Enriching Civic Discourse: Shared Insights on MPU Module Delivery

A dedicated sharing session, organised by the School of General Studies and Languages on 8 April 2025, was held to strengthen the delivery of Mata Pelajaran Umum (MPU) modules, specifically Penghayatan Etika dan Peradaban and Falsafah dan Isu Semasa. The session brought together MPU lecturers to exchange best practices, teaching strategies, and practical solutions for managing large, diverse classrooms.

The school was honoured to host two distinguished speakers, Associate Professor Dr. Charanjit Kaur from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Mr Akhmal Ayob, Head of Department for Centre for General Studies & MPU at HELP University. Both shared valuable insights drawn from their extensive experience in MPU education across various academic settings.

Dr. Charanjit emphasized the importance of making content relevant to students’ fields of study to boost engagement and motivation. She advocated for blended learning, gamification, and group-based activities, while encouraging the integration of High-Impact Educational Practices, such as community-based projects and e-portfolios, to deepen reflective learning.

Mr. Akhmal focused on enhancing student engagement in Falsafah dan Isu Semasa by establishing clear teaching goals early in the semester and fostering collaborative teaching practices. To address challenges like abstract content and limited participation, he recommended active learning strategies, peer sharing, socratic dialogue, and game-based activities as well as creative assessments including arts-based reflections, social experiments, exhibitions, and field research.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A and a call to cultivate a collaborative teaching culture committed to continuous innovation. It marked an important step towards advancing values-based education through inclusive, student-centred approaches.

Savoring Sri Lanka: A Culinary and Cultural Expedition with Taylor’s Culinary Institute

Taylor’s Culinary Institute (TCI), through its Continuous Professional Education (CPE) unit, recently curated an unforgettable 11-day gastronomic tour of Sri Lanka. Focused on food, beverage, and hospitality, the tour welcomed 11 participants and was led by Senior Lecturer, Reuben Suresh Arthur. Far beyond a typical sightseeing trip, this journey offered an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka's rich culinary traditions, beverage culture, and hospitality heritage, spanning iconic cities such as Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya.

Key highlights included a guided tour of The Hilton Hotel in Colombo, hosted by TCI alumna Latasha Bridgette, and a visit to Aluthkade Street to experience its bustling street food scene. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about toddy tapping and Arrack distilling at Rockland Estate. In Sigiriya, they explored the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Rock Cave Temple and hiked the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

The group also visited Araliya Rice Producers, one of South Asia's largest rice milling factories, and enjoyed a memorable experience in Hiriwaduna village, where they rode bullock carts, paddled across a serene lake, and cooked a traditional meal, which was later voted the "best meal" of the trip. In Matale, they toured a spice garden to learn about the significance and uses of Sri Lankan spices. Other highlights included a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, shopping for precious sapphires and rubies, and exploring tea estates in Nuwara Eliya, where they learned the intricacies of tea production at the Blue Field and Pedro Estates.

The adventure concluded with a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary and a rustic dinner under a 300-year-old tree at Nuga Gama, followed by a visit to Petta Market to purchase local delicacies such as Ceylon cinnamon and jaggery. This tour was not only a food-focused journey but also a vibrant celebration of Sri Lanka’s culture, sustainability, and traditions, making it an essential experience for Culinary and Hospitality students or anyone passionate about exploring the island’s rich heritage. Participation in the trip was fully self-funded by all attendees.

Shaping a Bully-Free Future: Fostering a Supportive School Environment at Lodge National Secondary School, Kuching

As part of Lodge National Secondary School’s Anti-Bullying Week initiative, Taylor’s University proudly supported efforts to raise awareness and foster a safer school environment. Mr. Allistair Adam Anak Nelson, Lecturer in the Master of Clinical Psychology programme at Taylor’s University, delivered an engaging and interactive talk to the students. The session focused on the realities of bullying, its impact on mental health, and the importance of building a supportive and inclusive school community.

In light of recent cases of bullying and cyberbullying in Malaysia, some of which have led to devastating consequences, the talk highlighted the urgent need to address this growing issue. Mr. Allistair discussed the severe emotional effects bullying can have on victims, including anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, self-harm. He emphasized that creating a safer environment requires active intervention from not only school authorities, but also students themselves and the wider community.

The programme was conducted in two sessions: one for Form 1 to Form 3 students and another for Form 4 and Form 5 students. Each session encouraged open participation, allowing students to share their thoughts, personal experiences, and concerns about bullying, both in school and online. Key topics included defining different forms of bullying, understanding the psychological roots of such behaviour, recognizing the critical role of bystanders, and implementing strategies for prevention and early intervention.

Throughout the sessions, students were encouraged to develop empathy, speak out against bullying, and seek help when needed. Through engaging role-playing activities, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions, they gained practical tools to promote a culture of kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Lodge National Secondary School’s dedication to raising awareness and proactively cultivating a safe, supportive environment underscores the importance of initiatives like this. These efforts are vital in empowering students to create lasting change and ensure that every young person feels valued, respected, and protected. The initiative funded by Taylor’s Marketing Department as part of student outreach programme.