BBC at Taylor’s University: Global Voices on Truth, Trust, and Journalism

The School of Media and Communication at Taylor’s University had the distinct honour of hosting a landmark session with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service on 9 June 2025. Titled “Truth, Trust, and Worldwide Journalism,” the event brought global media perspectives directly to campus and marked Taylor’s as the first university in Malaysia to host an official BBC sharing session.

Designed to broaden students’ understanding of global journalism, the session offered valuable insights into how the BBC operates as a global news network, navigating complex international issues, upholding journalistic integrity, and reporting objectively on world events. Mass Communication students were given a rare opportunity to explore the critical role journalists play in shaping informed societies through truthful and balanced reporting.

The event featured three distinguished speakers from the BBC: Jon Zilkha, Controller and Network Head of BBC World Service; Jonny Dymond, Presenter of BBC World Questions and former BBC Correspondent for the US, Middle East, and Royal Affairs; and Charlie Taylor, Series Producer of BBC World Questions. The session commenced with opening remarks by Ms. Prema Ponnudurai, Head of the School of Media and Communication, who warmly welcomed the BBC delegation and highlighted the significance of this engagement for Taylor’s University and the broader Malaysian media education landscape. The event drew more than 150 participants, including representatives from communication schools at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), INTI International University, INTI International College, Xiamen University Malaysia, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia.

The event offered a valuable platform for aspiring communication practitioners and scholars to engage directly with world-class media professionals. It also reinforced Taylor’s University’s commitment to fostering global perspectives, critical discourse, and journalistic excellence, core to the School’s mission of preparing students for an increasingly complex media landscape. In closing, the BBC speakers underscored a unifying message: journalists must serve both the public and the truth, with courage and balance an ethos that aligns closely with the values championed by the School of Media and Communication.

Strategic Alliance for Talent Development: Taylor’s University and Hilton International Malaysia Formalise MoU

On 11 June 2025, Taylor’s University formalised a significant strategic alliance with Hilton International Malaysia through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing a shared commitment to nurturing future talent and advancing excellence in hospitality education and workforce readiness. The ceremony was graced by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management, and Ms. Linda Pecoraro, Area General Manager of Hilton Malaysia. Both leaders underscored the importance of bridging academia and industry in developing a resilient, globally competent hospitality workforce.

“This MoU reaffirms Taylor’s commitment to aligning academic training with evolving industry demands. Hilton’s international presence and proven leadership make them an ideal partner in shaping the future of hospitality education,” remarked Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan.

Ms. Pecoraro echoed this vision, stating: “At Hilton, we believe in investing in the next generation of hospitality leaders. Our collaboration with Taylor’s University reflects our dedication to mentorship, professional growth, and cultivating excellence in service and innovation.”

The signing was witnessed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kandappan Balasubramanian, Head of the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events at Taylor’s University, and Ms. Suvita George, Regional Director of Human Resources at Hilton Malaysia, signalling strong institutional alignment on both academic and human capital fronts. A highlight of the event was the official adoption of four Taylor’s University students into Hilton’s Student Employment Programme (STEP). Each student received a Certificate of Adoption, symbolising the start of a structured and immersive professional journey.

STEP serves as a cornerstone initiative of this partnership, offering selected students real-world exposure, guided mentorship, and progressive development pathways within Hilton’s global hospitality ecosystem. The atmosphere during the adoption ceremony was filled with pride and anticipation, as the collaboration not only strengthened institutional ties but also unlocked meaningful, career-defining opportunities for students.

The event concluded with a shared sense of optimism and purpose, marking a new chapter for Taylor’s University and Hilton Malaysia. The partnership reflects a united vision to elevate industry-academic collaboration and develop future-ready graduates who will lead with purpose in the international hospitality landscape.

From Research to Achievement: Honouring Five PhD Graduates in Media and Communication

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) is pleased to announce the successful graduation of five (5) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by research students in Media and Communication Studies from the School of Media and Communication, conferred at the February 2025 convocation ceremony. The Faculty extends its heartfelt congratulations to these accomplished graduates and their dedicated supervisory committees on achieving this significant academic milestone. Their success is a testament to the School’s steadfast commitment to research excellence and its growing role in advancing knowledge in the field of media and communication. FSLM proudly celebrates their scholarly achievements and looks forward to their continued contributions to academia, research, and the broader professional landscape.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION STUDIES

Student's Name: DR. LI CHENXI (CHINA)

Thesis Title: The Exploration of Characteristics, Cultural Influence, and Audience Impact of Feminist Ethics in Chinese Female Directors’ Documentaries

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dato Dr. Noraien Mansor

Co-Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Joe Li Qiau

Student's Name: DR. WANG QIAN (CHINA)

Thesis Title: Uncovering the Health Communication Strategies on Childhood Obesity among Malaysian Parents

Principal Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Normaliza Abdul Rahim

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Nurzihan Hassim

Student's Name: DR. WANG YIYUAN (CHINA)

Thesis Title: Trust as The Mediating Variable Between The Relationship of Influencer Marketing Factors and Purchase Intention Via Live-Streaming

Principal Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamisah Hassan

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Nur Haniz Mohd Nor

Student's Name: DR. YANG WEIQI (CHINA)

Thesis Title: The Exploration of Sang Culture Through

Social Networking and Engagement of Gen Z Youths in China

Principal Supervisor: Prof Dr. Normaliza Abd Rahim

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Nurzihan Hassim

Student's Name: DR. YU XUEYONG (CHINA)

Thesis Title: Framing The Belt and Road Initiative by Selected Online Newspapers Arising from China-India Relationships

Principal Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chang Peng Kee

Co-Supervisor: Dr. Kho Suet Nie