished leadership at renowned institutions in the United Kingdom and Australia, including University of New South Wales and Macquarie University, Prof. Dr. Darren brings a wealth of expertise to his new role. An electronic engineer by training, his pioneering research in optoelectronics and solar energy has advanced semiconductor lasers, optical metamaterials, microelectronics, and renewable energy technologies. His recent patented work on microwave absorption in solar cells, which has the potential to revolutionise solar module recycling, underscores his strong commitment to sustainable innovation.

The engagement session provided faculty members with a meaningful opportunity to interact with Prof. Dr. Darren, gaining firsthand perspectives on his leadership philosophy and his aspirations to strengthen teaching, learning, and the overall student experience at Taylor’s University.

“Great leadership in academia is about inspiring excellence, nurturing innovation, and empowering people to achieve their fullest potential.” – Prof. Dr. Darren Bagnall

As Taylor’s charts its course towards the 2025–2035 Strategic Plan, the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) extends a warm and enthusiastic welcome to Prof. Darren. His vision, expertise, and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of teaching, learning, and the student experience at Taylor’s University, inspiring both faculty and students to achieve new heights of excellence.

Strengthening Industry Synergy: Taylor’s University Partners with MACEOS for ELITE 4.0 Programme

On 9 August 2025, the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events (SHTE) at Taylor’s University has reaffirmed its long-standing collaboration with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS) through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the fourth iteration of the Empowering Leaders into Industry of Tourism & Events (ELITE) Programme.

The MOA was formally executed by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and Datuk Dr. M. Gandhi, President of MACEOS. The signing ceremony was attended by Dr. Khairiah Ismail, Programme Director of the Bachelor of International Events Management, and Ms. Mona Abdul Manap, Vice President – Education of MACEOS, underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing professional excellence in the events sector.

Since its inception in 2016, the ELITE Programme has served as a strategic platform to bridge academic learning with industry requirements in event management. By combining practical industry exposure with Taylor’s University’s comprehensive curriculum, the programme aims to enhance students’ competencies, professional readiness, and career prospects.

Participants in the programme will gain direct exposure to industry practices, cultivate essential professional skills, and establish networks that will equip them for leadership roles within the tourism and events sectors. The continuation of the ELITE Programme demonstrates the enduring commitment of Taylor’s University and MACEOS to developing highly skilled, industry-ready graduates capable of contributing significantly to Malaysia’s business events landscape.