Bridging Art and Advocacy: "I Am Still Here" Showcases Refugee Realities on the Global Stage

Taylor’s University, in collaboration with Tenaganita Malaysia, proudly presented their Migrant Learning Exchange (MLE) project at the Asian Youth Theatre Festival Open Stage. The performance, I Am Still Here, was showcased to an international audience, including delegates from Thailand, Japan, Singapore, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. Developed in July 2023 by students from the Bachelor of Performing Arts and Bachelor of Social Science programmes, the project highlights the transformative power of theatre as a tool for advocacy.

Tenaganita is a Malaysian human rights organisation committed to assisting, building, advocating for, and protecting migrants, refugees, women, and children from exploitation, abuse, discrimination, slavery, and human trafficking. The organisation champions the rights of marginalised and vulnerable communities, who often remain voiceless in an increasingly globalised world.

Based on research conducted in partnership with Tenaganita, the play explores the challenges faced by refugees in Malaysia. Students translated critical findings into a compelling artistic performance, underscoring the role of theatre in driving social change. During the event, Tenaganita Programme Officer Gayatri Kandiah shared valuable insights on working with vulnerable populations, addressing misconceptions about migration. She highlighted that women now comprise half of the migrant workforce in Asia, with many employed in domestic work, as well as the entertainment, service, and manufacturing industries.

Following her presentation, Taylor’s alumna Agatha Yuwanda and Senior Lecturer Mark Beau de Silva discussed the creative process behind the 30-minute performance. Drawing on Viola Spolin’s Viewpoints Theory, Peter Brook’s Empty Space, and Victor Turner’s Theory of Liminality, they incorporated structured improvisation, minimalist staging, and explorations of social transition to bring the research to life on stage.

The play, collaboratively developed by Performing Arts and Social Science students, combined research findings, interviews, and the Hermeneutic Circle method, while rigorously maintaining survivors’ anonymity throughout the performance and post-show discussions. Premiering to the public on July 13, 2023, I Am Still Here received resounding feedback, with audiences praising its powerful transformation of raw data into emotional, thought-provoking narratives. The success of the project stands as a testament to theatre’s ability to amplify marginalised voices and inspire meaningful social change.

Empowering Global Connections: Taylor’s University Engagement at Business Events in Sabah

Dr. Khairiah Ismail, Programme Director of the Bachelor of International Events Management at Taylor’s University, attended the 3rd International Business Events Forum (BE in Sabah) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). The prestigious event gathered 800 delegates from across the globe, offering an invaluable platform for knowledge exchange, industry networking, and deep insights into the future of the business events industry.

Business Events in Sabah featured an exceptional lineup of speakers from countries such as the Netherlands, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, Guatemala, South Korea, the USA, Switzerland, and Malaysia. Experts shared forward-thinking perspectives on key topics like “Why Events Fail – Designing for Impact” and “Global Economic Impacts of Business Events: Shaping the Future Growth of the Tourism Industry.” The insights gathered will be directly applied to the Events Management curriculum, ensuring students are equipped with the latest industry trends and best practices.

The event was graced by the presence of Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, and Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Panglima Christina Liew, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and Patron of BE in Sabah. Their involvement highlighted the significance of the event and underscored the importance of bridging the gap between industry leaders and educational institutions.

Through her participation, Dr. Khairiah expanded her professional network and strengthened her understanding of the current and future needs of the events industry. The connections made at BE in Sabah will offer Events Management students enhanced global exposure, as well as opportunities for internships, placements, and industry-driven projects, ensuring they are well-prepared for the dynamic events landscape.

The insights gained at Business Events in Sabah will directly influence future updates to the Events Management curriculum, ensuring that the programme stays aligned with global industry developments. Dr. Khairiah’s active participation further reinforces Taylor’s University’s commitment to providing world-class education that is both industry-relevant and globally connected, equipping students with the skills and networks needed to excel in the competitive world of international events management.

ICT and Cultural Preservation: Empowering Indigenous Communities in Sabah and Beyond

Dr. Fang Yi Xue, a Lecturer at the School of General Studies and Languages (SGSL), Taylor’s University, was invited to deliver guest lectures on Human Rights, Politics, and Law: Analysing Human Rights and Political Practice in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA) and Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), Indonesia.

Her sessions focused on the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in cultural preservation and the protection of indigenous rights in Sabah. Dr. Fang illustrated how digital tools can help document endangered languages, preserve cultural heritage, and empower indigenous communities to reclaim their narratives and advocate for their rights.

Joining a panel of international experts, Dr. Glenda E Feliprada from University of Santo Tomas, Philippines; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Tarmizi Talib from Universiti Putra Malaysia and Dr. Moch. Mubarok Muharam from Universitas Negeri Surabaya, the discussions addressed key human rights concerns including debtor protection, religious tolerance, and minority rights. The session, attended by over 150 students and academics at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, fostered meaningful dialogue and regional exchange.

Later at Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Fang was welcomed by Dr. Ahmad Safril Mubah, Deputy Head of International Relations and Managing Director of the Center for Strategic and Global Studies (CSGS), to deliver a similar lecture. She highlighted the critical challenges faced by indigenous communities land disputes, cultural erosion, and political marginalization, while emphasizing the transformative role of ICT in promoting cultural continuity and supporting rights-based advocacy.

Dr. Fang also drew attention to the digital divide affecting indigenous populations in Sabah, stressing the urgent need for inclusive policies, digital infrastructure development, and grassroots digital literacy initiatives. The sessions sparked vibrant discussions and inspired ideas for collaborative research, policy innovation, and technology-driven initiatives to advance indigenous rights across Southeast Asia.