LayPark PR: SoMAC’s Next-Gen Powerhouse for Real-World Public Relations

LayPark PR is a vibrant, student-led industry platform established under the Public Relations programmes at the School of Media and Communication (SoMAC), Taylor’s University. Inspired by the Malay word lepak (meaning “to hang out”), LayPark PR offers a space for public relations and industry professionals to “lay” (share) and “park” (pause) in a relaxed yet insightful environment. These informal sessions provide real-world perspectives on crisis management and public relations practices, addressing the evolving challenges, skills, and strategies shaping the field today. More than just a platform for students, LayPark PR also welcomes invited guests from both the public and private sectors, bridging classroom learning with professional realities. Delivered in a casual, conversational format, it reinforces Taylor’s University’s commitment to industry-integrated education, preparing students with the competence, confidence, and creativity to excel in the global PR landscape.

Phase 1 of LayPark PR successfully rolled out seven high-impact sessions over just two months. Each event featured professionals from diverse sectors, including human resources, tourism, environmental management, culinary arts, business development, academia, and international PR, who generously shared real-world crisis management strategies and insights. All sessions were carefully curated with a multidisciplinary approach, broadening students’ exposure to the varied practices and applications of PR across different industries.

A major highlight was the official launch of the LayPark PR logo on 8 July 2025, led by Event Director Ms. Azelynna Lim. The unveiling was officiated by Dr. (H.C.) Prita Kemal Gani, Founder and CEO of the London School of Public Relations (LSPR), Indonesia, alongside Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of SoMAC. Also, present were Ms. Nurun Najah Tarmidzi, Programme Director of PR programmes, and Mr. Shebley Haslan Abdul Majid, the visionary behind LayPark PR.

This initiative was conceptualised and driven by Mr. Shebley, an experienced international PR practitioner and lecturer of the Crisis Management module, with the support of Ms. Nurun. Each session is led by passionate student Event Directors and supported by the LayPark PR Crew, students enrolled in the Crisis Management module and majoring in Public Relations & Marketing or Public Relations & Event Management. Their teamwork and innovation exemplify SoMAC’s focus on experiential learning and student empowerment.

LayPark PR is SoMAC’s newest and boldest entry into the PR education space fresh, fearless, and ready for Phase 2, which promises even larger events and deeper industry collaborations. Interested in contributing or sharing your expertise? Follow us on Instagram at @LayPark.PR and stay connected.

Distinguished Visiting Professors Illuminate New Frontiers in Food Studies

As part of the Chair of Food Studies Distinguished Visiting Professors Series, Taylor’s University had the honour of welcoming two esteemed international scholars, whose thought-provoking lectures ignited vibrant academic dialogue and deepened collective understanding of evolving food systems, consumption behaviours, and cultural change.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amandine Rochedy of Université Toulouse Jean Jaurès, France delivered an insightful lecture series on the Modernisation of Food and Gastronomy. Drawing on vivid case studies from France and beyond, she examined shifting food practices among younger generations from traditional goûter rituals to changing norms around alcohol consumption, while unpacking the rise of individualised eating shaped by food neophobia and selective preferences.

Meanwhile, Prof. Olivier Brunel, marketing expert at the Institute of Business Administration (IAE) of the University of Lyon 3, captivated audiences with his lecture series, From Needs to Satisfaction, which explored the consumer journey within the food service industry. Moving beyond classical behavioural models, he highlighted brand influence and environmental design as key mediators of consumer choice. His concluding seminar seamlessly bridged theory and practice, encouraging students to reimagine the design of consumer experiences through a sociological lens.

Organised in collaboration with the Centre for Asian Modernisation (CAM), both series significantly enriched the interdisciplinary foundations of Taylor’s Food Studies programme, fostering critical inquiry and inspiring fresh perspectives among students and faculty alike.

Turning Learning into Adventure: PATA MTSC’s Pangkor Island Expedition Inspires Future Tourism Leaders

The Pacific Asia Travel Association Malaysia Taylor’s Student Chapter (PATA MTSC), under the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events at Taylor’s University, embarked on a transformative three-day experiential learning journey to the enchanting shores of Pangkor Island, lies just off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Over 120 students and academic staff took part in this immersive academic expedition, travelling together in three buses for a trip that was as enriching as it was memorable.

Dubbed a "living classroom," Pangkor Island offered the perfect setting for students to explore sustainable tourism, marine conservation, and cultural heritage, not through textbooks, but through first-hand encounters with nature, local communities, and real-world tourism practices. From observing ecological preservation to engaging with cultural narratives, the experience was a vibrant departure from traditional teaching, placing students in the heart of their learning.

The success of the programme was anchored by the guidance of some of the esteemed faculty members.

At the helm of planning and coordination was the energetic PATA MTSC student committee, led by President Abdul Iyaan, whose leadership, alongside a passionate team, ensured the trip ran seamlessly. The initiative stood as a showcase of student-led excellence, driven by creativity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to learning. Throughout the expedition, students honed leadership skills, deepened peer connections, and experienced first-hand what it means to be industry-ready. Learning emerged not only from structured sessions but also through storytelling, reflection, and on-the-ground engagement with tourism environments.

The Pangkor Island trip exemplifies Taylor’s University’s commitment to experiential learning and global readiness, equipping future tourism professionals with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to thrive in a complex world. As the momentum continues, PATA MTSC remains steadfast in its mission to develop globally minded, socially conscious, and professionally equipped leaders in the tourism and hospitality space, one unforgettable journey at a time.