Celebrating a Landmark Achievement: The First Cohort of Master of Counselling Graduates at Taylor’s University

Taylor’s University proudly marks a historic milestone with the graduation of its first cohort from the Master of Counselling programme. This momentous occasion follows the programme’s successful attainment of full accreditation, ensuring that graduates are now eligible to receive their degrees and apply for licensure under the Board of Counsellors, Malaysia. A total of 12 students have successfully completed their studies, culminating two years of dedication, academic pursuits, and hands-on training. This rigorous preparation has equipped them with the essential knowledge and practical skills to excel in the field of counselling.

Beyond their academic achievements, the pioneering cohort made a lasting impact through their involvement in transformative projects under the university’s Impact Lab. They led initiatives addressing period poverty and championed mental health advocacy for the Orang Asli community, embodying Taylor’s University’s commitment to social responsibility and positive change.

The graduates also demonstrated excellence in innovation and competition. Among the standout achievers is Janak Ashok Teckwani, who secured first place at the SX Youth Speech Contest 2024 in Bangkok. His collaboration with Goh Ian Shen resulted in the development of Cognitive Learning Enhancement with Augmented Reality (CLEAR), a groundbreaking project that received multiple prestigious awards.

CLEAR earned Gold Awards at the Kuala Lumpur International Invention & Innovation Symposium (KL3IS) and the International Competition on Sustainable Education (SUSED) 2024. It was also recognized as the Best Professional Category Winner at the International Innovation Competition (IIC) 2024 and ranked among the Top 10 Best Youth Sustainable Projects by the European Union in ASEAN 2024. These accolades underscore the remarkable contributions of Taylor’s students on both national and international platforms.

As these graduates embark on their professional careers, their journey signifies not just the completion of their academic studies but the beginning of their impactful roles as licensed counsellors. With their expertise, hands-on experience, and unwavering commitment to advocacy, they are poised to drive meaningful change in the mental health sector, both locally and globally. Their outstanding contributions in research, innovation, and social impact initiatives set a strong precedent for future cohorts.

Taylor’s University takes immense pride in their achievements and eagerly anticipates their future contributions to the field of counselling. This graduation not only celebrates their success but also heralds a new era for the Master of Counselling programme, solidifying its reputation as a leader in mental health education and professional development.

A Toast to WSET Alumni: An Evening of Wine & Connections

Taylor’s Culinary Institute recently hosted an exclusive Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Alumni Gathering at Oriental Treasure Restaurant, Bangsar South, bringing together 25 former WSET participants for an evening of wine appreciation, recognition, and meaningful connections.

The evening commenced with a warm round of introductions, where each attendee shared their personal journey in wine education and presented a bottle of their chosen wine for tasting. This unique tradition set the stage for lively discussions and a deeper appreciation of diverse wine selections.

As part of the celebration, Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly recognized the outstanding achievements of top performers in wine education, honouring their dedication and excellence in the globally renowned WSET certifications. Demonstrating exceptional proficiency, Tony Kuok and Monika Tureckova were the top achievers for WSET Level 1, while Jack Tan Chee Wei, Sarah Lim Ern Ying, and Wendy Ooi Mei Ling earned accolades for their outstanding performance in WSET Level 2. Their commitment to mastering the art and science of wine appreciation reflects the institute’s dedication to cultivating industry-ready professionals with a deep understanding of oenology.

Adding to the excitement, Taylor’s Culinary Institute shared upcoming initiatives, including the launch of the WSET Award in Spirits (Level 1 & 2) in Q3 2025, alongside three new culinary short courses: French Cuisine, French Patisserie, and French Boulangerie.

Guests indulged in a meticulously curated seven-course Chinese set dinner, thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines, creating a truly memorable gastronomic experience. The evening concluded with a relaxed networking session, allowing alumni to reconnect, exchange insights, and expand their professional circles.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Cave & Cellar Sdn Bhd, a distinguished fine wine importer and distributor in Malaysia, for generously providing the wines that elevated this celebration. Our sincere appreciation also goes out to all attendees, whose presence and enthusiasm made this gathering truly unforgettable. Stay tuned for more exciting events, we look forward to raising our glasses with you again soon!

TeachFest: Gamifying Learning to Engage Hearts and Minds

On March 11, 2025, Taylor’s School of Education (SoEd) launched its inaugural TeachFest under Taylor’s Education for All Impact Lab. Themed “Gamifying Learning: Engaging Hearts and Minds,” the initiative aimed to cultivate a dynamic, game-based learning environment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), English, and early childhood education.

This groundbreaking project involved three alternative learning centres. Yayasan Chow Kit (YCK), a non-profit organization, serves the needs of children in and around Chow Kit. It operates in partnership with Kementerian Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga dan Masyarakat and a network of strategic partners, including foundations, corporate entities, and NGOs. Alongside YCK, Living Waters Learning Centre and Jasmine Ash-Sham Alternative Education Centre played a vital role in providing an enriching educational experience for 60 refugee students aged 7 to 12.

TeachFest was the result of a collaborative effort involving nine module leaders and approximately 150 student teachers from various disciplines, including Science - Energy and Interactions by Dr. Lee Yee Ling, Statistics by Ms. Mindy Tay Pei Lin, Science - Systems and Cycles by Dr. Jasmine Jain, Language Use and Society by Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde, Early Science and Numeracy by Ms. Revati Ramakrishnan, Number & Algebra by Ms. Norhayati Maskat, New Pedagogies – Digital Tools and Resources by Dr. P. Thivilojana, Introduction to Applied Linguistics II by Dr. Mohamad Ateff Md Yusof, and Signature Pedagogies by Dr. Vinothini Vasodavan. The student teachers worked collaboratively to design and implement interactive, game-based activities tailored for children aged 5 to 12. By integrating educational content with engaging play mechanics, the initiative transformed learning into a fun and immersive experience, making knowledge acquisition more accessible and enjoyable.

TeachFest directly aligned with the mission of the Education for All Impact Lab, which seeks to provide quality education to marginalized and underprivileged communities. Through a hands-on, interactive approach, the initiative addressed the unique learning needs of refugee children, bridging educational gaps and fostering confidence. During the three-hour event, students rotated between stations, exploring topics in Science, Mathematics, and English through engaging, hands-on activities.

The event was officially inaugurated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Logendra Ponniah, Head of the School of Education at Taylor’s University, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to inclusive and innovative education. In recognition of their participation, Dr. Joseph Malaluan Velarde, Director of the Education for All Impact Lab, presented tokens of appreciation to all participating schools. With its emphasis on experiential and game-based learning, TeachFest 2025 stands as a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and breaking down barriers for underprivileged communities.