Bridging Education and Industry: Taylor’s Students Gain Professional Insights at DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya

On 5 June 2025, a curated industry immersion visit was organised for students from the Diploma in Hotel Management programme to DoubleTree by Hilton Putrajaya Lakeside. The visit formed part of Taylor’s University’s continued efforts to strengthen industry engagement and ensure students are well-prepared for their internships commencing in August. The students were warmly received by Ms. Thaarani Jnanasundram, Assistant Human Resources Manager, who provided an introductory overview of the property and its operational culture. The visit was structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of hotel functions, brand positioning, and professional expectations within a globally recognised hospitality organisation.

A key highlight of the visit was the interactive career sharing session, held in one of the hotel’s meeting rooms. Students engaged with several senior leaders from the hotel, including Mr. Alvin See, Cluster Director of Human Resources; Mr. Ping Er Sang, Director of Operations; and Mr. Nickson Yoong, Commercial Manager. Of notable relevance, both Mr. Alvin and Mr. Sang Ping are alumni of Taylor’s University, underscoring the institution’s longstanding contribution to industry talent development.

The session began with a presentation on Hilton’s Brand Portfolio, giving students valuable insights into the company’s global presence and service philosophy. This was followed by a candid sharing session, where leaders discussed their career journeys, challenges, and opportunities within the Hilton network. A highlight was the account of President Xi Jinping’s stay at the hotel in April 2025, during which students learned about the high-level operational and security measures required to host a world leader, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into luxury hospitality at the highest level.

The visit concluded with a guided tour of the property, including its Executive Lounge, meeting facilities, main lobby, and leisure areas. The experience gave students first-hand exposure to the spatial, functional, and aesthetic considerations that shape a luxury guest experience. This industry visit reinforced Taylor’s University’s commitment to experiential learning and professional readiness. Students departed with greater confidence and a clearer understanding of the standards and expectations that define excellence in the global hospitality industry.

Diplomacy in Action: Taylor’s Launched Distinguished Diplomat Series with Global Perspectives

On 14 May 2025, Taylor’s University marked a significant milestone with the launch of the Distinguished Diplomat Series, a premier initiative under the Bachelor of Social Science (Hons) in International Relations. The inaugural session featured an insightful dialogue between His Excellency Vanu Gopala Menon, Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, and Dato’ Dr. Ilango Karuppannan, retired Malaysian Ambassador and convener of the series.

Hosted at Taylor’s Lakeside Campus, the event drew an impressive audience comprising students, academics, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from think tanks and international organisations. Centred on the timely theme “Singapore and Malaysia in a Changing World,” the session offered a nuanced exploration of regional diplomacy and Southeast Asia’s evolving role on the global stage.

The conversation spanned pressing issues such as the future of ASEAN centrality, the delicate art of managing bilateral ties with pragmatism, and the diplomatic tightrope in an era of heightened US-China competition. The dialogue also touched on Malaysia’s ASEAN 2025 Chairmanship and Singapore’s strategic outlook on multilateralism, digital diplomacy, and regional economic integration.

Prof. Dr. Anindita Dasgupta, Head of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SLAS), formally opened the event. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Andrea Passeri, Programme Director for the International Relations programme, who articulated the vision behind the Distinguished Diplomat Series to bridge academic learning with real-world diplomacy.

The Distinguished Diplomat Series is poised to become a cornerstone of experiential learning at Taylor’s, offering students a rare opportunity to engage directly with global diplomats and practitioners. By cultivating critical dialogue and international perspectives, the series enriches student learning and enhances graduate readiness in diplomacy, global governance, and foreign affairs. The initiative will continue throughout the April and September semesters, featuring high-level diplomats from diverse regions to inspire and inform the next generation of global leaders.

The session concluded with a presentation of tokens of appreciation by Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Leisure Management (FSLM), in recognition of the speakers’ contributions to the success of the series launch.

Taylor’s University Lecturers Elected to Key Roles in the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP)

In a significant recognition of academic and professional excellence, two lecturers from Taylor’s University’s Master of Clinical Psychology programme have been elected to serve on the Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology (MSCP) Committee for the 2025–2027 term. This milestone not only marks a proud achievement in their individual careers but also underscores Taylor’s growing influence in advancing the field of clinical psychology in Malaysia.

The Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology plays a pivotal role in setting professional training standards, promoting ethical practice, and shaping the national identity of the clinical psychology profession. The appointments of Mr. Allistair Adam Anak Nelson and Dr. Lim Hooi Shan reflect not only their dedication and standing in the field but also Taylor’s University’s continued commitment to nurturing future leaders in clinical psychology.

Mr. Allistair Adam Anak Nelson has been elected as the Assistant Secretary of MSCP. This pivotal role involves overseeing administrative operations, managing official documentation, maintaining accurate records of meetings, and supporting communication within the society. He will also assist in preparing reports for annual and emergency general meetings and contribute to the implementation of strategic initiatives. With his solid background in academic leadership and clinical training, Mr Allistair brings invaluable expertise and clarity to the society’s operations.

Dr. Lim Hooi Shan has been elected as an Executive Committee (Exco) Member, serving as the Professional Development Lead. In this capacity, she will spearhead the planning and execution of professional development initiatives for the society. Drawing on her dual experience in academia and clinical practice, Dr. Lim is well-positioned to foster the development of competent, ethical, and skilled clinical psychologists, in line with the scientist-practitioner model.

Together, these appointments highlight Taylor’s University’s sustained contribution to the growth and professionalisation of clinical psychology in Malaysia, reinforcing its role as a hub for academic excellence and real-world impact in mental health education and practice.