Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management Welcomes Visionary Leaders

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM) is pleased to announce the following leadership appointments, reflecting our continued commitment to strengthening academic excellence, deepening industry engagement, and advancing the Faculty’s long-term strategic aspirations. These appointments mark an important milestone for FSLM as we continue to build a dynamic, future-focused learning environment, guided by leaders who bring dedication, expertise, and a forward-looking perspective to their roles.

Prof. Dr. Adrian Lee Yuen Beng has been appointed as the Head of the School of Media and Communications (SOMAC). He brings over 20 years of academic leadership experience and holds a PhD in Film from The University of Melbourne. An accomplished scholar and practitioner, his work spans Malaysian cinema, media and cultural studies, creative industries, and heritage preservation. He has published extensively, authored and edited several books, and directed award-winning films showcased at international festivals. Prof. Adrian also contributes to national performing arts standards, serves as an assessor with the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, and collaborates with government agencies and NGOs on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) initiatives and creative industry development. Under his leadership, SOMAC is poised to strengthen its research profile, deepen industry collaboration, and expand experiential learning opportunities for students. Prof. Adrian is committed to nurturing creative talent and ensuring that SOMAC remains a leading centre for media and communications education in the region.

Ms. Prema Ponnudurai will assume the role of Head of the School of General Studies and Languages, continuing her longstanding dedication to excellence in teaching and learning across General Studies programmes. We extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Prema for her exemplary leadership as Head of SOMAC, where her contributions have been pivotal in driving the School’s academic advancement, student achievements, and industry visibility. In her new role, she will lead efforts to further enhance curriculum innovation, foster faculty development, and strengthen the holistic learning experience for students across the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management.

As FSLM continues to advance in an increasingly complex and competitive higher education landscape, the leadership of Prof. Dr. Adrian and Ms. Prema will be pivotal in shaping the University's strategic direction. Their expertise, dedication, and vision will further strengthen FSLM’s initiatives to enhance academic standards, research & innovation and enrich the student learning experience. We extend our warm congratulations to Prof. Dr. Adrian and Ms. Prema on their appointments and look forward to their continued leadership in driving innovation, promoting excellence, and delivering meaningful contributions to both the University and the wider community.

Next-Gen Event Masters: Events Management Students Shine from National Challenge to International Stage

Taylor’s University School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events (SHTE) celebrates the remarkable accomplishments of its Bachelor of International Events Management students at the National Business Events Challenge, organised by the Malaysian Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (MACEOS). The prestigious competition brought together 10 teams from 7 leading universities nationwide to showcase innovation, strategic thinking, and expertise in event management at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Two SHTE teams, InnovateX and NxtGen Founders, distinguished themselves with exemplary proposals, earning top honours in the competition. Team InnovateX, comprising Ng Wei Xiang, Wong Qimin, Lee Ee Teng, and Chong Su Ying, impressed the judging panel with their concept, “Wellness Driven Hotel & Resort Congress”, and was awarded a Merit Award (Top 3). Team member Ng Wei Xiang additionally received the Best Presenter Award in recognition of his outstanding presentation and communication skills.

Team NxtGen Founders, consisting of Ibrahim Naahil Ahmed, Fathimath Malaka Ameer, Simon Hii Wei Sung, and Almarhabi Mohammed Atiah, captivated the judges with their proposal, “iMPower: Beyond Limits Convention”, earning both the Best Presentation Award and the Champion title. This achievement qualified them to represent Malaysia at the AFECA MICE Youth Challenge, an international platform for emerging talent in the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry, which was held in Jakarta in November 2025.

The success of both teams was supported by the dedicated mentorship of Dr. Khairiah Ismail and Miss Dhiya Hikmahana Abdul Razak, whose guidance was instrumental in the students’ preparation and performance. Beyond the accolades, the students reflected on the invaluable learning gained from the competition. They noted that it had challenged them to move beyond theoretical knowledge, apply practical event management principles, and respond effectively to feedback. From conducting comprehensive feasibility studies to designing engaging delegate experiences, the competition strengthened their critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking abilities, all of which are essential for professional success in the dynamic events industry.

Pioneering Pedagogical Innovation: School of Education Celebrates Success at e-ConDev 2025

The School of Education achieved remarkable success at the virtual Innovation Showcase International e-Content Development Competition 2025 (e-ConDev 2025), hosted by Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Designed to foster cross-disciplinary innovation in education, the competition saw our students, guided by dedicated faculty members, secure an impressive tally of two outstanding awards, three gold, four silver, and two bronze medals. This accomplishment reflects the School’s commitment to empowering students to produce impactful and innovative contributions to the education sector.

In the pitching competition, Ms. Ashley Lim Li Ying clinched first place, a Special Award, and a Gold medal for her project titled Prodigy Power-Up: Unleashing Math Engagement Through Gamification. Second place, along with a Special Award and a Gold medal, was awarded to Ms. Sandra Ng Wai Kin and her team for their Virtual Classroom Simulation Project. Both teams were mentored by Dr. P. Thivilojana, with the second-place team also receiving guidance from Dr. Tan Shin Yen and Taylor’s Virtual Online Future Technology and Extended Reality (VORTEX) team. Students involved in these projects included Emmerine Lim, Gao Yi Han, Trixie Poon Que Qing, Chit Snow, Ashley Cheah Kar Mun, Vratta Lee Yuan, and Yu Shwe Yee Kyaw. A third Gold medal was awarded to Ms. Clarrisa Chan for her project titled Science Without Borders: Accessible Hands-on DIY Learning Resources, supervised by Dr. Lee Yee Ling.

Four projects were honoured with Silver medals. These include Ant Adventure: A Problem-Based STEM Learning Kit for Early Childhood Exploration by Ms. Zhang Ji Rui, supervised by Dr. Lee Yee Ling; Vocab Venture: Inspiring Refugee Students Through a Board Game by Tee Wen Xin, Yvonne Tie Wen, and Hani, mentored by Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde; Hungry Big Bear Feast Board Game by Ms. Daakshayani Satchithananthan, guided by Ms. Revati Ramakrishnan; and Exploring Pre-Service Teachers’ Use of Generative AI in a Secure Digital Environment by Ms. Jaymin Ng, supervised by Dr. Vinothini Vasodavan.

Two teams also received Bronze Awards. These were My Body, My Buddy: Body Positivity Glows, Confidence Grows by Visithra a/p Ganessan, Loh Kean Sin, and Krieshmaa, co-supervised by Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde and Dr. Lee Yee Ling; and Science Comes Alive: Engaging Refugee Students Through Hands-On Learning About Matters by Mohamad Thowfeek Fathuma Nafla, Choo Yong En, and Liu Jiayau, supervised by Dr. Lee Yee Ling.

The achievements at e-ConDev 2025 reaffirm the School of Education’s commitment to cultivating creative, future-ready educators. We extend our warmest congratulations to all award-winning students and their dedicated mentors for elevating Taylor’s University’s reputation and setting a strong benchmark for innovation in education.